Helps Keep Equipment Up and Running
We designed 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ High Strength Retaining Compound RT38 to augment the strength of slip fit assemblies and for use on loose-fitting or worn parts. The high strength formula requires no mixing or additives and takes the guesswork out of use. It is designed for service temperature applications up to 300?F (149?C) and helps prevent corrosion of assembled parts. 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ High Strength Retaining Compound RT38 is suitable for higher strength retaining applications and is not recommended on most plastics as stress cracking may result.
Recommended Applications
- Augment the strength of slip fit assemblies
- To prevent loosening, corrosion and leakage of assembled parts caused by shock and vibration
3M Scotch-Weld Retaining Compounds
Our family of 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Retaining Compounds are special adhesives designed to effectively secure brushings, bearings, cylindrical parts and gears onto housings or shafts. Our retaining compounds also help increase the reliability of the joint. These anaerobic adhesives cure within 24 hours to help make a strong, lasting, precision assembly. They help create uniform stress distribution and maximum load transmission capability.
Understanding Anaerobic Adhesives
Anaerobic adhesives are uniquely formulated to cure in the absence of oxygen. The term “anaerobic” means “living without air” and when the oxygen is excluded, a chemical chain reaction begins that causes the adhesive to polymerize. Contact with metal speeds the polymerization process and rapidly accelerates the curing process, forming tough cross-linked plastic that provides aggressive adhesion with effective shear strength.
More commonly referred to as threadlockers, pipe sealants, retaining compounds, and gasket makers, these adhesives are often used to enhance the seal, or holding force, in the threads of joined fastener systems such as nut-and-bolt assemblies. A nut-and-bolt assembly may have as little as 15% metal-to-metal contact and even a small amount of anaerobic adhesive readily fills any air voids between the threads and then hardens to a thermoset plastic. These unique adhesives are easy-to-dispense, cure rapidly, and provide effective torque strength while resisting temperature and vibration and sealing out moisture and gasses to protect against corrosion. Anaerobic adhesives can decrease manufacturing costs, enhance equipment reliability, minimize aftermarket breakdown, and reduce warranty claims.

Dynabrade 60051 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Standard Abrasives 727395, Buff and Blend Cross Buff HS, A/O Coarse, 2 in x 1/2 in x 2 Ply x 8-32, 7010299537
3M 77231, Scotch-Brite Roloc Deburr and Finish PRO Unitized Wheel, DP-UR, 2S Fine, TR, 2 in x 1/4 in x NH, 7010365721
Dynabrade 52672 1 hp Straight-Line 6" (152 mm) Extension Die Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 3,400 RPM, 1/4" Collet
3M 82618, Rubber and Vinyl Spray Adhesive 80, Yellow, 24 fl oz Can (Net Wt 19 oz), 7000028604, 6/Case
Insize 7261-300, INSIDE SPRING CALIPER, 12", 6928640319655
Dynabrade 51301 .5 hp Straight-Line Die Grinder
3M 10841 Trizact Film Belt 272LA, A35, Green, 11/16 in x 64 in, 7010508923 
