Installed scope rings without LocTite: big deal or no?

**DreadPirateMoyer** · January 6th, 2012, 02:58 PM

I installed my scope (SWFA SS HD 1-4x w/ Bobro mount) a few months ago, and I recently came across the suggestion to LocTite the ring screws. Problem is, since the scope's already installed, I don't want to take the screws out, LocTite them, and then reinstall because I don't want to offset the scope, torque it, or lose zero. Just don't feel like putting the time in again on these stupid downward-facing screws.

Is there any solution for already-installed screws? I know many suggest using acetone on the threads before installation. Would simply pouring some on the holes, allowing it to seep down the screw into the threads, and tightening be fine?

Or is it no big deal at all?

**streaker69** · January 6th, 2012, 02:59 PM

I had to use loctite on the rings of my Mini-14. No matter how tight I made them, after about 5 rounds, they'd be loose. If you're going to do it, use Blue Loctite, not Red. Blue can be broken loose by a screw driver, read you'd need to use heat.

**DreadPirateMoyer** · January 6th, 2012, 03:12 PM

Hmph. Do you think taking out one screw, LTing it, putting it back in, and repeating would work without shifting the reticle? 8 screws total, 4 per ring, 2 per ring side. Trying to do whatever I can to keep this bad boy locked in without having to redo it all.

**Tomcat088** · January 6th, 2012, 03:14 PM

If they're not loosening up on you, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I have lots of rifles with have thousands of rounds through them that were never installed with loctite. They don't loosen up and work perfectly. So if they're ok now, I'd just leave them alone. If you notice that they're loosening up, then it's something that you probably want to remedy. In that case, it's just a matter of time before they back out all the way, and you'll have to put the time in to get everything right on your optic. So if you notice them loosening up, back them out, BLUE loctite, and no more worries. As streaker said, I'd go with blue instead of red. There's actually TONS of colors of loctite for different uses and strength to break it loose. Blue is easy to find, and works great, so you don't have to go to the trouble to find any other colors.

**DreadPirateMoyer** · January 6th, 2012, 03:42 PM

Yeah, didn't come loose over the course of 110 rounds. Knowing that it's not mandatory and has to be judged on empirical performance, I'm probably just going to drip some Eezox on the screws, let it soak down, and give 'em a little bit more tightening for some added insurance. I'll probably skip on the Loctite.

Thanks guys.

**DreadPirateMoyer** · January 6th, 2012, 04:50 PM

Also, have you guys ever used loctite on already-assembled screws? Thinking of possibly dripping some purple down them instead of Eezox.

**dk99358** · January 6th, 2012, 10:43 PM

I wouldn't worry about it. I've got a 358, the scope has been on since the mid 80's and no problems.

If you want a bit of added insurance anyhow, put some clear finger nail polish on the screwhead as it sits. No need to remove the screws, just put a dab on it.

Dale

**EandGWZ** · February 7th, 2012, 01:32 AM

Originally Posted by streaker69

I had to use loctite on the rings of my Mini-14. No matter how tight I made them, after about 5 rounds, they'd be loose. If you're going to do it, use Blue Loctite, not Red. Blue can be broken loose by a screw driver, read you'd need to use heat.

Thank you for this tip...

**DreadPirateMoyer** · January 22nd, 2012, 12:35 AM

Borrowed some of the girlfriend's nail polish, grabbed a 5 pound weight and a 4 inch allen wrench (to give me 20 lb-in of torque), and got the whole set-up stuck in. Worked really well.

The nail polish is a bit ugly (it was quick dry, so I couldn't get the excess stuff off in time), but it doesn't bother me. A quick swipe with some solvent and it'll come off if I need it too. Otherwise, it's just holding the screws in.

Very happy with how it turned how. Thanks guys.