Loctite

[RatDrall]

I've taken the sideplates off of a few K-frames, and every time I end up roughing up the 3 screws that need to come off.

Would it be a bad idea to use the blue Loctite on the sideplate screws so that I don't have to tighten the them as much?

 

[VM]

I've taken the sideplates off of a few K-frames, and every time I end up roughing up the 3 screws that need to come off.

Would it be a bad idea to use the blue Loctite on the sideplate screws so that I don't have to tighten the them as much?

The trick to sideplate screws is a large screwdriver with the proper hollow ground tip.
I would not use loctite on these screws

 

[505Gibbs]

The trick to sideplate screws is a large screwdriver with the proper hollow ground tip.
I would not use loctite on these screws

I second VM's comments! If you're going to play with the sideplate screws; then definitely invest in the proper fitting screw drivers.

 

[RatDrall]

I second VM's comments! If you're going to play with the sideplate screws; then definitely invest in the proper fitting screw drivers.

Where could I get the right screwdriver, or a set? I'm not even sure what to start looking for...

 

[arizonaguide]

The key is the hollow grind. It thickens back out at the very tip.
(kinda more "square" than the regular tip common screwdriver).

Not sure of the quality...but:
http://www.exploreproducts.com/wheeler-72-piece-professional-gunsmithing-screwdriver-set.htm

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

If you live neara Cabella's or any good gun store-you should be able to buy a set of hollow ground screwdrivers for around $30. One additional thing, do NOT use the little screw driver that comes with the gun-it is meant ONLY for sight adjustment. Don't ask me how I know this

 

[neiljrosen]

Don't over tighten them.
If they become loose you can always snug them up. If you strip or break them off you will have a real problem.
Using the right screwdriver as the others said is good advise.

 

[Babalooie]

Try MidwayUSA.com or Brownells.com

 

[WOB]

BROWNELLS : S&W SCREWDRIVER - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools

 

[505Gibbs]

BROWNELLS : S&W SCREWDRIVER - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools

This is the right place to look!
Never inexpensive but its a gun nuts candy store for parts and accessories.
Whatever you do - don't buy cheap; you'll ultimately regret it on tools - IMO.

 

[bobelk99]

Call Brownells and talk to rep telling him/her what your issue is. They are one of the few firms that still takes time to talk about a small issue.

I have done business with them for 50 years, and can vouch for their integrity.

 

[jepp2]

Screwdriver sets

A decent set, that you can buy replacement tips if you damage them:

Chapman Model 8900 27-Piece Deluxe Screwdriver Set - MidwayUSA

A first class set they had on sale for half off a few weeks ago:

Wheeler Engineering 89-Piece Professional-Plus Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set - MidwayUSA

This set includes the specialty tips that really add flexibility (rebound slide tool for example)

 

[HAM]

I recently received some Magna-Tip screwdriver bits with handle from Brownelle's. They were ordered for the exact purpose for which you want to use them. As well as breaking loose frozen rear sight screws. They have a S&W set with 4 tips which can be stored in the handle which I ordered along with 3 or 4 other tip sizes. They really work. You will not be sorry. 505Gibbs is right--"don't buy cheap"

HAM

 

[tomcatt51]

A Forster #2 & #16 screwdriver pretty well covers you.
Forster #2 Hollow Ground Screwdriver 3/16" Blade Width, .032" Blade Thickness - MidwayUSA
Forster #16 Hollow Ground Screwdriver 11/64" Blade Width, .031" Blade Thickness - MidwayUSA

 

[David Sinko]

Getting back to the subject of Loc-Tite, I DO put some on the sideplate screws. With the exception of my 940, the yoke screws of my dozen other S&W revolvers do shoot loose. When the yoke screw gets too looose, the cylinder can fall out the front of the revolver, or will literally fly out the front if you attempt a weak hand reload. A little bit of Loc-Tite is quite satisfactory. Of course the strain screw should be sucked in tight and Loc-Tite applied there too, especially if it's a carry gun. And I have a Model 66 that needed some on the ejector rod too, since it would unscrew every time the trigger was pulled.

Dave Sinko