Cdn Wireless Chassis Hardware Loctite Colours

[David Dunlop]

A current topic on vehicle bolts in another part of the forum caught my eye with a reference to red and blue loctite being found on some wireless components. Thought I would pass on some observations I have made over the years working on Canadian made wireless equipment.

Manufacturers used a lacquer coating on the ends of nut and bolt sets to prevent the hardware from vibrating loose. All the 19-Set equipment I have ever seen made by RCA Canada Ltd. showed a red coloured lacquer. Northern Electric manufactured items had blue coloured lacquer on the hardware. I have not seen enough items from other Cdn makers like Marconi to know if they were colour coded or simply went with clear lacquer.

I found this information came in handy when working with the Wireless Remote Control Units for the 19-Set. None of this equipment came with data plates. The manufacturer, Serial No. etc, were all stencilled onto the outside of the lid, and a great number of these sets were repainted post war. The three major makers were RCA, Northern Electric and Dominion Electric. If you check the colour of the lacquer on the chassis, you will know who made the set.

By the way, nail polish makes a great replacement for this lacquer if you have to make repairs to any of the chassis hardware.

David