Applying Loc-Tite to prevent ejector rod unscrewing

[Nightcrawler]

Okay, the biggest peeve about my recent new S&W 686+ is that the ejector rod unscrews itself under recoil. I've owned five S&W revolvers, including an airlite snub and a .41 magnum, and this had never happened to me before.

Because I'm now working 12 hour shifts three to six days a week, I'm dubious about sending my gun back to S&W as I have a hard time scheduling pickups and a harder time getting my packages (I'm never home).

It's been suggested that a simple, but effective fix is the use of Loc-Tite adhesive. So off I go to the Wal-Mart, looking for lock-tite.

Problem is, there's like a dozen types of the stuff.

So, I purchased "Loctite Super Glue" and "Loctite Stik'n Seal". Will either one of these products work?

Thank you.

 

[MM]

Get the blue loc-tite. Small tubes are available at most well-stocked gunshops, or Brownell's has it on about 4 different pages in the newest catalog or on-line. The red will also work, bit it will be MUCH more difficult to remove the part if you ever have to...
According to Brownell's, the blue type will flow into areas of .15" or larger and has a 1700 lb "tensile strength". I've used it to mount a lot of attachments on different weapons, including the scope rings on my very hard recoiling .300 WSM, it has never failed (yet)!
SatCong

 

[dfariswheel]

You can even buy Loctite 242 (blue) at Wal-mart.

I'd use that, since it will do the job, but the parts can still be easily disassembled if necessary.

 

[Nightcrawler]

So I brought two wrong kinds of loctite, and need to buy a third, correct kind that the local Wal-Mart doesn't stock. They didn't have any "blu" Loctite there.

Super. I may well just send the damned thing back to S&W, if it's going to be such a PITA.

Feh. I'm going to bed. Thank you for the info in any case.

 

[Ifishsum]

Loc-Tite used to only market thread locking compound, so when someone said "loc-tite it" that was what they were talking about - now they've branched out into other areas including super glue and other adhesives quite different from the original product.

You want blue thread locker (usually in automotive section). I understand the frustration but It's not worth sending back to S&W for something so easy to fix.

 

[Old Fuff]

Before there was Loc-Tite we used plain ol' clear fingernail polish...

Unscrew the ejector rod, and remember it has a left-hand (backward) thread. Clean the threads with a de-greasing solvent and then put ONE DROP (no more) of fingernail polish on the rod's threads and screw things back together again.

It is unlikely the rod will unscrew itself, but if you have to you can still take things apart.

Were all of my troubles so serious...

 

[Sheldon]

How are you re-tightening the rod to begin with?? They sell a tool that clamps onto to rod and helps to tighten it really good. You can also pad a pair of pliers to do the same. Make sure to keep a few empty cartridges in the cylinders to help support the extractor to prevent stripping the spline on the cylinder.

 

[Rinspeed]

I agree the blue loc-tite 242 is the one you want but one thing to remember is that for any of the loc-tites to work properly the parts must be very clean. I use Acetone or Acrysol but I'm sure rubbing alchohol would work.

 

[JoeHatley]

+1 Blue #242 is what I use.

Joe

 

[Rinspeed]

So I brought two wrong kinds of loctite, and need to buy a third, correct kind that the local Wal-Mart doesn't stock. They didn't have any "blu" Loctite there.

The blue 242 loc-tite is in a red bottle and marked "Removable Strength". This means it can be removed with hand tools while hardware used with the red loc-tite usually require some heat to loosen.

 

[ChristopherG]

Shipping the gun to Mass. would be a considerable overreaction to this--particularly since, owning more than one S&W, you're going to encounter this problem again (assuming you shoot them). Figure out how to do it once (with the help given above), and you'll never have to be peeved about it again

 

[cowboy117]

Blue loctite is available at any good auto parts store.Try NAPA if one is in your area.

 

[dairycreek]

http://www.loctiteproducts.com/

Loc-Tite's web site has a nice feature that lets you choose the kind of glue that is appropriate for your job. Give it a look.

 

[Frandy]

Thanks for posting this question. I'd been meaning to use loctite on the threads of my Colt King Cobra's ejector rod for some time but kept forgetting to pick up a new tube of blue loctite. You motivated me and now I can shoot that snake with more confidence.

 

[Archie]

To fix problem

Put end of extractor rod into drill chuck and tighten by hand. (Won't mark up extractor rod.) With hand only, tighten cylinder 1/12 turn after 'bottom'. (About from cylinder hole to bolt stop.) This will properly jam the threads and should not allow any more loosening.

Undo it the same way, if needed.

Don't use lock tite.

 

[JNewell]

Make sure you put empty cases or metal snap caps in the charging holes before you tighten the rod - it is possible to damage the pins.