First things first, all of our scope mount screws require thread locker to keep them tight. Due to the vibration most screws will come loose if thread locker is not applied properly. There are many amateurs out there that say thread locker is not necessary, they are wrong.

The most important component of applying thread locker? The screw threads and the threaded hole they are being screwed into must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased. If there is any oil residue on the threads the thread locker will not adhere to the threads and the screw will come loose. If you have a screw come loose it is because the thread locking procedure was not done correctly. Here is the correct procedure in thread locking screws.

CLEAN SCREWS AND INTERNALLY THREADED HOLES WITH AEROSOL CARBURETOR OR BRAKE CLEANER

Spray clean each screw and each threaded hole with the aerosol burst. This will generally clean any oil and remove debris. I get emails with people telling me they used alcohol to clean their parts but the screws still came loose. That is correct, alcohol is not a great degreaser and generally does not come in an aerosol can. The degreasing and washing action is what we are looking for.

BLOW OFF THE SCREW THREADS AND THREADED HOLES WITH COMPRESSED AIR

Using compressed air blow dry each screw and threaded hole. This removes the solvent and any remaining debris. This gives the thread lock a clean oil free surface to bond to so the screws can’t come loose.

APPLY THREAD LOCKER TO THE SCREW AND THREADED HOLE

I apply a dab of thread locker to the say the first 4 threads of the screw and a dab in the threaded hole. This gives you a better chance of 100% thread to thread locker contact which creates a tighter bond. Always remove excess thread locker from around the holes. As a side note we recommend Blue, service removable or small part thread locker. This does not require heat to remove the screws.

TIGHTEN AND OR TORQUE THE SCREWS DOWN

Using a quality Allen or TORX wrench tighten the screws down as necessary and allow the thread locker to cure for a few hours.

If you have a screw come loose you have missed one of the above steps, it is not the scope mounts fault. After 30 some odd years of designing, manufacturing and installing our mounts and rings a properly thread locked screw will not come loose.