Main spring strain screw

[iyn]

I've been dry firing my new Sw-67. And after 300 or so trigger pulls the mainspring strain screw loosen up. I've never had this problem with my Sw-625. Is this normal for k frames?

 

[OKFC05]

No, torque it down.

 

[tomcatt51]

Very common despite what the "purists" here say. Get some 222 Loctite (best for the appliction) or the usual blue Loctite.

 

[chief38]

The use of Locktite should not be necessary if it is properly tightened. Other than the grip studs on a 1911, I never use Locktite on a firearm, especially something like a strain screw that is a commonly removed screw (at least for me when I disassemble the gun). I know the blue Locktite is "removable", but it just creates an unnecessary hinderence IMHO. Just my .02 cents..........

Chief38

 

[tomcatt51]

The use of Locktite should not be necessary if it is properly tightened. Other than the grip studs on a 1911, I never use Locktite on a firearm, especially something like a strain screw that is a commonly removed screw (at least for me when I disassemble the gun). I know the blue Locktite is "removable", but it just creates an unnecessary hinderence IMHO. Just my .02 cents..........

Chief38

222 Loctite (purple) is a less strong version of blue for parts that get disassembled or adjusted. I Loctite the strain screw, the yoke screw, and the ejector rod. My guns get shot a whole lot more than they get disassembled and critical parts coming loose during a match is not acceptable. Loctite can be mis-used and mis-applied and is, at best, very annoying when that's done.

 

[Cpo1944]

222 Loctite (purple) is a less strong version of blue for parts that get disassembled or adjusted. I Loctite the strain screw, the yoke screw, and the ejector rod. My guns get shot a whole lot more than they get disassembled and critical parts coming loose during a match is not acceptable. Loctite can be mis-used and mis-applied and is, at best, very annoying when that's done.

I use loctite every day . Mostly blue ,but sometimes red-depending on the application.
It is not really too difficult to remove a loctited screw if you heat it first.

 

[tomcatt51]

I use loctite every day . Mostly blue ,but sometimes red-depending on the application.
It is not really too difficult to remove a loctited screw if you heat it first.

Yes, but with the right product for the application there's no need for heat. It's nice to be able to dis-assemble without heat. Blue is actually for larger fasteners than we have on our revolvers. Overkill. The purple 222 makes things easier to disassemble while being "enough".

 

[iyn]

thanks guys. I did not know loctite had a purple. come to think of it, when I took the side plate off my yoke screw had it.

 

[tomcatt51]

thanks guys. I did not know loctite had a purple. come to think of it, when I took the side plate off my yoke screw had it.

The new style yoke screw (the one with the spring loaded plunger) comes with a thread locker applied. Red in color but not to be confused with red Loctite. The 222 purple Loctite keeps the stuff tight without disassembly problems. Use it sparingly, more is not better. I think both Midway and Brownells sells Loctite 222.

 

[chief38]

tomcatt51,
While I would not wager the farm on it, I know the red stuff the Factory puts on their yoke screws, and I do not believe it to be a Locktite product. I question weather or not it works like a Locktite product as well. I think it just fills the gap between the threads making for a tighter fit where as the Locktite acts more like an adhesive.

I am not saying it is a mortal sin to use a thread locking product, just saying that in my experience it is really not necessary. The only guns I own that constantly have screws coming loose are my Colt Single Action Army's, and as they say, if you carry a Colt SAA.......carry a screwdriver too! I have never had any issues with a Smith Revolver with properly tightened screws and ejector rods.

Regards,
Chief38

 

[tomcatt51]

tomcatt51,
I know the red stuff the Factory puts on their yoke screws, and I do not believe it to be a Locktite product. I question weather or not it works like a Locktite product as well. I think it just fills the gap between the threads making for a tighter fit where as the Locktite acts more like an adhesive.

I am not saying it is a mortal sin to use a thread locking product, just saying that in my experience it is really not necessary. Regards,
Chief38

I have no idea exactly what the stuff is on the newer yoke screws. I am fairly certain it's there to keep it from coming loose. There are compounds applied that way and OEM fasteners frequently come with dabs of locking compoud on them. Nyloks (nylon insert lock nuts) are not adhesive but are meant to stay tight.

I have guns where the ejector rod has never loosened. I have one that won't go 50 rds without it loosening. I don't have a clue what the difference between them is. I do know a dab of Loctite fixes it.

I shoot USPSA (and others) and when I go shoot I like to shoot and not be worrying what's coming loose on my gun or being the guy with the funny look on his face, gun in hand, yoke and cyl assy on the ground because the yoke screw loosened.

There are many different Loctite (and similar) products. Many times the wrong one is used (and there are many "wrong" ones to choose). Many times the right product is used incorrectly. It's kinda like blaming the wrench for overtightening and breaking the bolt.

Disagreement fosters discussion. Tom

 

[chief38]

tomcatt51,

I am not afraid to use Locktite, I use it ALL THE TIME on my Harley Ultra Classic Touring Bike, just not on the Smith's. You wouldn't believe how fast bolts and screws loosen up and actually fall out of a Motorcycle. Harley's are shipped with a thread locker (yellow in color) on all their bolts & screws and whenever they sell a bolt-on accessory it comes with the yellow stuff all ready on the threads (or they supply you with a small tube of the stuff).

Oh, and by the way I do agree with you that the red stuff on the yoke screws (newer guns) is there for retention purposes, although like I said previously, I have not had any personal experiences with screws loosening up on a Smith. Once an extractor rod backed out, so I took it apart, cleaned it, tightened it with cartridges in place (empty of course) and a piece of leather to protect it from the pliers jaws. Problem solved.

Regards,
Chief38

 

[one eye joe]

tomcatt51,
if you carry a Colt SAA.......carry a screwdriver too! I have never had any issues with a Smith Revolver with properly tightened screws and ejector rods.

Regards,
Chief38

Gotta agree w/ Chief38 regarding SZ7W's. Carry a screwdriver if you're totin' a Colt SAA, and a wrench if you're ridin' an old Harley......