While this is going to be the dumbest question asked in the history of the forum, I still have to ask.

What is the difference between anti-sieze and loctite? I see some applications that say to use anti-sieze and others that say to use threadlocker (loctite?). I understand that loctite is actually a brand name, but since they sell anti-sieze it gets a bit confusing to my feeble and aged mind.

 

Think of thread locker as a sort of glue. It helps secure the screw or nut in place. "locks the threads". Anti seize will help removed a screw or bolt that is susceptible to having a hard time removing. 02 sensors are a good example of threads that can be hard to remove. They need the anti seize to help get them off at a later time

 

Anti-seize is a compound used to help prevent two objects such as a bolt and its threaded counter part from fusing together.

Loctite is used to prevent a bolt from losing the preset torque value. In other words, it locks it tight!

 

Excellent. So they are basically the opposites of each other. Thanks!

 

See that wasn't such a dumb question after all, now was it?

 

anti sieze keep things from just that, siezing, if you put it on exhaust bolts/nuts they will come off much easier, usually without damage, this ndoes not let them just loosen up by themselves though. its a dry,high temp lubricant, works great when sliding in bushings into something,
Loctite is a "cement" of sorts, it keeps things from loosening up that you don't want to get loose by themselves due to vibration or heat or whatever. it doesn't make things "one" with the universe though, unless you use the "green" loctite, you can go and loosen things up, it just takes some elbow juice to get them to move, on a harley, you might nwant to use blue or red on motor/chassis bolts, still torque things (just before they break, is my torque, but I'm a mechanic by trade andhave a "feel" for such things), best advise is use the procedures in the manual, when they say loctite it, jujst do it! good luck & God Bless

 

I learned a long time ago that it's better to be sorry for asking than to be sorry for not asking. The consequences are vastly different between the two.

 

Not dumb at all. While loctite is a sort of glue, think of anti-sieze as a sort of lubricant. One is designed to stop things coming apart, the other is intended to help them come apart! Anti-sieze works well where heat and/or corrosion are present, like O2 sensors and swingarm axles.

 

exhaust studs as well Don't ask how I know

 

Think KY and Superglue.

They both have their uses, just not in the same places.