Which Loctite for gunsmithing uses?

[fatelvis]

I've been using Blue Loctite for years on smaller screws and bolts involved in gunsmithing, but I recently moved, and can't find my bottle. I see there are several blue colored thread lockers made by Loctite. I was wondering which number is the most widely used for scope bases, action bolts, muzzle brakes, etc.? Thanks guys-

 

[rr2030]

As far as Blue goes I have used 242 on firearms, no issues. I believe Blue is an application/strength and whatever the form it's the same product.

 

[dcali]

I believe 243 is just the new and improved version of 242. Something to do with working better on oily parts than 242.

I’ve also find the purple low strength stuff (I forget the number) to be useful on small screws.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

They make a purple for small fasteners. But in reality there is no application for loctite on a firearm. A member on here loctited his scope base screws right after i built him a brand new switch barrel mr/lr f class rifle. Had to send the action back to bat when the barrel galled the threads due to loctite seeping in. And no telling how many scope base/ring screws ive seen broken off.

 

[foxguy]

Loctite 222 low strength. Purple color.

 

[JFrank]

I have a tiny dab of blue loctite on my scope base threads, I've also replaced the screws with a higher strength torque head fastener.

 

[Sniper338]

I thought it was the red that was used and became plyable again when heated some...?

This has been on my mind, gonna go down this road soon.

 

[dcali]

They make a purple for small fasteners. But in reality there is no application for loctite on a firearm. A member on here loctited his scope base screws right after i built him a brand new switch barrel mr/lr f class rifle. Had to send the action back to bat when the barrel galled the threads due to loctite seeping in. And no telling how many scope base/ring screws ive seen broken off.

I’m with you. I won’t say there’s no use on a firearm, but usually it seems like if you are reaching for the loftier, something else is wrong.

 

[Boyd L.]

I thought it was the red that was used and became plyable again when heated some...?

The green loc-tite (#609), will “let go” when warmed with a propane torch. I’ve used it on two different barrels on an Anschutz 54 Modell Match action.

Edited for correct product designation.

 

[JFrank]

ive also used Resin without issues,
Never Red loctite"

 

[richard]

The green loc-tite (#209, maybe #239?? I think...)will “let go” when warmed with a propane torch. I’ve used it on two different barrels on an Anschutz 54 Modell Match action.

271 (the red stuff) for a high strength locker,requires heat to get it loose
242 (the blue stuff) med strength, will come loose without heat on 1/4 and bigger
222MS purple, use on small screws
290 green use on installed screws, it's thin and will wick in, fairly low strength like the purple

Richard Brensing

 

[mchees1]

271 (the red stuff) for a high strength locker,requires heat to get it loose
242 (the blue stuff) med strength, will come loose without heat on 1/4 and bigger
222MS purple, use on small screws
290 green use on installed screws, it's thin and will wick in, fairly low strength like the purple

Richard Brensing

I agree with Richard with some additional info from the Loctite site:
271 red is designed to be permanent and requires 500 degree heat to loosen.
290 green - Loctite says is med/high strength and requires heat to disassemble. They list a max temperature of 300 degrees so I assume that is what is needed to disassemble. They also say maximum thread size is M6 (6mm or almost 1/4").

Mark

 

[Boyd L.]

I agree with Richard with some additional info from the Loctite site:
271 red is designed to be permanent and requires 500 degree heat to loosen.
290 green - Loctite says is med/high strength and requires heat to disassemble. They list a max temperature of 300 degrees so I assume that is what is needed to disassemble. They also say maximum thread size is M6 (6mm or almost 1/4").

Mark

When I first used loc-tite to secure rimfire barrels, the product was called a bearing sleeve retainer. Scuttlebut said it was a favorite for use on 20”+ truck bearing races.
I went to the Henkel website but the product line has changed. I’ll have to scrounge around in the shop to see if I can find my resident bottle of “green” loc-tite.

Edit: I found my loc-tite. It’s 609, not 209.
Mea culpa mea culpa.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Clear finger nail polish works good. Pick your color.

 

[Rsadams]

Definitely+1 on the purple for small screws... It holds and you don't need heat if you need to remove it... Been using it for years , no problems....

 

[Rsadams]

271 (the red stuff) for a high strength locker,requires heat to get it loose
242 (the blue stuff) med strength, will come loose without heat on 1/4 and bigger
222MS purple, use on small screws
290 green use on installed screws, it's thin and will wick in, fairly low strength like the purple

Richard Brensing

The green is not in my experience low strength like the purple... I used it once , never again... The purple is great , the green is about as bad as the blue..

 

[Ken]

My long time gunsmith was adamant that I use NO loctite on my scope base screws. He said to tighten them correctly and no issues,

 

[Dusty Stevens]

My long time gunsmith was adamant that I use NO loctite on my scope base screws. He said to tighten them correctly and no issues,

Exactly right.

 

[Outrider27]

The green is not in my experience low strength like the purple... I used it once , never again... The purple is great , the green is about as bad as the blue..

Did you mean that the green is about as bad as the red (271 or,for larger fasteners, 277)?

Blue (242) is stronger than purple (222), but we've never had a problem removing fastener installed with 242 without heat. 609 is a totally different beast, much more like 271, but is primarily designed for use as a retaining compound for installing bearings or bushings in cylindrical bores, for example; it can work as a thread locker, but that is really a misapplication of 609, though if you need 271 and don't have any on hand, it works in a pinch.

 

[rr2030]

Nothing holds like a cross-threaded fastener: