"Guidelines" for thread locking application when mounting optics....

[saturno_v]

It seems that everybody has different "rules" on how to best use the thread locker.


Some think that the Loctite Blue is sufficient for every rifle power, others says use the Red for the big boomers.

Some folks think is plenty to use them only on the base-receiver mounting screws not needed on the scope rings screws.

Finally, the "rules" for how to apply the product ...some says is better to put a drop only on the receiver/rings thread, others claim that you should only apply a drop on the tip of the screw itself before threading not on the receiver and/or rings threads.

I even saw a gunsmith applying a drop only when the screw is almost already all the way in, basically at the last couple of turns of the screw and another drop on top once the screw is completely tightened in order to create also a bond on the screw head-mounting socket area.

Your take???

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I put a little blue on the threads of base screws. I don't use any on rings. IMO, the spring loaded tension is all that is needed to keep ring screws tight....I would let red get anywhere near my scope mounting screws.

 

[hipoint]

as a mechanic I'd say most of it is splitting hairs... doesn't matter as long as some is actually in the threads... Aside from the "red" loctite thing. Putting red loctite on those fragile screws is overkill and will certainly make it not only more possible but likely that the screw will be damaged upon removal unless you heat it, but who wants to hit their gun with a small torch?

I can't imagine anything on any gun that I've had experience with needing red loctite, I only use that on the most extreme bolts that have something spinning trying to make it back out again...

however, seeing as it is pretty rare to have a part of a gun that doesn't have some trace of oil on it, the bond probably wouldn't be too severe...

Either way, I'd say stick to blue and however someone chooses to apply it is their own prerogative.

 

[taliv]

blue only, never red

doesn't matter how you get it on the threads, just get some on there. i'm not a mechanical guru, but a little seems to do. in my experience, i haven't needed to drown the screw, or be concerned if i got more than a drop on there.

it doesn't set up instantly, so you don't need to get the screw most of the way in before you apply it.

 

[dvdcrr]

You can coat the screw threads with a little red finger nail polish or enamel, works great.

 

[NOLAEMT]

when i worked at a gunshop, on many occasions we had to drill out mount and ring screws that were attached with red loc tite. The head of the screw would snap off.

 

[Reloadron]

I have never used Loctite Red on a gun but have used Loctite Blue 242 on scope bases and rings. I also always looked for any manufacturer torque specifications and torqued to specification. You may want to give this a read. It's from our friends at Brownell's.

When applying a thread-locker such as loctite blue I have always throughly cleaned (degreased) the screws and screw holes thoroughly using a degreaser or in a pinch isopropanol alcohol. Cleanliness is really important the way I see it.

I apply just a fraction of a drop to the threads and torque the screws, I also work from screw to screw a little torque at a time, the way you put or torque lug nuts on a 3/4 ton truck with 8 lugs.

Just means it works for me and is how I happen to do it.

Ron

 

[rcmodel]

1. #242 Blue only.
2. Degrease the threads with solvent and pipe cleaners.
3. One drop on each screw.

4. I also put it under the bases for full surface contact with the receiver.
Its like glass bedding the base to the receiver.
Once it cures, it goes far to prevent any possible rocking movement.

IMO: Nail polish isn't even a distant second place to Blue #242..

rc

 

[natman]

Get the screws and the holes clean.
Put a tiny drop of BLUE loctite on the screw.
Tighten to normal torque.

The hardest kicking rifle ever made makes far less vibration, for far less time than the average motorcycle. Blue loctite will hold it. There's no need to fool with anything else.

 

[deadeye dick]

Locktite also makes a locker for SMALL screws (less than 1/4 in. Also a wicking type is also available for screws that ara already installed ( i think it's green)

 

[earlthegoat2]

When the above folks say to tighten to a torque spec, for the love of pete use a proper torque screwdriver. Dont just tighten them as hard as you can.

 

[Chris-bob]

And please, before you grab the first bottle of 'blue' loctite, read what it is for. There is more than one blue just as there is more than one red version.

 

[jehu]

+1 for nailpolish, it works even on the hardest kickers and you won't have any problem backing out the screws if need be.