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

[Freedom Fighter]

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

Excellent post. This should be a pinned post, especially for the new folks.

 

[Pat the Gunsmith]

I serviced literally thousands of Colt and S&W duty and off duty revolvers for NYPD
in the years I was a gunsmith in NYC. Colt side plate screws were by far more prone to
loosening than S&W for one VERY simple reason, the side plate screws were on the LEFT side of the frame. Recoil rotated the muzzle up and, relative to the screw head, rotated the frame clockwise. Detective Specials were notorious for going out of time due to a loose side plate.

 

[Kp321]

if Loc Tite is used, regardless of the color, it is not effective unless the screw and hole are de-greased. Loc Tite sells a special cleaner but brake cleaner does fine.

 

[SASFixer]

The only place I use Loctite is on the grip bushings of aluminum framed 1911 Government Models. Most folks overtighten the grip screws to the point the screws back out the "staked" bushings. Red is in order here.

 

[SASFixer]

If screws are loosening one wrap of ultra thin monofilament fishing line under the head is a good solution.

 

[4011]

30 years of carrying a 686 the only loose screw was me!

 

[Lt.Donn]

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

"Blue" is my go-to ...for years...no issues

 

[pllevine01]

Instead of Loctite, take a look at a product called Vibratite

 

[DixieRanger]

Never thought about loctite having a shelf life. Perusing Google about the subject found that indeed loctite has a shelf life. Good to know as i've been sparingly using from the same small blue tube for bout 20 years! What do i know...thanks for the enlightenment

 

[pawngal]

When the ejector rod assembly flew off of my newer Blackhawk, Ruger said to use blue Loctite. Flew off again last week, wash, rinse and repeat.

 

[Grayfox]

The correct loctite for guns is 222 Purple. Its designed specifically for small screws. Holds firm, yet comes apart easily with ordinary tools.

 

[Dave Haynes]

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.

I was reluctant at first because that front sight is ugly, but when a person is used to military peep sights, they are the cat's meow. Look through a set of 98K sights and what you see is a beautiful piece of German machining and design, fabulous! And half of whatever you are trying to hit. I hate scopes...the peep sight lets you see the whole picture. Those familiar with the M16 will understand what is going on. Besides, Tech sights look fragile, they are not..the cheaper type are the best for me, I've had both..

 

[Dave Haynes]

When the ejector rod assembly flew off of my newer Blackhawk, Ruger said to use blue Loctite. Flew off again last week, wash, rinse and repeat.

Buy a fresh tube?

 

[chief38]

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. View attachment 763773

Glad you used Green! You might need to disassemble it one day.

 

[ggibson511960]

I'm a mechanical engineer and tireless tinkerer on all things threaded. Thread locking adhesive is a critical component of many threaded fastener designs. Firearms threaded closures generally do not need them but many do. I diddle with guns, boats, jet skis, modern and vintage motorcycles and am pleased to find new configurations all the time that benefit from some manner of securing, including safety wire, locking washers, locking screws, cotter keys, etc. I keep a selection of Loctite products, including their handy sleeve locker, thread gages, taps, dies, and thread files for the diverse world of SAE, metric, Whitworth and CEI threads I encounter. Gearheads like me keep a copy of Machinery's Handbook for its invaluable reference and design info. There are no absolutes, only unique solutions.

 

[Dave Haynes]

We raced a turbo shovel at Bonneville for 10 years. Robert would try to safety wire and make it presentable but was always sad with the results. Until my Late buddy Mike mentioned "I can safety wire". He sat down alongside the bike with a cold Bud and a smoke and with one continuous wire per side wired that thing. It was so pretty you wanted to cry. It was a work of art. Turns out he worked on F4s for four years in the USMC fixing J79s including a tour in VN. He was immediately a member of the crew for the next 8 years.

 

[shil]

One must be careful. I used red Loctite (I didn't have any blue on hand) for an issue, later ran into a situation in which I had to loosen the screws, had to carefully use a propane torch to counteract the Loctite. Lesson learned.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

This was fifty years ago when in the auto repair business...the older mechanics taught me to use high temp thread locker on spark plugs. They'd dealt with so many rusted in spark plugs using the thread locker would save the next guy much grief when replacing them.