Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I just use a wrench and pliers and they stay put for a year or two or longer usually.

I was a bit surprised the first time mine came apart - considering that increased security is their main selling point. I put a drop of epoxy on the threads, since I usually have some sitting around. Most of these resin-type glues (including epoxy and most likely Locktite) start to soften at fairly low temperatures (epoxy is usually about 140 degrees F) and you can fairly easily break its grip for removal by touching the fitting for a few seconds with a soldering iron - not enough to damage the surrounding stuff, just enough to warm up the fitting. It's pretty standard procedure for boat building.

jdogric12 wrote:I just use a wrench and pliers and they stay put for a year or two or longer usually.

Tried that and it just digs into the strap and separates the slot it goes through until you can pull it through the other side with not too much force! The problem is all the components are chromed or nickel plated, it needs both surfaces to be a bit coarse or have a serrated or sprung washer in order to give it more grip.

Am going to try some Loctite on it when I can get some.

I got some Loctite today so hopefully all is now resolved!

As Todd says, considering these are security devices you don't really expect these things to come apart. Shouldn't really be necessary to have to 'glue' them to ensure they remain fastened, but there you go.

Well, Loctite was invented because things that are supposed to stay together, nuts, bolts, etc., even with lock washers, often don't...

I hope it's done the trick but don't want to mess with the nuts to check in case I disturb them.

It's really good how you guys rally round so quickly and give good advice!

We're full of it
....advice that is....

teb wrote:We're full of it
....advice that is....

Well, the first half of that kinda describes us too.

Well, it's 9 months on now and the Loctite is still holding well, no movement at all on the strap lock nuts! Expensive stuff but was well worth it.

Baker69 wrote:Well, it's 9 months on now and the Loctite is still holding well, no movement at all on the strap lock nuts! Expensive stuff but was well worth it.

Glad to hear that the advice given worked out for you!

Yes, a simple solution but a good one nonetheless.