Clear fingernail polish asw a substitute for locktite.

[Oscar Zulu]

I have a Beretta 694 (actually two, one my stepson shoots occasionally). on mine, the trigger length of pull set screw backed out enough to cause both a hang fire and an early fire situation to occur. It was easy enough to tighten it every few rounds with a fingernail till I could get to a screwdriver. At home I removed it and applied clear fingernail polish and I am satisfied with the results. I have used fingernail polish on other issues, grip screws on 1911's and similar, and if I am remembering correctly the yoke screw on a S&W revolver. Seems to add just enough tension to keep things from vibrating loose.

A fellow shooters son with a 694 lost his adjustment screw at the state championship sporting clays shoot and had to finish with a borrowed gun. I loaned him my Stepsons screw till I could get a replacement from Beretta.
My question is that when I reinstall the screw with fingernail polish on it, should I apply the polish and let it cure before I install the screw, or try and put the screw in wet and let it cure? The former seems like a cleaner option. I had never thought of doing it that way until I read about it, I believe in a thread here.

Thanks,
Oscar Zulu

 

[Leatherman-Cowboy]

You only have to apply the polish, and then screw in to place. The polish will dry and create a seal. I use that for the Chicago screws used for the belt's I make.

Thank you,

Henry

 

[2wheels]

With any liquid thread locker, you need to clean the all the threads; then apply and fasten while wet. But why not just use Loctite?

 

[rct269]

I guess I'm wondering why it's necessary to find a substitute for Loctite------especially since there are several different formulations of the product tailored for myriad needs-------and each comes with clear instructions for its use, so there's no need to fret about the best way to apply it.

I realize this is a non-response response, but then again I'm wondering how many of us are likely to have a great deal of experience with fingernail polish--------other than for use on our fingernails, of course.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[robvious]

locktite is probably the best solution, but clear nail polish has kept the front sight on my Nylon 66 since about 1989... for me it was a matter of what my sister had as opposed to what I had to research and then go buy

 

[Protocall_Design]

For light duty, small screws, use LocTite #222 low strength purple. For more holding power, use #242 medium strength blue. Both of these can be adjusted or removed at any time without any heat.

All the red and green versions are more permanent and need over 350 degrees heat to disable them.

 

[s&wchad]

... But why not just use Loctite?

I do have red and blue Loctite now, but I've used clear nail polish in the past.

If you're married and don't have the proper Loctite on hand, borrowing a little nail polish from the Mrs. is faster and cheaper than a trip to the hardware store.

Just don't get caught!

 

[NYlakesider]

Back in the late 50s &60s I was using finger nail polish as a holding product.. I found the cheaper the stuff was the better it worked. Stuff that was appropriate for a child that wanted to play dress-up was perfect.

That was then I would imagine they they might have changed the formula of those things a few times by now!

 

[dwh]

I agree that purple or blue Loctite is the best solution. But in a pinch whiteout with work and it cleans up easily. It's latex base so there's no danger to the finish.

 

[luvsmiths]

locktite is probably the best solution, but clear nail polish has kept the front sight on my Nylon 66 since about 1989... for me it was a matter of what my sister had as opposed to what I had to research and then go buy

Didn't she have bright red polish?

That really holds much better than clear polish.


Or locktite.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I've used finger nail polish for 30 years on centerfire rifle scope bases, 1911 grip frame bushings and other gun. screws. It has and still does work very well....Why buy loctite when wife has 20 or so assorted bottles on hand.

Another screw holding trick is to cut a short length of monofilament fishing line and lay it vertical in the hole as you screw the screw in.