Best method to keep ejector rod tight ?

[MajorD]

Have a pre model 15 that is one of my favorites (obviously still has the old right hand threaded ejector rod) and it has loosened up a few times. I tighten it as best I can ( padded vice leather padding around rod to avoid marring etc)
I suspect over time oil gets in and loosens it up again.
Any advice on a permanent fix would be appreciated

[tomcatt51]

Sounds like you're doing it right. I clamp the rod in a drill chuck and make sure there are empties in the chambers.

Most of mine stay tight. A couple just won't. They get a drop of purple Loctite 222.

[Protocall_Design]

Something to be aware of...Most times when the ejector rod wobbles as you spin the cylinder, it is because of the threaded joint, not because the rod is bent. Any time the rod gets loose or is removed and put back on, it will need to be straightened. Sometimes they will be pretty straight just by luck.

[dfariswheel]

As above, put three empty cases in the chamber and grip the rod to tighten.
To grip the rod you can use a professional ejector rod clamp tool, a home made tool, well padded pliers, or a padded vise.
For padding I used sheet copper. It grips better then leather.

The trick is to tighten the rod tight enough that it stays put, which is what the S&W factory does.
The "trick" part is getting it tight enough but not so tight you risk stripping the fine threads on the rod or ejector shaft.
That's strictly a judgment call.

The other method is some form of a thread locker.
This is risky because thread lockers have a bad habit of creeping into areas where you don't want it and locking something else up.
There's one type of thread locker that doesn't harden up, but stays in a gummy state that prevents the rod from unscrewing but doesn't creep or interfere with future disassembly.

One safer method is to apply a dab of fingernail polish to the rod threads and very quickly tighten it in place before the polish hardens up.

[chief38]

I just make SURE it is tightened PROPERLY - NO Locktite needed.

[Carrier]

Not trying to be a salesman for it and if what works for you thats great. I've tried several methods and other tools but since using this one I have had no more loose rods, marred or scratched. It's one of those why didn't I think of it.

ViseSmith™ - a unique extractor rod tool for - S&W(R), Taurus(R), and Ruger(R) Speed Six Revolvers | Welcome to Gunsmither™ Tools | Myself

[m1gunner]

I always use a new, degreased, drill chuck. I tighten then torque it once the threads tighten.

It is hard to describe how much "torque". But it is about what I torque a #10 machine screw to on an aircraft panel. I know there is a published figure for this, but after doing thousands of them, it isn't really necessary to use a torque wrench.