Thread-locker for Stainless Fasteners in Fiberglass?

I'm tapping 1/4-20 threads into some solid glass laminate that I made with epoxy resin and layers of 1708 biax. This laminate is 1/2" thick. This is for an 8' VHF antenna mount. Can I just use some 5200 (a SMALL amount) on the threads of the stainless fasteners to hold them in place and to prevent backing out? Could I just use some silicone caulk instead?

Thanks

 

Neither 3M5200 or silicone caulk is a very good idea. A dot of superglue on the threads, as it's being driven home will lock them in place, as will epoxy, which is the easier to remove choice, when this time comes again.

 

Good idea, I'll use a little epoxy.

Thanks.

 

You can use epoxy, cyano acrylate (super glue), or Locktite which is another anerobic adhesive commonly used by engine builders and other metal craftsmen.

When you want to remove the fastener the fun begins. Here is a method that can save some grief. Use a soldering iron to heat the fastener. Heat it until the adhesive becomes somewhat resilient. Now you can unscrew it if you do it quickly before the adhesive resets. That takes a little patience but it is worth the trouble.

There will be some adhesive residue on the fastener and also in the tapped hole. Use a tap to clean up the internal threads and a die or other cleaner upper for the fastener.

 

I used locktite. It even works on setting small cutlass bearings without the setscrew(s).

 

Thanks. I have plenty of Loctite. That was my first thought but wasn't sure it would work on glass but it's non-porous so should be fine.