the grease is so the rust doesnt start in the threads from moisture from rain puddles or washing, i didnt loctite mine, every once ina while i walk by and grabem both and twist at the same time, theyre always tite.. also i have the 1/16th" felt washers to protect the finish. ill look at the rizoma catalog tonight n let you know if there is anything different, i have the same style as 50 makes, just from another person