642 Ejector Rod-How Tight?

[ContinentalOp]

I shot my 642 this morning. While cleaning it a little while ago I found I couldn't get the cylinder open. I remembered the tips I've read here (thanks, btw) and found that the ejector rod was loose. I was able to back it in enough to open the cylinder. Once I had it out I was able to tighten the ejector rod (with empty cases in the chambers) and had the cylinder working smoothly again.

Here's my question: How tight should the ejector rod be? I only got it hand-tight. I don't have any kind of vise and I didn't want to try pliers (protecting the knurling, of course). I didn't use Loctite since I read it wasn't recommended. Am I good to go here? Or should I tighten it more with tools? If so, what tool(s) should I use?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dfariswheel]

There's no standard or spec for how tight.
Tight enough that it won't vibrate loose again.

One method is to pad a vise or pliers with copper or brass sheet and use that
to grip the rod so it can be snugged tighter than you can with just your fingers.
You want to tighten it, but not to the point where the fine threads could be stripped.

Loctite is also usable.
You want to use Loctite Blue, which is the type used for screws that need to be removed without heavy tooling.
Use only a small drop on the rod threads. Too much can spread into areas you don't want it to be.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Thanks for the tips.

 

[chief38]

I NEVER use Locktite on a gun, and quite honestly, there is really no reason to. I use a piece of old leather under a good pair of pliers to tighten the ejector rod. Put the pliers close to the cylinder face so you do not bend the rod. JUST MAKE SURE you put in EMPTY CARTRIDGE CASES so you do not twist the workings of the ejector and star wheel. It should be snug enough for it to not loosen on a regular basis, but DO NOT "GORILLA IT either! You will find out just how tight you need to go by experimentation. If it loosens because you have not tightened it enough, it is no big deal to try again - takes less than a minute!

Regards,
Chief38

 

[ContinentalOp]

Thank you.

 

[akviper]

What Chief38 said. Loktite should never be used anywhere in the S&W revolver.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Thanks for all the tips.

Update: The ejector rod loosened again, without any rounds being fired since my first post. I tried tightening the rod again to open the cylinder, but it just wouldn't get tight. Since the gun is still under warranty I contacted S&W; they're sending me a shipping label.