Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Locktite on your base screws?

What's your normal practice when mounting base screws?


I picked up one of the Wheeler F.A.T. wrenches. I've got a bad habit of being heavy handed with stuff. As a result I tend to overcompensate and leave stuff too loose like I did on a set of ring loops one time.

I'll set the wrench to specs on the rings and rest easy knowing I'll not over/under do it........hopefully.


Didn't know if you guys used locktite on the base screws only.

i don't, but it is a common practice.

Neither do I....but if you do and you have trouble removing the screws, try putting a soldering iron to the top of the screw before removal.

When I was younger and feeling particularly stupid, I managed to screw a set of bases on using 601 Lock-tite.....hence the soldering iron trick.

I use the blue loctite, which is medium strength, not the permanent (red) one. Blue loctite comes in 2 kinds that I know of, #242 (regular blue) and #243 (blue, oil resistant). Since there is always some oil residue on rifles, I figure the 243 is better. But Sinclair carries 242, go figure.

If you are worried abt taking your screws off, use the purple loctite, lowest strength. Just don't use the red one:-)

I use the blue locktite.I also run a tap thru the holes to clean out all of the gunk.A q-tip with a little degreaser,and I'm ready to go. Lightman

I clean the holes and screws with Ronson or Zippo lighter fluid. I use Red loctite on the base screws.

Use red everytime. Not hard to break them loose with a little pocket torch if they ever need removed. Want to MAKE SURE they don't come loose on a hunt. YMMV

Same here.

Blue for me on all the screws.

Dub,

Blue locktite for me.

That's a great idea!

I have used the red and blue depending on the intentions. The red is serious. For sure they won't be shooting loose.

If I plan to do some swapping I don't use any.

I've always used the low strength purple formula. I've never had a screw come loose with it, and the screws are very easy to remove if need be.

Thank you gents.

You've been most helpful in a very timely way.


I'm waiting on UPS to drop off a scope tomorrow...before noon, I hope. I'm going to mount it and get it zeroed on Thursday morning and in the woods for an aftertoon hunt. Wish me luck.


Last time I did a rush job like this with a new gun/scope I went directly from the range to my lease. I had an afternoon sit and watched a couple of does and a 7pt mess around forever around my stand. The 7pt rode home with me.


I could use some good time in the woods right about now.


I'll swing by Home Depot early in the morning to get some blue locktite and AA batts for my flashlights.

Pick up some lighter fluid too and clean the holes and screws.

I have been boycotting Home Depot 'cause they put some kids in a homo parade. A total lack of class.

If you're short on time and have no loctite, but have a lady in the house, just use a drop of her clear coat nail polish. Works like a charm.

Agree on the nail polish- holds well, and is easy to break loose when needed.

I understand what you mean.


The reason I use them is that I've had numerous bad experiences with the folks at the nearby Lowes. The Homo Depot customer service blows them away where the Lowes just blows you off.

I have a woman in the house but she's not a lady, would her nail polish still work?

Try useing the green loc-tite. I promise, they'll never work loose!!!!! not even if you want them too.