Loctite and guns - do they mix? This subject keeps coming up - hence another thread for those who wonder.

[chief38]

Anyone who has been on the Forum any length of time and has read my posts on this subject knows I am not a fan of using Loctite on firearms. IMHO properly cut threads and threads that are in good condition and tightened properly simply do not need a thread locker. The modern firearms industry has gone to great lengths to find proper sized threads and proper cutting methods to insure screws do not just come out by themselves. I find that 9 out of 10 times the reason screws loosen up by themselves is because they are not properly tightened.

OK - there are certain exceptions to my statement above. One would be on an antique or vintage design. An example of that is the Colt Single Action Army Revolver. As the old saying goes.... "if you carry a Colt, carry a screwdriver" - lol. Many of the screws on those guns do loosen up and the major reason is the gun's design and thread pitch. I have 40+ years experience in shooting and competing with Colt SAA's - and yes, I always carry a screwdriver just in case. Another reason screws (even ones that have been properly tightened) will loosen up is because they are worn beyond serviceability. Those screws should probably be replaced if possible. There are also times replacing a screw will not solve the issue because the threads in the gun's frame are the worn out ones. While I'd still recommend trying a new screw with freshly cut, sharper threads, it might just not be enough if the gun's frame threads are too far gone.

OK, so let's say you have tried tightening, replacing the screw and you still are being annoyed by a screw constantly backing out. If you are forced to use a thread locker there are many company's to choose from and different strength products to use. The company I like is Loctite Corporation as I feel they have been around for a very long time, they are reliable as are their products. I stay far away from products made in China (if possible). Loctite makes two products that if push comes to shove could (IMO) be used. The Purple is their lower strength thread locker. If your screw is only seldom loosening, then try that one first. If that does not solve the issue, then the Blue which is their medium strength locker could be used. IMHO, there is no place on firearms that the Red, high strength locker should be used. Although there are methods requiring 500ºF heat to be used to break the bond, the Red is deemed "permanent" and as far as I am concerned should never be used on a product that in the future might require disassembly for maintenance or repair. Breaking the bond on Red Loctite is usually a real p.i.t.a. and could damage your firearm in the process. NOTE: When using any thread locker, properly clean the threads (both male & female) with alcohol or acetone to insure proper bond strength.

Again, before using any type of thread locker try and resolve the issue by properly tightening and or replacing the problematic screw. I am sure not everyone here will agree, but at 71 years of age I have pretty extensive experience (through both my professional career, hobbies and personal life) with screws and threads. BTW, my Colt's are guns that I would never use a thread locker on - period! They are genuine Colt's and collectible - I'd just rather tighten the screws before a range session and that usually suffices. The reason for this thread subject once again is because the subject is a very common one and always seems to come up here on the Forum. So please...... before replying and telling me I am "beating a dead horse", just notice how many thread locker posts there have been over the last year or so. New members are always joining us here and many are uniformed. I'd hate to see anyone use a product that could possibly get them in trouble if really not needed in the first place. So if you have been around the block and already know all of this stuff, please just bear with me for the Newbie's sake. New and first time gun owners are quite common these days!

Regards,
Chief38

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

There are times when a thread locker is a good thing. With the introduction of the new Python in 2020 Colt had an issue when buyers were having problems traced to the side plate screws backing out slightly. It never occurred during testing as the guns were regularly disassembled for inspection over thousands of rounds fired.

The problem as traced to the new, tougher steel Colt specified. In older Colts the side plates had some flex which tended to act like a split lock washer and kept screws tight. The new steel is so tough it had no spring action to it and screws could back out with the shock of recoil. Once that was identified Colt started using a thread locker on those screws and problem solved.

It showed that regardless of product and product testing...whether a gun...a car...or any other consumer product...in-house testing only accomplished so much. It takes once the products is in the hands of consumers who use, abuse and misuse the product that you find out issues that never came up otherwise.

 

[eb07]

Great post

 

[LittleCooner]

Agree that thread locker and guns do not mix. In 60+ years of dealing with firearms, I have never encountered a problem that I needed thread locker on any screws.

 

[ferider]

I do use blue loktite on my grip screws. That's about it for guns. But I use it quite a bit on knives, cars and bikes (for example, my 99 Fatboy's rear wheel pulley screws).

Two additional notes to the OP:

1) there are lots of fake loctites out there, be careful what you buy. Cheap doesn't mean good. Avoid sales when they show Chinese or Korean lettering on the bottles, for instance.
2) loctite needs to cure at least 24h, better 48.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I use Loctite Sleeve retainer on my semi-auto sights that are just a little loose in the dovetail.

In general proper torqued screws and most stay tight.

 

[Sevens]

A thread locker is a very important part of trigger adjustment screws, typically on semiautomatic target pistols.

In the case of many of these guns, if your staunch religion prohibits the use of a properly applied thread locker, you’ll experience failures.

 

[chief38]

A thread locker is a very important part of trigger adjustment screws, typically on semiautomatic target pistols.

OK - you might have me there. I can see that.

In the case of many of these guns, if your staunch religion prohibits the use of a properly applied thread locker, you’ll experience failures.

I have never personally experienced a trigger adjustment screw on a semi auto come loose in over 5 decades of shooting in competitions, matches and shooting recreationally but I suppose it is not out of the realm of possibilities. If the screw is turned and adjusted many times (essentially adding slop to the threads), then I can see that happening and I would agree with you. A few months ago I did have a trigger stop screw loosen up on my one of my M15's but tat's about it on modern designs.

Again, on my Colt SAA's it is common to find a few loose screws at the end of a 100 round shooting session but I could not bring myself to use Loctite on my cherishes old Colt's. I just carry a hollow ground screwdriver in my shooting bag. They are never that loose to cause an issue, just a quarter turn or so.

In general my post was about guys who substitute thread locker instead of learning the essential skill of properly tightening fasteners. They just grab the Loctite!

 

[45Smashemflat]

Pretty much the only place I use loctite blue is on red dot mounts.

 

[65Whelen]

It's not a perfect world and in general quality has improved but I think loctite can be useful when things aren't 100% or maybe just worn down some. It's just another tool in the tool box.

One thing I'll say about loctite when used, most people apply way to much. You only need a small amount to be affective.

 

[Sevens]

I’ve twice had adjustable triggers show me how and why they needed the thread lock.

First was on a Tanfoglio Elite Match, two way adjustable trigger. Adjustable for pretravel and for over travel. Now I have never found much need to mess with pretravel, but I absolutely love a properly set over travel stop.

So before the second time I took it out, I adjusted it perfectly to my liking and all was well until a good halfway through a box of ammo and then she quit shooting. Obviously, fairly violent natural function had the screw migrating to the point where it wouldn’t allow travel enough to trip the sear.

I didn’t panic, I figured it out quickly enough. I did not have an allen wrench with me on the trip however.

So I learned about thread locker -and- also learned to build a range kit of tools.

The second time I dealt with an adjustable trigger setting migrating on its own was the first trip out with my Ruger Mark II after installing a full Volquartsen kit, the whole works. And in this case, it started great and the pretravel screw migrated enough to where the sear could not reset.

Of course this time I had the allen wrench I needed.

So I used thread locker on both these pistols and that was closer to 15 years ago than 10, and both continue to run like a top.

(and both have exceptional triggers)

 

[stansdds]

Unfortunately, Loctite or similar thread locking materials do have a place in firearms. Vibratite works well for things like side plate screws while the "lower strength" thread lockers are good on sight bases and trigger stops. High strength/high heat (red) Loctite is probably best avoided with firearms.

 

[Mk VII]

I've used it to tighten up the arbor on m/l Colt repros with some success.

 

[ruger 22]

I spoke to the S&W repair center and they do recommend using Loctite Blue on their revolvers.

 

[Dave Haynes]

Loktite has a shelf life, if it is a few years old it doesn't work well or it may not work at all. using fresh product is absolutely essential. Especially with tiny screws and the issue of wanting to use the least amount necessary. I found out about this issue when my new Tec Sight kept loosening up on the 10/22. The Tec Sight owner finally explained about the shelf life problem. I went to a new tube of product and it's never loosened again.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Anyone who has been on the Forum any length of time and has read my posts on this subject knows I am not a fan of using Loctite on firearms. IMHO properly cut threads and threads that are in good condition and tightened properly simply do not need a thread locker. The modern firearms industry has gone to great lengths to find proper sized threads and proper cutting methods to insure screws do not just come out by themselves. I find that 9 out of 10 times the reason screws loosen up by themselves is because they are not properly tightened.

OK - there are certain exceptions to my statement above. One would be on an antique or vintage design. An example of that is the Colt Single Action Army Revolver. As the old saying goes.... "if you carry a Colt, carry a screwdriver" - lol. Many of the screws on those guns do loosen up and the major reason is the gun's design and thread pitch. I have 40+ years experience in shooting and competing with Colt SAA's - and yes, I always carry a screwdriver just in case. Another reason screws (even ones that have been properly tightened) will loosen up is because they are worn beyond serviceability. Those screws should probably be replaced if possible. There are also times replacing a screw will not solve the issue because the threads in the gun's frame are the worn out ones. While I'd still recommend trying a new screw with freshly cut, sharper threads, it might just not be enough if the gun's frame threads are too far gone.

OK, so let's say you have tried tightening, replacing the screw and you still are being annoyed by a screw constantly backing out. If you are forced to use a thread locker there are many company's to choose from and different strength products to use. The company I like is Loctite Corporation as I feel they have been around for a very long time, they are reliable as are their products. I stay far away from products made in China (if possible). Loctite makes two products that if push comes to shove could (IMO) be used. The Purple is their lower strength thread locker. If your screw is only seldom loosening, then try that one first. If that does not solve the issue, then the Blue which is their medium strength locker could be used. IMHO, there is no place on firearms that the Red, high strength locker should be used. Although there are methods requiring 500ºF heat to be used to break the bond, the Red is deemed "permanent" and as far as I am concerned should never be used on a product that in the future might require disassembly for maintenance or repair. Breaking the bond on Red Loctite is usually a real p.i.t.a. and could damage your firearm in the process. NOTE: When using any thread locker, properly clean the threads (both male & female) with alcohol or acetone to insure proper bond strength.

Again, before using any type of thread locker try and resolve the issue by properly tightening and or replacing the problematic screw. I am sure not everyone here will agree, but at 71 years of age I have pretty extensive experience (through both my professional career, hobbies and personal life) with screws and threads. BTW, my Colt's are guns that I would never use a thread locker on - period! They are genuine Colt's and collectible - I'd just rather tighten the screws before a range session and that usually suffices. The reason for this thread subject once again is because the subject is a very common one and always seems to come up here on the Forum. So please...... before replying and telling me I am "beating a dead horse", just notice how many thread locker posts there have been over the last year or so. New members are always joining us here and many are uniformed. I'd hate to see anyone use a product that could possibly get them in trouble if really not needed in the first place. So if you have been around the block and already know all of this stuff, please just bear with me for the Newbie's sake. New and first time gun owners are quite common these days!

Regards,
Chief38

``
Apparently you've never saw the rear sight on a S&W .22 compact...........NO ball detent........NO retainer at all............Just a small Allen screw in a windage hole.........Will walk out and fly away iffen ya don't secure it with something..........Iffen ya really tighten it down ya windage blade will be all the way to the right.Making it useless............So Ya shoe doesn't ALL feet.

 

[Bald1]

Loktite has a shelf life, if it is a few years old it doesn't work well or it may not work at all. using fresh product is absolutely essential. Especially with tiny screws and the issue of wanting to use the least amount necessary. I found out about this issue when my new Tec Sight kept loosening up on the 10/22. The Tec Sight owner finally explained about the shelf life problem. I went to a new tube of product and it's never loosened again.

I just put the TechSights on my 10/22 a few weeks ago. I love them. I was kind of surprised the directions called for thread locker.

 

[pharmer]

I had a Ruger KMK512 with a front sight that came loose every outing. Within 50 rds it was ready to fall off the gun. One drop of blue cured the problem, permanently as far as I'm concerned (my son has it now). Joe

 

[moparclan]

I had new Taylors Scofield that the trigger pin kept walking out. Probably could have bent it slightly and been fine, Taylors said to send it in. Figured they would do the same thing and mess up the fire blue. Carefully used green Loctite on both sides of the pin and solved the problem without damaging the chemical color case finish or the fire blue.

 

[Yendor357]

I’ve never heard about the side plate of the old Colt revolvers acting like a lock washer. That may or may not be true, I’m saying I’ve never heard that before.

I have heard my gunsmith say the steels that Colt is now using is so hard, and smooth that Loc Tite is necessary.

For the guys who have been into guns for 50 years and never had a screw come loose, I have just one question. How is that even possible?

Volquarrzen, Cajun and other companies I have bought parts from, specify Loc Tite.

Why wouldn’t you use Loc Tite?