Has anyone used loctite blue on scope ring screws ?

[nksmfamjp]

You really need to be careful with this….Scope rings come loose for a variety of reasons.

1) never tightened to a proper torque
2) scope tube too weak to support the proper torque
3) rings too weak (or poorly designed) to support proper torque

Proper torque = 14-25 in lbs…..generally I find 15 in lbs applied by a cam over or electronic strain gauge type wrench to be perfect.

Notice none of those are forgot to apply locktite!

That said, I have used locktite to mount a good scope in a crap ring when that was the only available ring. It worked.

Tighten to torque. Check again after a min or 2. If the torque drops, you need new rings, most likely. You can try locktite. It may work.

[Dave Hoback]

:deadhorse:

[prdatr]

:deadhorse:

LOL. So much misinformation.

[Rooterpig]

I always use blue loctite on the ring screws, and if I’m overly worried about a base moving or breaking base screws , I will bed the base.

[tomme boy]

If you want to see how strong the blue is, use the loctite 7452 accelerator spray. No waiting to let it cure if you use this.

[deadduck357]

No way, if anything use purple.

[big honkin jeep]

Maybe late to respond but if you read the instructions on the loctite the answer is no. There are instructions on it that match the correct product for the correct fastener size...
For scope screw sized fasteners blue aint it.

[shotar1]

Harbor freight sells a suitable torque screwdriver pretty reasonably. Since buying one, and torquing all screws correctly, I've increased accuracy, consistency, and I honestly don't know why I waited so long to get one. Properly torqued screws are not coming loose. It's a cheap investment in accuracy.

[Dave Hoback]

Actually shotar1, torqued screws can & do come loose for a number of reasons. Contaminants, grease on the threads. Overly stressful environment on the fastener in question, or vibration which can overcome the torque specification. Not to mention component creep. This is encountered mostly in wood & softer polymer components where the material fibers are compressed, allowing fastener torque to be lost. Vibration or other stress is typically also necessary for a fastener to come loose. However, my point is Torqued fasteners absolutely can come loose. While a higher torque spec makes loosening less & less likely, there is no set torque value; this differs from component to component & fastener in question. A rifle with Hardwood stock & Action screws Torqued to 35in.lbs. front & 20in.lbs. rear, is far more likely for those screws to loosen than a rifle with Aluminum Chassis & Action screws torqued to 65in.lbs. for Both front & rear. Likewise, certain systems provide a natural thread “locking” in their design. Scope Ring caps for instance, provide a spring effect between the two halves which puts counter resistance on the screws. Understanding all these complexities throughout gives a person the working knowledge to know when & when not to use Threadlocker.

While I don’t agree with those who thumb their nose to threadlock all together, I am no more a fan of the side coating the Blue-Goo on every single fastener they can!

[vince_ross]

I started using Vibra-Tite red threadlocker. It dries kinda rubbery, but definitely holds bolts in place. It's pretty easy to remove too, no heat required. I think I got a tube from Amazon for about $6. I'll use either that or blue loctite.

[Dave Hoback]

I started using Vibra-Tite red threadlocker. It dries kinda rubbery, but definitely holds bolts in place. It's pretty easy to remove too, no heat required. I think I got a tube from Amazon for about $6. I'll use either that or blue loctite.

I believe you are referring to the Vibra-Tite VC-3 Threadmate. Careful, because Vibra-Tite also makes a RED Anaerobic threadlock, like Loctite 272, which is a High Strength or even considered “Permanent” in some situations.

[vince_ross]

I believe you are referring to the Vibra-Tite VC-3 Threadmate. Careful, because Vibra-Tite also makes a RED Anaerobic threadlock, like Loctite 272, which is a High Strength or even considered “Permanent” in some situations.



Yes, it's the VC-3....It's not the high strength. It dries very rubbery, but holds bolts in place after torqing very well.

[Dave Hoback]

Yes, it's the VC-3....It's not the high strength. It dries very rubbery, but holds bolts in place after torqing very well.

I have switched to Vibra-Tite for several products. Their Blue Gel, Medium thread lock for various fasteners. And their 567 Green, High-temp Retaining Compound for the fit between AR15 Barrel Extension & Upper Receiver. The VC-3 seems like decent stuff. My only contention is it’s pretty low MAX working temperature of 165F. Where as any of the Anaerobic thread lock compounds are good for 300F. So the VC-3 is really only good for room temp components.

[charlie b]

I wish they hadn't done that. Saying thread locking and red, green or blue had very specific meanings. Now we have to read carefully if not buying Loctite brands. I guess I'll stick with Locktite cause I know what I am getting and how well they perform.