Question about screws, Loctite

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PKFan

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Jun 27, 2008
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I have a Leek on which all 3 screws have come loose. I don't know much about Loctite, but do I need to remove the screws and use a bit to keep them in place or should I stick with dry? If Loctite, then which "color"?
Thanks for indulging my noob questions...PKFan
 
Remove the screws and apply a very small amount of loctite to the threads, reseat and wipe the residual loctite. For screws that size, ideally, you should be using purple, but that is hard to come by. Blue will work as well, but don't use red. Blue is available just about everywhere. It is 242, don't go by the color of the bottle.
 
You may be able to find purple loctite at an auto supply store. It will serve the purpose perfectly. Blue is also ok and not all that difficult "break".
 
I use 242 on the pivot of my XM-18 and SMF. Good stuff..:thumbup:
 
For small stuff like this, I usually use clear nail polish. The nail polish holds enough to keep stuff from working loose, but will let you take it off pretty easy if you need to. I have used it with good success on a couple of pivot screws on folders on up to scope mount screws on centerfire rifles.
 
If you want the purple Loctite (222) you'll probably have to order it from somewhere, if my experience is any guide. I tried every automotive parts store I could find, local and chain; every hardware store I could find, local and chain; Wal*Mart, K-Mart, Meijer, you-name-it, and was unable to find purple. Blue (242) will certainly hold them, but use sparingly. For screws that small, I'd just use clear nail polish. Or order the purple from somewhere.
 
PKFan said:
I have a Leek on which all 3 screws have come loose. I don't know much about Loctite, but do I need to remove the screws and use a bit to keep them in place or should I stick with dry? If Loctite, then which "color"?
Thanks for indulging my noob questions...PKFan
Click to expand...


A pint of boiled linseed oil will give you and your friends a lifetime supply of removable thread locker. I use it on the scope rings and bases of very heavy recoiling rifles and have NEVER had a screw loosen or backout. If you ever get a "Stuck" one where someone has used the Red loc-tite just put the tip of a very well tinned soldering iron on the screw for 30 seconds and it will loosen up for you. Enjoy.

Jerry
 
EDCeeker said:
If you want the purple Loctite (222) you'll probably have to order it from somewhere, if my experience is any guide. I tried every automotive parts store I could find, local and chain; every hardware store I could find, local and chain; Wal*Mart, K-Mart, Meijer, you-name-it, and was unable to find purple. Blue (242) will certainly hold them, but use sparingly. For screws that small, I'd just use clear nail polish. Or order the purple from somewhere.
Click to expand...

Surprisingly, I found a local Ace (not the *nearest* one) that has 222. And a Harley shop on the other side of town (I guess that's to keep all the parts from falling off).
 
for what it's worth: i have found loctite at a local engine shop... one of those small independant places that do custom engine work
 
Tractorshaft--I haven't heard about using boiled linseed oil before. I'll give it a try. thanks for the tip.

Ric
 
Phydeaux said:
Tractorshaft--I haven't heard about using boiled linseed oil before. I'll give it a try. thanks for the tip.

Ric
Click to expand...

Linseed oil won't lock the screw right away. It has to sit and oxidize enough to form a polymer. There are additives such as "Japan Dryer" (Home Depot) which, when added in small quantity to linseed oil or tung oil, speed up the "drying", ie, the polymerization.

Another "unlockable" adhesive is Liquid Nails (Home Depot). A dab on a screw before screwing it in will "lock" the screw with a flexible film that you can later break loose with a tool if necessary.
 
Hi,

I've heard the Loctite #242 mentioned before. The hardware store I went to the last time had tons of varieties in thread locker but not that one, in fact it didn't even show in their Loctite catalogue.

What they had was #243, would this be similar stuff? The description read that it should come open with hand tools.
 
Frankki said:
Hi,

I've heard the Loctite #242 mentioned before. The hardware store I went to the last time had tons of varieties in thread locker but not that one, in fact it didn't even show in their Loctite catalogue.

What they had was #243, would this be similar stuff? The description read that it should come open with hand tools.
Click to expand...

#243 is the oil resistant version of #242...
 
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