Got a screw loose

[Glen]

This must have been gone over a million times, and I've solved the problem in different ways in the past, but that was long ago. I'd just like to get some new opinions on how to keep a screw from loosening in the firearm. In the past, there was something called Locktite (I think) but it really locked too much as I recall. I also tried a dab of fingernail polish once and that worked as I remember. But of course, I just need a screw to be snug and staying, not overly tight. I have a screw in a .45 Auto and a screw in a .44 Mag that keep coming loose.

What do people in these modern times do about this minor but nagging problem?

 

[Odd Job]

There are different types of Loctite. I use the blue one which is much less of a problem to loosen than the red one.
By blue, I mean the colour of the liquid. Which is a bit confusing because mine came in a red tube.

 

[drband]

This will take care of you: https://www.amazon.com/Vibra-TITE-V...vibratite+vc3&qid=1554395314&s=gateway&sr=8-3
I like it better than Loctite for removable screws, particularly grip screws.

 

[boom boom]

This will take care of you: https://www.amazon.com/Vibra-TITE-V...vibratite+vc3&qid=1554395314&s=gateway&sr=8-3
I like it better than Loctite for removable screws, particularly grip screws.

Thanks for that link--I'll try it out, I restore old milsurps and furniture and occasionally the screws made of unobtanium have some issues on being a bit looser due to wear over one century or so.

 

[doubleh]

Fingernail polish works and it's pretty easy to remove the screw that it's used on if necessary. It may be an old solution but it's still a viable one.

 

[boom boom]

Fingernail polish works and it's pretty easy to remove the screw that it's used on if necessary. It may be an old solution but it's still a viable one.

Cool trick. I keep some in awful phosphorescent colors simply to use on iron front sights to make them more visible or to mark set screws and the like. And of course then to do my nails afterwards , so I might as well try them on some screws.

 

[rpenmanparker]

Blue Loctite is the correct solution. You need look no further. And it doesn’t take much at all.

 

[boom boom]

Blue Loctite is the correct solution. You need look no further. And it doesn’t take much at all.

I've used it as I have red and even tried the the green stuff for sight bases. Sometimes due to age, recoil, heat, and chemical solvents, blue loctite does not hold as CYA based adhesives can crystalize over time. Other options are always good to have.

 

[rpenmanparker]

I've used it as I have red and even tried the the green stuff for sight bases. Sometimes due to age, recoil, heat, and chemical solvents, blue loctite does not hold as CYA based adhesives can crystalize over time. Other options are always good to have.

No argument. Loctite of a couple of colors has failed to hold a red dot firm on my .45 ACP 1911 slide. I blame the screws that hold the sight base onto the dovetail insert for being too short and fine. No fault of the Loctite. So I am having the screw holes enlarged, rethreaded, and deepened right into the slide. That should do it.

 

[LoonWulf]

For a really not permanent solution a double wrap of Teflon tape. I use that on my arrow points.
Otherwise I like blue locktite.

 

[easy]

A dab of some type of RTV. Never hardens. A small dab, no more.

 

[shooter1niner]

Loctite 222 (low strength) or Loctite 242 (medium strength) are both easily removable with hand tools. The important thing when using Loctite products is that screw and hole must be degreased and free of oil and other contaminants.

 

[Jim Watson]

Note that Loctite has many grades and only a few colors to work with. Brownells has three greens and you don't want to use the wrong one. There are two or three reds, too.

 

[boom boom]

Note that Loctite has many grades and only a few colors to work with. Brownells has three greens and you don't want to use the wrong one. There are two or three reds, too.

And purple, Loctite actually has a great website explaining their product line and is well worth reading their technical information before purchase as to get the right product which is numbered. This website is from their industrial portion which gives greater info than the consumer side.

https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/en/about/our-brands/loctite.html

 

[Double_J]

Locktite has saved my butt many times in the Industrial maintenance role, auto mechanic role, and hobby gunsmith. MAKE SURE TO READ THE DIRECTIONS and get the right grade locktite. There are multiple strengths and some are just about impossible to break without damaging your project. the Locktite website is a great resource, do not overlook it.

 

[beag_nut]

Please, people, try to be more specific. Loctite is not called "blue, purple, etc." at the factory. There is Loctite 238, 242, 220, etc. Each has its own properties, strong and weak points. What most call "blue" is #242. What is REALLY most acceptable for we gunnies is #220, the wicking grade. PLUS, Loctite will not harden to its potential if the mating surfaces are not degreased beforehand. This info courtesy of a former Manufacturing Engineer, who had many interactions with Loctite reps.

 

[Glen]

Thanks all. I am getting back a lot later, LOL. Nice info!

 

[GBExpat]

A dab of some type of RTV. Never hardens. A small dab, no more.

This is almost certainly a reference to RTV Silicone Rubber. I remember when Dad brought some home from NASA (late '50s or early '60s). He thought it was wonderful stuff (I still do!).

For those who do not know, RTV stands for Room Temperature Vulcanizing.

EDIT:

BTW, he/we also got a kick out of the 2-tube Epoxy that he brought home (I still have a couple of items around the house that he Epoxy-repaired in the 60s) and the small cork-sealed jar of molybdenum disulfide.

~60 years later that jar is still ~½-full. He taught me how to add/stir-in a little bit to grease before application, something that I still do.

Oh, wait, there was also the Silicone Spray ...

OK, OK, I'll stop now ... but he did bring home some pretty neat new-tech stuff from work.