Great Gunsmithing Tool: Loctite QuickStix
Screws and firearms tend to not work well together. The constant vibrations in a EDC firearm and recoil are likely to cause threads to back-out, breaking the bond between the two mated objects. In the case of a trigger (like Lone Wolf’s UAT), having that screw move can mean the difference between a non-functional passive safety, perfect function, or a complete failure to fire.
Case-in-point: the AR-15. Eugene Stoner, Jim Sullivan, and team took great pains to minimize the amount of threads on the firearm. Almost everything is held captive by pins and in cases where a thread is required, a lock washer, crush-washer or staking is required to keep the weapon from disassembling in the field.
As such, the gunsmith learns the heavy usage of thread-locking compounds is critical. Loctite and similar compounds have existed for years and various versions of it are readily sold. Options include “light duty” for basic thread bonding, medium duty that can be broken with heat, and heavy duty for permanent installation.
However, these compounds are typically a liquid, which can pose its own issues. Liquids can spill out of threads when torquing down a screw, interfering with other components in a firearm. Knowing similar issues appear across all industries, Loctite has formulated their compounds into a semi-solid stick, including thread lockers, gasketing compound, anti-seize, and thread sealers.
The new LOCTITE Sticks are now readily available and can be found in most area hardware stores or quickly and easily online. Sticks are around $15 for LocTite 248 and 268 versions from Amazon.
One of TFB's resident Jarheads, Nathan now works within the firearms industry. A consecutive Marine rifle and pistol expert, he enjoys local 3-gun, NFA, gunsmithing, MSR's, & high-speed gear. Nathan has traveled to over 30 countries working with US DoD & foreign MoDs.The above post is my opinion and does not reflect the views of any company or organization.
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Vibra - tite....Sets up like hard rubber, and does not act as a thread lube when wet - allowing you to over-torque. Great for all threaded parts - especially muzzle brakes...
Or rust, natures threadlock