Scope screws keep loosening! Is Loctite the answer?

[western woodsman]

Hi All,

I have a new Duralyt scope on my Tikka T3. I have had all mounted professionally -I think with the correct mounts, it looks right. Firstly, one my base mount screws came loose upon firing throwing my zeroing out, then it started again a few sessions later. My gun professional cited at the time not to use Loctite as it would make it possible to take them apart at at later date etc. Fine. But I understand Loctite prepared screws can be removed with tools. However the Loctite should keep them from loosening with the forces of firing. Advice please.

 

[308boy]

Why would you need to remove the bases in normal practice??

The Sauer 202 has had isues with bolts stripping and now comes new with thread sealant (loctite)

Loctite them, but be careful not to much as it can run through the holes and set affecting the operation of the bolt

 

[devon deer stalker]

you could try loctite 243 which can be undone at a later stage.
if it gets a little difficult to turn the screws a little heat can be applied to the screwdriver, but make sure its a small amount of heat!
cheers
Richard

 

[bewsher500]

Loctite isnt permanent.
It just means the "cracking" force is dramatically increased to hold the bolts tight.

I would be more concerned that they were not the correct bolt if they are coming undone.
I have never had to loctite a mount

 

[Dan Gliballs]

Does the rifle have a moderator fitted?

 

[j0e_bl0ggs]

loctite linky

Do not use the high strength as it is a real fight to remove base screws (but is done easily if you know how).

 

[www.yorkshireroestalking.]

what mounts are they??
optilocks??
never had a problem and I have x3 rifles with them fitted.

 

[splash]

What mounts are they ?

 

[User00001]

what mounts are they??
optilocks??
never had a problem and I have x3 rifles with them fitted.

Four here and, again, never once had a problem. Three of them are on moderated rifles and none of them are treated gently! Maybe the screws are simply not being done up tight enough? Glyn.

 

[western woodsman]

Thanks for remedies! The rifle is moderated T8 in .308. The mounts are extra low version Optilock. I will double check the screws used. Maybe they just need to be cranked up a bit more, but I will try to remove them and Loctite them after my impending stalk, as it should be rezeroed then. Until then I will rely upon my cranking them up a bit at range today.

 

[Kalahari]

There are also a number of different Loctites, with varying "grip" you should be able to find the one that will break loose with just a well fitting turnscrew or the relevant allen key.

David.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Loctite 243 (medium strength) will do the trick just fine.

http://www.loctitesolutions.com/files/AN09/Threadlocking_Guide.pdf

Rgds Buck.

 

[western woodsman]

Looks like Loctite 243 is the answer. I will take out each screw separately apply Loctite 243 sparingly and replace trying to tighten correctly or at least the same maybe + little and let it cure.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Looks like Loctite 243 is the answer. I will take out each screw separately apply Loctite 243 sparingly and replace trying to tighten correctly or at least the same maybe + little and let it cure.

Western Woodsman.

PS. remember to have both screws and mount free of oil so the Loctite takes.

Atb, Buck.

 

[jay 22]

optiloc screw are shite. they round off very easy as the metal there made with is soft as hell.

i have a set on my tikka m595 fireball. but just got a 270. im not going to use them on that.

buy some burris weaver bases and fit weaver rings. much better imo

 

[Cyres]

I wouldnt let anybody else fit bases to any of my rifles.

From what I have seen/experienced most so call professionals havent got a bloody clue what they are doing.

Unless you are there how can they get eye relief correct for you and do they ensure the scope is vertical to the rifle?

I have never had to use Loctite or alike on any mounts and if so then something is seriously wrong.

Fitting bases to a rifle needs care and dilegence and isn't a quick job.

Also get the best mounts you can afford.

Norman Clarke sell a special tork screwdriver for this job, probaly a sound investment.

D

 

[Brithunter]

Loctite isnt permanent.
It just means the "cracking" force is dramatically increased to hold the bolts tight.

I would be more concerned that they were not the correct bolt if they are coming undone.
I have never had to loctite a mount

Hmmm that depends on WHICH loctite you use some are. One place I worked used some which once applied that was it the metal would give first. I "Glued" a slack oil dipstick tube into a Ford Pinto engine using it and it never came losse. That was Loctite 547 Engineering Adhesive I believe the bottle said. So be careful with Loctite the range is huge.

 

[JabaliHunter]

Not sure which it is, but the blue colour liquid works and can be undone...

 

[bewsher500]

Loctite is a company
Threadlock is the product
ALL threadlocking compounds they produce have a breakway torque.
http://www.loctite.co.uk/cps/rde/xc...der&redDotUID=productfinder&param2=mode=full|
if they dont they are not a threadlocking compound they are a probably permanent adhesive.
If people wanted to permanently hold a nut onto a bolt they would weld it on.

http://www.loctite.co.uk/cps/rde/xc...der&redDotUID=productfinder&param2=mode=full|

IMO you should not need to use any of their products on scope mount screws.
get some decent screws and or mounts.
I only have Leupold mounts so I cant comment on Optilock, that said it is possible to torque up leupold mounts to the point that when undoing they audibly "crack".
that is the sign of a good bolt material and machining tolerances. it is breakaway rather than causing deformation of mating surface and/or threads.

 

[Cyres]

Agree entirely, same for Burris.

Whats the point of having a good scope if its attached to the action with sub optimal mounts. Its a no brainer.

D