When to use (or not use) anti-seize or Locktite

[Quickstep192]

I will soon put the seats back in the car and since I hope this will (hopefully) be the last time for a long time, it seems fitting to put something on the bolts to ensure they don’t seize.

When I removed the bolts, a few of them had rusted a little bit making removing them a little more exciting that I wanted. I thought it might be a good idea to save the next guy from the same fate.

The first thought that comes to mind is anti-seize, but it seems that might facilitate the bolts loosening unintentionally. The second thought is Locktite, it I’m not sure if that has anti-rust/anti seizing properties.

Any suggestions?

[Jeff Higgins]

"The next guy..." I had to chuckle - my two sons grew up hearing me say "do the next guy a favor because, guess what? That 'next guy' is probably going to be you". My admonition to them was "never a dry thread" - Loctite or anti-seize, but never dry. In this case, my choice would be anti-seize. If the mounting bolts are properly torqued, they won't loosen prematurely.

[NYNick]

Anti-seize, sure. I usually just put a dab of oil on stuff like this.

[porsche930dude]

I think i only used lock tite once or twice my whole life. To me its just something manufacturers use to cover their ass and make it hard for the next guy.

[Black_Hat]

lock tite can make it easy for the next guy :

The Difference Between Red, Blue, Green and Purple Threadlockers - Henkel Adhesive Technologies Blog

[Evans, Marv]

Assuming a lock washer under the bolt head, anti-seize should be fine.

[Cajundaddy]

Anti-seize or a dab of silicone lube. No dry threads.

[Trackrash]

I will use anti-seize on almost any thread except ones that must never come loose. For example head studs in the case, trans bearing retainer nuts, rod nuts, and flywheel bolts. Blue, in most cases, but sometimes red is needed.

The one exception that comes to mind is the rear wheel bearing nut where oil needs to be used on the threads because of the high torque required.