loctite choices?

[FalconLair]

i have a screw that seems to work it's way loose when i shoot - it's on my S&W 686 front plate and i really don't want to try tightening it much more that what i already do

i think it's time for some loctite only i don't want a permanent fix - the plate does need to be removed from time to time so i need something for a small screw, stop it from loosening, yet, not impossible for me to take off come the time

i've never used loctite before, im pretty sure it's color graded, so what should i be looking for? Im sure a lot of you guys are familiar with the S&W front plate screws

thx

-Richard

[Preston-CLB]

Blue Loctite.

Be sure to follow instructions.
Both tapped threads and screw threads need to dirt and oil-free.
--P

[seainc]

You can also use Loctite 603. https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/...ctite_603.html

[rudigan]

Blue, just make sure to clean off any oil/other before applying.

[badfish71]

Blue

[9Cal_OC]

As others, blue.

[ar15barrels]

i have a screw that seems to work it's way loose when i shoot - it's on my S&W 686 front plate and i really don't want to try tightening it much more that what i already do

i think it's time for some loctite only i don't want a permanent fix - the plate does need to be removed from time to time so i need something for a small screw, stop it from loosening, yet, not impossible for me to take off come the time

i've never used loctite before, im pretty sure it's color graded, so what should i be looking for? Im sure a lot of you guys are familiar with the S&W front plate screws

In standard thread-locking Loctite grades, it goes purple-blue-red in order of strength.
Purple is weakest and red is strongest.
Purple is low strength, better than nothing but not as strong as blue.
Blue is considered "tool removable" which means normal tools will break it free.
Red is considered permanent as normal tools may not easily remove it but heating up to 400 degrees will break it down so that normal tools can remove it.

Blue is what you want based on your needs.
Degrease the screw and the hole before applying Loctite.

[shafferds]

fyi get the right number blue loctite based on screw size. Yes there is a difference

[ar15barrels]

fyi get the right number blue loctite based on screw size.

The grades for the smallest screws are the thinnest.
The grades for the largest screws are the thickest.

I actually prefer the thickest grades because they stay where you put them and to not run all over the place.

[JamesH]

Blue or purple is a good choice.

[FalconLair]

wow, thanks for all the replies to help me get it right

looks like i'll be in the market for some blue loctite - might as well get my use out of it too - got a few other guns with screws that could probably benefit too

THANKS

[IVC]

While Blue is the default choice, it's not what you want - you want PURPLE for revolvers. If you break the seal with Blue, it will be completely loose. Purple "gums up" the seal and won't allow the screw to get loose even if you move it a bit or it shakes loose enough.

I shoot revolver from time to time in USPSA. At an indoor match recently, I had my 929 literally fall apart on a reload. The screw holding the crane worked itself slightly loose and the cylinder fell out forward. Another screw on the side plate was also loose because it had Blue. Finally, Blue is the worst choice for the mainspring tension screw because it won't hold anything after you adjust it. Purple will.

I've learned all of the above from my own experience and being told by the "proper" USPSA Revolver shooters who shoot it a lot and who shoot ICORE as well. Never looked back...

[Jeepergeo]

Remove, clean of all grease, powder it lightly with baking soda or breath on it to add some moisture, then purple Loctite. If that does not hold, repeat with blue Loctite. Do not even think of using red.

[Dirk Tungsten]

Vibratite might work as well, and would also allow for easier removal of the screw in the future.