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

I may have missed it here, but is there a suggestion to what torque in inch pounds to use on revolvers?
 
Vibra tite VC 3
This is a gummy substance that prevents threads from vibrating out. Screws can easily be removed and adjusted. It is applied to male threads and allowed to "dry".
I have used it on stock bolts, sight mounting screws, and various assembly screws.
 
I’ve been a firearm owner since 1978. I’ve never used any Loctite or thread locker on any firearm. I understand why some type of thread locker may be required.

I do not compete or shoot for long durations. I do not trust the “torque specs” of any part of firearm or added accessories. There are way too many variables with the calibration of torque instruments, conditions of threads, and tolerances.

I prefer to under tighten and continuously carefully check the amount of torque until I’m satisfied with the level of tightness. Since I clean, inspect, and lubricate my firearms after every use, I do check and notice there are screws that tend to loosen. So far, I have not had any performance issues caused by a “loose screw”, however I see there are way too many people walking around with a screw loose!..... Loctite will most likely NOT help them. :rolleyes:

That’s just my worthless opinion. :)
 
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I had to use thread locker on that cylinder release cap/nut thing for my 686 "performance" center. And by performance I mean getting scome cross eyed people to cross thread every thread they can apparently.
 
Locktite is another tool in the tool box. Its has many applications to include firearms It will not work in all applications. So one does not need to use a hammer to remove a paper staple. Right tool right job.

Many people have never read the instruction for locktite and have found that the application on stainless does not adhere.
 
chief38 said:
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
Click to expand...
I have SPARINGLY used blue Loctite on guns and scope mounts at times with great results. It’s use is almost mandatory on high-powered spring piston air rifles.
I agree that red or hi-temp Loctite has no place on guns.
 
Red Loctite is the Debel.
It should only be used on an assembly that will never, and I mean NEVER need to be disassembled. i.e.: spacecraft, you're never going to get out there to fix it, it's long gone. Hello Voyager.
Had a Nova shotgun that the magazine tube was put on with red Loctite. (idiots). Tube had issues, needed to be replaced, tried to remove it, no go no matter what I tried, had to use a torch and heated the tube to red hot to get it off. PITA.
A Rep at Loctite said that I needed at least 350 to 400* to get it to budge, he was correct.
Never use Red Loctite on anything you might have to dissemble. You'll thank me latter.
 
The MMC swaging tool for 1911 front sights had instructions that specified the use of red LocTite when installing sights. You degreased the sight and slot for the sight/tenon, applied the product, then swaged the tenon and finished the tenon to the slide. The very few times I had to change a sight so installed, the stuff pretty much left easily, but did act as a filler while installed. Removing the tenon was a pain, I usually drilled it and then drove it out.

I use anti-seize on spark plugs, not thread locker.
 
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