Side Plate Screw

[warrconn]

I've been searching posts about side plate screws becoming loose on S&W revolvers, but have not seen the exact problem I have. I have a new 642, dry fired only, about 1,000 times, with snap caps. The other day, I noticed the screw on the upper left on the side plate was backing out. I tightened it, but now it starts backing out after only 20 dry fires. Does this revolver need to be sent to the factory, or is there a simpler fix. Would Blue Loctite solve the problem or just the symptom?
This is not my first S&W, but I've never had this happen before.

 

[sgt127]

Blue Locktite. Some shake loose. Some don't.

 

[stu1ritter]

Blue loctite is for screws 1/2" (14mm) and larger. You want Loctite Purple #222. You can find the accurate Loctite information at www.loctite.com and you want the "Threadlocking Users Guide". You should also read about cleaning and priming the screw threads.

Stu
retired Mercedes-Benz mechanic

 

[Jonesy814]

You could try a bit of nail polish on the threads. Helps them resist backing out but is not permanent

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Sorry, but I have to ask. Why in the world are you dry firing that thing so much? Particularly since you have not even fired it yet.

No, of course the screw should not be backing out from the vibration of dry firing. I imagine the vibration of actual firing (if you ever get around to it) will make the screw back out even worse. I have dozens of S&W revolvers and have never had a side plate screw, or any other screw back out. But most readers here know I don't think much of what S&W is making today.

Dunno know how long it would take for S&W to do anything about a screw backing out. The threads may be cut a bit loose, and there is no real way to tighten them. I would try the nail polish trick first. It's a pretty well known trick with Single Action Army revolvers, which often do tend to have screws backing out. Degrease the screw well before you apply the nail polish.

 

[Shaq]

Blue Locktite would probably fix the problem. I purchased a used S&W "Classic" 629 & after every shooting session, I had to tighten the front sideplate screw, even after 100 rounds of light 44 Spl. loads. I noticed the screw had what looked like blue Locktite on it. I don't know if the factory or the previous owner applied it.

 

[LoneGoose]

warrconn, rest easy. Many of my S&W revolvers have screws that loosen up. I check the screws after each range session and snug up the loose ones. When I get perturbed at any one screw, I Loctite it. It's no big deal. Just be sure to use hollow-ground screwdrivers when working on guns. Few things are as ugly as a messed up screw head on a nice gun.

 

[fireman 9731]

My new 442 had a thread locking compound on the front screw from the factory. Also be aware that there is actually a little plunger on the end of the front screw to retain the cylinder yoke. Make sure you don't get anything in there that could bind it up.

 

[Reloadron]

While Loctite or any thread locker will fix the problem I seriously doubt you paid for a brand new gun with either an undersized screw or over sized screw hole? While I also can't understand 1,000 dry fires n a new revolver that is here nor there. Point is did you buy a gun that simply put was "not right" out of the factory? Were this my gun that I paid a price for as new it would be on a road trip to S&W for a fix. Unless of course you are happy with poor quality right out of the factory in which case use nail polish.

Just My Take....
Ron