Tag Archives: scope mount

What is the most important component in applying thread locker?

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.

No Drill and Tap VS No Gunsmithing

We don’t manufacture No Gunsmithing scope mounts but we do manufacture a lot of no drill and tap scope mounts. In my opinion all scope mounts require a good gunsmith to install them. I talk to hundreds of people a week and I can generally tell in a minute or so if you should be installing your own scope mount. Lets face it, some people are just not mechanically inclined. Just like you would not want me presenting the closing argument at your trial, not in my gifting package.

I suggest that everyone find a competent gunsmith and have he or she install your scope mount. If you feel you have the mechanical abilities then go for it. I do suggest that anyone installing one of our mounts read the instructions and check out our growing You Tube library of videos.

Lots of little issues crop up installing any scope mount. The most common I hear is the screws are too long. If you can not shorten a screw you should not really be installing a scope mount. Top straps on revolvers in particular vary in thickness. We always try to design our mounts and screws so that there are no exposed threads on the bottom of the top strap. What happens is these recesses collect led and gunpowder residue and can actually affect the function of the revolver, sometimes creating drag on the cylinder. This is why we keep the screws as long as possible and can some times stick out a thread or two.

My point in all of this is that guns vary widely dimension wise so be prepared to do a little gunsmithing when installing any scope mount. No drill and tap does not necessarily mean no gunsmithing.