Super Glue as LocTite?

[psyopspec]

I just bought a new scope for one of my rifles. It attaches to the firearm via screws on a picatanny rail. I remarked to a friend I needed to use LocTite on the screws to keep them from vibrating loose after rapid fire and he suggested using super glue instead since "we have some in the junk drawer, it holds just as well, and breaks just as easily with manual pressure."

It sounds plausible, but I want to get some other opinions. Anyone scoped their M-4 or added a tactical light to a handgun using super glue in lieu of LocTite? If not, do you think it could work?

 

[GRIZ22]

It will work for awhile but solvents with acetone will dissolve it eventually. Super glu also dries hard where Loctite dires to a plastic texture which is mor resistant to shock. Shock will eventaully break the hard hold that Super Glue gives.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

Loctite is designed for its intended purpose and is
also made to allow disassembly if necessary.

As Superglue dries the fumes can turn fingerprint oils
white and I fogged the lenses of a 'scope while using
superglue.

Superglue hardens brittle and is easily dissolved with
acetone based nailpolish remover. Acetone is also
not good on some stock finishes.

 

[Caimlas]

No, don't use superglu. It doesn't work - it will come undone after a single range session.

I'm guessing this is a Leapers 4x30 scope? I attempted to use superglu with it, and it was to no avail. I went down and got some locktite, and it works fine now.

 

[Sidewinder6]

Super glue is too brittle which is why it wont hold. It originally was designed as a replacement for stiches in medical instances and the application morphed into regular use. Get the LocTite. One tube will last you a long time. BTW, Blue Loctite is what allows you to open the seal again. Red will be alot more difficult.

 

[psyopspec]

I'm guessing this is a Leapers 4x30 scope?

TruGlo 2x red dot. Low cost (for the type of product it is), but so far I believe I've gotten what I paid for and no less. Time will tell.

 

[DWARREN123]

No, super glue is not a good idea. Use Blue colored Loc-Tite, it is removeable.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

This is one of those "Right tool for the job things." A threadlocker will be a much better choice. In fact, both the Superglue and the Loctite companies both make a super glue and a threadlocker product. That's a pretty good sign that they serve different purposes.

 

[PrimaryB]

I've been involved with other hobbies or my occupation that required the use of a thread locker. Blue loctite works. If it doesn't then you didn't prep or free the affecting areas of oil or grime. A good trick when removing a loctited screw is to heat your screwdriver tip and put into place and it will soften the blue loctite. This will take several attempts but it works. Be patient. Do not use red loctite on something with small or fine threads that you cannot apply direct heat to such as a open flame. It takes a greater degree of force and heat to loosen it. Be patient. A little does a lot of good.

 

[Hazzard]

Don't use superglue. Locktite is best. I've also found that fingernail polish is a good substitute for scope screws. It seems to hold up well for me if I can stand the smell of applying it.

 

[Lupinus]

I personally use nail polish on my firearms isntead of locktite. I find it holds up well, is cheaper, and if you run out the gf/wife is likely to have some

 

[offthepaper]

Use loc-tite. It's the correct material for your job.
BTW...Loc-tite is not expensive.

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

My loctite rules:

Blue on screws, and stuff I don't want buggered up, like Guns and fishing reels
Red on things I'd smack with a hammer, like automobile suspensions and power tool mountings. (The red will come undone).

Soakers, motorhead.

 

[DBR]

For things like scope mounts use Loctite 242 (blue) or the Permatex (blue) equivalent sold at most auto supply stores. Degrease with automotive brake cleaner (not carb cleaner) or better, acetone (available at most hardware stores). Just use the slightest drop of sealer on one side of each screw. Don't drown it, it might seep around into places you don't want it to go

You can release it with heat - about 350 F or I have found soaking it in Liquid Wrench over night works pretty well. Don't over tighten the screws. It will only harm the scope. Tighten each screw snug and keep working around the mount until they all feel equal.

 

[sm]

Use the proper Loc-tite for the task.

Clear Nail Polish will substitute in a pinch, and is removable.

 

[Lupinus]

I actually like colored nail polish that matchs the color of the firearm

black nail polish was 99 cents and is lasting me forever