27-3 Ejector Rod Unscrewed Again...

[Pastprime]

I bought this gun a few days ago and the ejector rod was slightly unscrewed. I tightened it and shot 60 rounds through it today. Mostly .38 Spcl loads and a couple cylinder of full .357. When I finished shooting, I checked the ejector rod and it had unscrewed almost one full turn.

My tightening method is to put the rod tip in a padded vise and turn the cylinder. The first time, I did turned it until it stopped and then turned the cylinder about 1/16" more. Today, I turned the cylinder until it stopped then turned it about 1/2" more.

If the rod comes loose the next time I shoot, what is the next step to keep it from unscrewing...?? I have some thread locking stuff but it just doesn't seem right to use it on a fine revolver like this.

Any fixes appreciated....

 

[ronnie gore]

rod

when you screw in the rod in the padded vice use some fired shells in the chambers for support. i use a tool from brownell's for tightening mine or for taking the cylinder apart, i have never had one come loose after tightening. DOT NOT PUT LOCKTITE ON THE ROD, YOU MAY NEVER GET IT OFF IF NEEDED

 

[Pastprime]

Everything I'm doing so far except for the vise is by hand. I know it's difficult to describe but do you really crank down hard to get the rod to stay tight?? I know they are fine threads but I sure don't want to strip anything...

 

[chief38]

ronnie gore gave you the same advise I would have. If it comes loose again, take it apart, clean it, re-assemble in a padded vise with empties in the chambers, and NO Locktite, - just go a bit tighter. That should do it. This is a very common thing with S&W's and I have done this many times. Once tightened properly it should stay put. Better to go just a bit tighter progressively than to either "Gorilla tighten it" or use Locktite which I NEVER use on guns (with the exception of on the grip studs on a 1911).

I know there are fellas on the Forum who condone using Locktite, but my feeling is that I save it for use on my Motorcycle, not on my guns. Just my opinion of course.......

Chief38

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

ADVICE

Above is perfect advice and correct to be sure, however, I have used a drop or so of clear fingernail polish that seemed to work. Above all else, try the 'CORRECT' method first.

 

[Pastprime]

Thanks for the comments, folks. The thread lock was a last resort for certain. I've got it tighter than the first time and will shoot some next week. Hopefully, all will be well.