N-frame loose screw

[tipoc]

You are aware all thread internal and external have "tolerance" and this no way determines the strength of a thread lock.

Please consult a machinist handbook fastener section and read about % of thread engagement and the strength that one thread in different % provides.

It's worth a read, so powers is more than right.

I understand you disagree because everyone else has done it the thread locker way and that is fine, just keep an open mine here.

Thread locker works and that is what I did before I knew better and acquired the right tool. The performance of a revolver is greatly improved.

I disagree because I'm a machinist and I'm more than a bit familiar with S&W revolvers.

Over the decades we can find one revolver where the ejector rod seems to never come loose and on another gun working loose seems to be a regular issue. Both are common. The cause of this is that there is variation in how the threads, both internal and external, are cut. Not intentionally but in actual practice. On paper the specs for type of thread can be just fine, but in practice is another matter. Based on what I've seen I doubt that S&W uses the type of Go and No-Go gages that would be needed for a precise fit. A custom gunsmith might. But the factory would not.

S&W and most revolver makers know that it's the job of the shooter to check for screws working loose. Both the ejector rod and the screw holding the cylinder release in place.

Don't make a simple thing more complex. You don't need a ratchet wrench and precise lbs per inch to tighten the ejector rod in place while at the range or at home. A single dab of loc-tite, or similar, and padded jaws on a set of pliers will do. Then keep an eye on things.

Powers is a pistolsmith, a custom gun maker, his methods are different from the factory and again different from what the shooter needs. Possibly you can buy a well made ejector rod for the gun from Powers (or other makers) that are cut to a precise fit. This may help provided the internal threads are well cut.

 

[wiscoaster]

Makes sense. Well said.

 

[KY DAN]

I disagree because I'm a machinist and I'm more than a bit familiar with S&W revolvers.

Over the decades we can find one revolver where the ejector rod seems to never come loose and on another gun working loose seems to be a regular issue. Both are common. The cause of this is that there is variation in how the threads, both internal and external, are cut. Not intentionally but in actual practice. On paper the specs for type of thread can be just fine, but in practice is another matter. Based on what I've seen I doubt that S&W uses the type of Go and No-Go gages that would be needed for a precise fit. A custom gunsmith might. But the factory would not.

S&W and most revolver makers know that it's the job of the shooter to check for screws working loose. Both the ejector rod and the screw holding the cylinder release in place.

Don't make a simple thing more complex. You don't need a ratchet wrench and precise lbs per inch to tighten the ejector rod in place while at the range or at home. A single dab of loc-tite, or similar, and padded jaws on a set of pliers will do. Then keep an eye on things.

Powers is a pistolsmith, a custom gun maker, his methods are different from the factory and again different from what the shooter needs. Possibly you can buy a well made ejector rod for the gun from Powers (or other makers) that are cut to a precise fit. This may help provided the internal threads are well cut.

I just want to disagree one last time because I am a tool and die maker by trade lol.

I agree weird things do happen in practice and never on paper.

As I said earlier I bought the fixture to align and tighten ejector rods..... i may have a investment hidden in my opinion lol.

The average person is fine to use thread locker, I just play the what if devil advocate card. I think presenting both arguments and opinions is needed to help educate other readers who may not have the same life experiences you or I may possess.

 

[kBob]

Don't laugh at old farts....we used to clean the rod threads with rubbing alcohol. use either the dreaded Q-tip or pipe cleaner to degrease the hidden threads and then use the merest hint of plain old rubber cement on the threads of the rods and screw that puppy home. be aware if you use the Q-tips that ANY bur will collect cotton fuzz.

The other thing we used to do, being dumb old primitive folks, was check the rod for tightness every time we picked up the revolver and tighten as needed.

Just like doing a vehicle walk around, fluid, and pressure check before starting your truck....wait, you don't do that?????

-kBob

 

[buck460XVR]

All of my ejector rods come loose with enough shooting. Not an issue for me, I just know enough to check them and finger tighten when needed. They have to be really loose to affect the action and that doesn't happen with a just cylinder or three worth of ammo. Cylinder release and sight screws get purple Loctite tho.