On the other hand I think dissimilar metals tend to seize so no thread locker would be needed for steel screws in a titanium bracelet. Some would say anti seize lube should be used where steel screws are used with titanium bicycle frames. Anyway I don't think the risk of loosening is the same with titanium bracelets using steel screws as it is with stainless steel bracelets. $.02
I think the opposite about the point above. Using the correct strength threadlocker acts as a lubricant to prevent the parts from seizing and later causing problems. I have several titanium bracelets with screws in the links. I use the 222 to lubricate the threads to prevent any binding between the Ti and SS parts.
Why Stainless Steel?
Stainless Steel is especially susceptible to galling because of its “sticky” properties. It may not seem like it, but stainless steel is relatively soft compared to other common metals (such as zinc-plated steel).
Once the material starts to deform and interfere with the mating material, the snowball starts. More friction means more deformation, which leads to even more friction.
Most stainless steel hardware will have a protective coating, which will provide a buffer between the thread materials, but once the coating is rubbed off, the material is exposed and will start to gall.
Here are Some Easy Tips to Follow When Using Stainless Steel Fittings or Fasteners:
Lubrication (Anti-seize)
Lubrication is by far the most common method for damage prevention. It provides a layer of protection between the two materials, allowing for the materials to easily slide past each other without creating friction or heat. There are multiple types of anti-seize compounds, but is usually a grease containing copper, aluminum, or calcium oxide.
Sometimes the manufacturer will send the product with anti-seize already applied to the threads but is still a good habit to apply your own anti-seize before installation.
As an added bonus, this method will help prevent corrosion, making disassembly much easier.
Does titanium Gall with stainless steel?
Threaded inserts of hardened steel are often used in metals like aluminum or stainless steel that can gall easily. .. A material with high stacking-fault energy, such as aluminum or titanium, will be far more susceptible to galling than materials with low stacking-fault energy, like copper, bronze, or gold.
Thread Galling
What is Thread Galling?
Thread galling occurs during installation when pressure and friction cause bolt threads to seize to the threads of a nut or tapped hole. It is also known as "cold welding".
Once a fastener has seized up from galling it is typically impossible to remove without cutting the bolt or splitting the nut.
What Bolts Are Susceptible To Galling?
Galling is most often seen in stainless steel (especially when using lock nuts),
aluminum, and titanium. Fasteners with damaged threads and fine threads are particularly prone to galling. Hardened steel bolts, especially when zinc plated, rarely gall.
Why Fasteners Gall
Why Are Stainless Bolts Prone to Galling?
Stainless, aluminum, and titanium fasteners form thin protective oxide films on their exposed surfaces that prevent corrosion. In addition, this coating reduces friction and prevents direct metal to metal contact during fastening.
The protective oxide film can be rubbed or scraped off under the pressure and movement of the fastener being tightened. When this happens these relatively soft metals come into direct contact. Friction increases and the chance of galling increases significantly.
What Is Actually Happening?
Thread surfaces have microscopic high points that can rub together during fastening. In most cases this does not present a problem as the points slide over each other without damage.
Under certain conditions however, the surfaces will not slide past each other. The high points will then shear and lock together, greatly increasing friction and heat. As tightening continues the increased pressure results in more material being sheared off the threads. This cycle continues with even more shearing and locking until the threads are destroyed and the fastener will no longer turn in either direction.
Benefits of using LOCTITE® threadlockers include:
Sealing against fluids, contaminants and corrosion to improve lifespan. Providing lubricity to achieve controlled friction during assembly. Preventing galling and seizing for reliable disassembly. Reducing costly downtime by eliminating threaded assembly failure.