Loctite Question

Guys,



i thought I had posted this question a few minutes ago but I do not see it showing up. Which Color and number loctite do you suggest I use to tighten up my scope mounts? I had a issue this past Sunday in our match and it cost me dearly in points. BTW - I would like to invite everyone to our Monthly match on April 28th here in Columbia Tennessee - about 35 mile south of Nashville - first shot is at 9:00am central time.

Thanks

Glenn

Use Red Loctite 271. I used Blue, but twice my clark scope mount came loss, sheared off screws, was a real mess. Run a bead on the bottom of the mount and on the screws. I have had no problems since I used this method.
Woody

Woody,

Can you back ou the screws if necessary? I want to be able to dissassemble the mount if I need to but I also want it to hold from the recoil.

I would recommend the blue since the red is nearly permanent. Also, a little dab will do ya. If you use too much, it just creates a mess and doesn't work as well. Use a very smalll drop and spread it about the threads only.

Joel

You want blue 242. Red requires heating with a torch for removal. It's important to clean the threads and remove any grease or oil before applying. After you applied it and tightened the scope let it sit for 24 hours to make sure it cures.

http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/t_lkr_blue/directions/Loctite-Threadlocker-Blue-242.htm

I purchased a nice 2X Leupold that on to which someone had red loctited steel rings. Had to cut them off with a Dremel disc.
IMHO, if red Loctite is needed, then there's another issue that needs resolved.
If I use any Loctite on a firearm, its only the purple (light hold).
As always, YMMV!

Thanks Gentlemen,

I will go to Lowes and see if they have Blue 242 there. BTW - I had an old guy tell me one time that he uses womens finger nail polish and it worked great. Ever heard of that?

Glenn Barber wrote:Thanks Gentlemen,

I will go to Lowes and see if they have Blue 242 there. BTW - I had an old guy tell me one time that he uses womens finger nail polish and it worked great. Ever heard of that?

Yep, use fingernail polish all the time. nice thing is acetone takes it right off if you have to remove the screw. Blue Loctite isn't too bad but red is a real problem especially with small screws. I use the nail polish on my rifle mounts where recoil is a problem.

Just out of curiosity did you have the screws tight to begin with? The reason I ask is I shoot 2 1911's with Clark slide mounts, both with 30mm Ultra Dots on them one is a 1911 I built (Caspian slide Colt frame, and the other is a Clark Long Slide) . I have never used anything on the screws and I've been shooting them for years and they never came loose.



Virgil

Virgil,

I think they loosened over a period of a couple of months - We usually practice on Saturday before our match and I check stuff such as that out but this past saturday we were not able to practice and we just shot the match on Sunday and i did not check them before I started - it was all my fault. Good to know about the polish - I may consider that as well.

Yep, just do the same with fingernail polish as loctite and clean the screws and screw holes to get out any oil or grease and just wipe some fingernail polish on the threads and seat screw. Do one at a time so nail polish doesn't set up before seating screws.

Virgil

Loctite also makes a purple strength. It is not as strong as blue. I've used it the dot mount on my 1911 for a year with no issues. Purple is not as common and you'll have to search for it on Amazon or other websites.

Auto Parts stores are where you go for LocTite. Napa has better selection. Oh and 2nd on the blue stuff. Red is pretty much permanent. Degrease the threads with IsoHeat fuel line de-icer. Get that at the auto parts store too.
here's a chart: http://henkelna.com/us/content_data/175835_Threadlocking_Selector_Guide_032010.pdf

Thanks Guys, I went and got the Blue Loctite last night - I have not used it yet but plan to do it sometime this week. I will for sure clean the screws and get the grease off of them first.

One of the very best remedies, is have your smith change the base screws to #8 X 40 Torx head. # 6 Allen in any thread is problematic for slide mounted optics.
Jerry

I have attended many Loctite seminars over the last 20 years and the Rep has stated every time that under 7/16 dia bolts do not use #271(red) for it can damage threads only use #242(blue). If you do use 271 you can use a soldering iron instead of a torch just takes longer. The only purple I am aware of is 545 and that is a thread sealant type for Hydraulic fitting use.

Hit the threadlock selector link above for more details about purple thread locker.