Screws Loosening during shooting-Use Loctite?

[zogger]

I just got a new 325 Thunder Ranch. After shooting about 200 rns I noticed 3 screws were becoming loose. These were:
-Cylinder release screw
-Forward Screw on the rear sight (holds rear sight onto the frame)
-Strain Screw

In fact the strain screw loosened up so much that I got light primer strikes. After I tightened the screw the gun shot fine.

Should I put "blue" loctite on the threads of each of these screws? If not, which ones should I?

Thanks!

 

[Muss Muggins]

Good hollow ground screwdriver set, tighten 'em down tight. No Loctite. Ever . . .

 

[bigwheelzip]

All my new S&W revolvers come from the factory with this red thread locker on the screws.

 

[DWalt]

Purple Loctite provides a light locking effect which can be easily overcome with a screwdriver. If you use any Loctite, it should be purple. Red Loctite has the highest strength.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Purple Loctite provides a light locking effect which can be easily overcome with a screwdriver. If you use any Loctite, it should be purple. Red Loctite has the highest strength.

Must be a different brand than Loctite that they use at the factory. Their red thread locker is not even noticeable as you turn the screw. Looking at the Loctite brand description page, the purple does match what the factory red does.

Purple Threadlocker | LOCTITE - Henkel Adhesives North America

I notice Wiki shows a second red locker that's for high temperatures but medium strength. Even medium seems too much though. Maybe it's a custom blend.

Thread-locking fluid - Wikipedia

 

[ContinentalOp]

For the screws you mentioned I think blue Loctite is fine, but purple would be better.

The key is that a little goes a long way. I put one drop on a piece of paper, paper towel, index card, whatever you have like that and don't mind throwing away. Then I dip the end of a toothpick into the drop and apply that to the threads. I've used this method with a couple of screws that tend to loosen on my 642 (cylinder release latch nut and a sideplate screw). For extra precaution, when applying Loctite to the cylinder release latch nut I lay the gun on its side, latch down, to keep any Loctite from potentially making its way into the action, as unlikely as that would be.

I've never had any problems with this method using blue Loctite. YMMV.

 

[Alk8944]

Putting Loc-Tite on gun screws is for people who are afraid to tighten the screws properly! It is never necessary, or the preferred method of retaining screws.

First, revolver screws will always loosen when firing the gun for an extended period without checking the screws for tightness, it is a function of vibration. Loose screws will loosen faster than tight screws. Sometimes it doesn't matter, ask anyone who shoots single action revolvers, especially the Colt Single Action Army.

If your screws loosen after firing just a relatively few rounds then next time tighten them just a bit tighter than last time. If it takes hundreds of rounds then this is normal. Tighten the screws and proceed!

DON'T be afraid to tighten screws. Loose screws generally will break from the stress of shooting faster than properly tightened screws. If you are going shooting you should always have a proper screwdriver for each different gun you take out that day. This is the reason (besides advertising) that S&W, Colt and other makers have distributed key-chain screwdrivers to fit the screws on their guns!

 

[Ray1970]

I can shoot thousands and thousands of rounds through my semi auto handguns and never have to tighten any screws. So much for the theory about revolvers being more reliable I guess.

 

[Tom S.]

Must be a different brand than Loctite that they use at the factory. Their red thread locker is not even noticeable as you turn the screw. Looking at the Loctite brand description page, the purple does match what the factory red does.

The red substance on the S&W screw is not red LocTite. It's something else that S&W developed. If it was LocTite, that screw would require a fairly high level of heat to break the screw loose.

 

[Muss Muggins]

All my new S&W revolvers come from the factory with this red thread locker on the screws

My understanding is that is RTV, a silicone gasket type material which expands a little and helps hold screws tight in holes. Nowhere near Loctite . . .

 

[zogger]

Alot of good advice. Thanks!

I tightened the screws as tight as I could. I'll see what happens during the next range trip.

 

[OLDSTER]

For the screws you mentioned I think blue Loctite is fine, but purple would be better.

The key is that a little goes a long way. I put one drop on a piece of paper, paper towel, index card, whatever you have like that and don't mind throwing away. Then I dip the end of a toothpick into the drop and apply that to the threads. I've used this method with a couple of screws that tend to loosen on my 642 (cylinder release latch nut and a sideplate screw). For extra precaution, when applying Loctite to the cylinder release latch nut I lay the gun on its side, latch down, to keep any Loctite from potentially making its way into the action, as unlikely as that would be.

I've never had any problems with this method using blue Loctite. YMMV.

Yes: It has never been a problem with me ( blue or purple Loctite). I agree that a good tightening with a proper screw driver is required (essential), but with a tiny bit of Loctite, those screws will not loosen. What's wrong with a little insurance ?

 

[wmyers67]

the auto parts store sells a blue loc-tite that is a creme. I will use a little bit applied with a toothpick. Does the job and really lets you control where the loc-tite goes.

 

[apollo99]

Like Muss Muggins said I used to have that red stuff, also comes in beige. I used it on farm equipment, It isn't Loctite, it's some sort of rubber type stuff you put in the threads and let dry, than you screw it in and torque it. It makes the bolts/screws torque smoother, stay in much better, and also keeps it from corroding and you are able to back them out easier. I say there has to be a better way to hold a gun together than loctite.

 

[chief38]

Gun owners and shooters NEED TO LEARN what a properly tightened screw feels like. I can not tell you how many gun owners leave screws way too loose. Just yesterday while shooting my friends Colt 1911 his grips were sliding all over the place because of loose screws - he just doesn't know how tight to make them. NOT GORILLA TIGHHT, but tight enough! I pulled a screwdriver out and tightened it for him -problem solved.

IMHO Loctite should NEVER be used on S&W Revolver. That is my opinion because I have NEVER EVER had a screw loosen up on me unintentionally - NEVER.

The ONLY TYPE of gun that I have ever had a screw loosen up is on my Colt SAA's after many rounds. As they rumor goes...... If you carry a SAA, carry a screwdriver! The reason is that on SAA's you can not tighten up screws to much because they will actually squeeze the Frame tight enough to impede smooth operation.

But back to Smiths....... I've NEVER seen the need to use Loctite and have mentioned this here on the forum since I've been a member. Still, others have to do what they have to do. YMMV!

I save the Loctite for the Harley

 

[silentflyer]

Never had a problem with lose screws on my P&R S&W's...

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Too busy to count, but I've owned about sixty revolvers, maybe a few more. I believe that I have had three or four that needed Loctite. Not many, but they do exist. IIRC, one each yoke screw, cylinder latch screw, front screw on rear sight assembly. Possibly one other.

Didn't have that problem on my Broomhandle. OTOH, I've only owned one of those.

Using Loctite beats the heck out of having the rear sight assembly loosen up or stripping threads in the frame with a good screwdriver and too much torque.

Never say never.

 

[DVCBILL]

Just use blue loctite sparingly. Some guns just have a problem loosening screws. I have shot many revolvers since 1984 and my 929 is the first that will loosen every screw.

 

[H Richard]

Often screws loosen up because of lubrication on the threads. Make sure the screw AND the screw hole are DRY, then when properly tightened they stay tight.

 

[iPac]

I honestly think the screw loosening issues are more prevalent in modern guns, S&Ws. As it sure seems it's all the newer ones that people are asking this question about.

NONE of my vintage revolvers have ever had the screws loosen up during shooting. They aren't gorilla tightened either. In fact, on my more valuable guns, I put less torque on the screws as to not bugger them or even risk it. They stay tight and still don't back out.

So while screws loosening can be from not properly tightening them, I believe newer production techniques and materials play a factor in this issue too.