revolver screws loosening

[ruger 22]

I have a fairly new Model 986 and notice the side screws loosen every so often. This is the only revolver with this issue I have. Anyone else experience this and if so what are the solutions? Just wondering if this is why S&W gives you a nice little screwdriver with their guns?

 

[Rpg]

The screwdriver is actually a "sight adjustment tool ",

You have to keep an eye on the screws and tighten them up when they need it. Shooing heavier loads will loosen things up much more than less energetic loads. Some folks use Locktight to hold the screws.

 

[Protocall_Design]

When you have screws that were properly tightened, then loosen during use, usually there is too much clearance between the male & female threads. Closely fitted ones don't normally have that problem. When you're making thousands or millions of something, the tolerances are likely to vary up & down a little more than what is optimal.

The best fix here is to use purple or blue Loctite on the screws to keep them in place. Some common uses are sideplate screws, strain screw, thumblatch nut, and rear sight tang screw.

 

[Old cop]

I've found the sideplate screws loosen about a quarter turn when I shoot lightweight J Frame revolvers, especially on the cylinder release & yoke. A touch of blue lock tight solved this but I still check as part of my cleaning routine after a range visit.

 

[329]

Yes you do have to watch them. Be careful not to over torque. The newer mim screws don't hold up well to a lot of torquing. They can snap, then you be looking for a very small easy out...yes I know from experience. A dab of blue lock tite is better than cranking them down.

 

[ruger 22]

I wound up calling S&W customer Service, (800-331-0852), and they said I could use blue loctite and do a periodic check for tightness. Thanks for all the replies!

 

[chief38]

Several things could cause this:

1) The screws could be undersized
2) The threads could be oversized
3) Although tightened, are the screws tightened properly? I am not trying to criticize here, but there truly is an "art" to properly tighten screws and nuts.

If you have properly tightened them and they still loosen up, I'd request new ones from S&W and try them. Although Blue Locktite might work well, I don't like using any Locktite on gun screws, but that's just me. IMHO if the use of Locktite is needed, something is wrong with one part of the threads. I'd leave the Locktite to the last resort.

 

[H Richard]

Check the offending screw for lubricant. If the screw or the screw hole threads has oil, lubricant, you can tighten up all you want but it will shoot loose. Use a cleaner, brake and parts cleaner or similar that will completely flush out an left over lubricant from the hole threads and the screw, then tighten to the correct torque. That should stay tight.

 

[leadhead2]

I've found the sideplate screws loosen about a quarter turn when I shoot lightweight J Frame revolvers, especially on the cylinder release & yoke. A touch of blue lock tight solved this but I still check as part of my cleaning routine after a range visit.

They have a new lock tight out made by Permatex called Orange
lock tight. It's supposed to hold better than blue, but still easy
to remove screws. I've used it on a few things and it seems to
work well.

 

[notsofast]

Clean the hole threads and screw threads and try a light dab of purple locktite on the screw threads. Purple holds well but disassembles easier than blue or orange.

 

[Racer X]

They have a new lock tight out made by Permatex called Orange
lock tight. It's supposed to hold better than blue, but still easy
to remove screws. I've used it on a few things and it seems to
work well.

Permatex(R) High Strength Removable Threadlocker Orange Gel, 5 G – Permatex most firearm screws are way smaller than 1/4"

"High strength threadlocker for heavy-duty applications 1/4" to 1" (6 to 20 mm)"