Which Loctite do you use?

AzShooter · August 17, 2019, 11:29 AM

I decided to replace my sights on my GSG 1911 22. I ordered a new sight from CW Accessories and they recommended using Red Loctite. This stuff is permanent.

I miscalculated the sight position and had to move the sight. Well not an easy task. I should have used Blue which can be removed if needed.

Try as I may I couldn't get the Red to budge. I used a heat gun and finally a butain torch to no avail. I burned the fiber optic out of the sight and then figured the only alternative was to push the sight out, order a new size and reinstall.

I'm going to use Blue on the new sight.

What have you used with success?

**Aguila Blanca** · August 17, 2019, 11:47 AM

Red is for the garage, for rare use on the Jeep. On the gun bench, I keep blue (medium hold) and purple (light hold). For a sight in a dovetail, I would start with purple. If that didn't hold, I would then try blue. Under no circumstances to I allow red (or green) near a firearm.

**44 AMP** · August 17, 2019, 11:53 AM

Loctite makes a RANGE of products, red, blue, green, and probably some other color bottles I don't remember...and there is a number in the name. like 242, or 271, or some other number. The number is important, when used industrially. It is the number that identifies the product specifically. The colors are only general identifiers.

Loctite makes permanent, semi permanent and removable threadlockers. Permanent isn't coming loose. Ever.
Semi permanent can be loosened with heat.
Removable lets you unscrew with the proper tool.

I can recommend a product called GUNTITE. It's made for gun screws. Holds well, but screws/bolts come out fine with the proper screwdriver or wrench.

Last time I got some (and its been a while) was from the Sporting good section of Walmart, it came in a white tube with green lettering.

DO be sure to clean and properly de-grease the threads and the hole, or it won't hold well.

As to sights? hmmm we're talking dovetail here, right? I would not put any Loctite on a sight dovetail, at first. And its a .22? hardly needed, but ok...
For you (replacement) sight, I recommend after cleaning up the slide, install the sight with NO Loctite.

Shoot the gun enough so you can make any needed adjustments to the sight position FIRST. Then, when you are sure its in the right spot, make a witness mark on the side and slide. Remove the sight, add a drop of Loctite, and reinstall lining up the witness marks, and let cure. Sight will be in the right spot, and won't be going anywhere, now...

Good Luck.

FrankenMauser · August 17, 2019, 12:45 PM

I don't go any 'higher' than purple (222) for screws, dovetails (only if necessary), etc., unless I have a reason to do so.

Then it's blue (242/243).

Only very rarely will green (290) come out to play, such as when attaching the free float tube to the barrel nut for certain AR fore-ends.

Red stays in the garage.

dahermit · August 17, 2019, 01:39 PM

When I worked in the prosthetics industry (been retired for 14 years now), they used a Loctite product called, "Black Max", and as the name implies, a permanent product.

Onward Allusion · August 17, 2019, 03:16 PM

Blue for scope/sight applications. Red something that I want to be permanent 'cause it's a pain to take off.

Scorch · August 17, 2019, 04:14 PM

As a gunsmith, I keep a variety of LocTite products around. Red, purple, green, blue, black. Before you get too confused, LocTite uses numbers to identify their products so not all green or blue LocTite products are the same, and there are many different strengths of LocTite that are the same color. There are LocTite products that are oil resistant, penetrating, for use on non-ferrous metals, for
plastics, dielectric, heat conducting, heat release, you name it.

That said, I use much, much more green 290 and blue 243 than any other types, I buy the large bottles and go through about one a year. Red 271 or 277 lasts a long time in my shop, I still have the same small bottle I bought when I opened my shop 8 years ago (yep, learned that one early on). Black Max is a special use product, and is considered permanent (it is used to attach shotgun ribs), so that gets used very little as well. For most home hobbyists, I point them towards the LocTite 222 purple low-strength product (since most home users think if a little is good, a lot has got to be better).

natman · August 17, 2019, 05:49 PM

Red is for high vibration applications, like old British motorcycles. It has no place on a firearm. Use blue or for really tiny screws, purple.

tango1niner · August 17, 2019, 07:41 PM

purple... (Deep Purple)

reynolds357 · August 17, 2019, 08:13 PM

I usually use red on about everything except scope rings. I have a knack for being able to precision apply heat. A little heat and red turns loose.

berettaprofessor · August 17, 2019, 08:49 PM

Purple on gun-related things....222

stangbangr · August 17, 2019, 09:59 PM

I use Red. Never had an issue with it. A little heat and it comes loose.

kenny53 · August 18, 2019, 09:10 PM

I use blue.

TrueBlue711 · August 19, 2019, 01:44 PM

I use purple on screws on that hold the firearm itself together and blue on "add on" stuff like scopes. Never used red.

TruthTellers · August 22, 2019, 02:53 AM

I use blue for any situation when I need threads locked. If it doesn't hold, I step up to the next more powerful color.

Red is the strongest, but I've yet to ever have to use it for anything. I'm sure it'll be used for some sort of off road vehicle work in the future.

sparkyv · August 22, 2019, 07:19 AM

Blue on firearms. Red on wheel spacers and automotive engine uses.

jfruser · August 22, 2019, 11:22 AM

Purple and maybe blue on firearms. Never yet had cause to use red.

claydoctor · August 23, 2019, 06:05 AM

The front sight on my brand new Ruger LCP Custom left for parts unknown after the third shot. When I get a new sight from Ruger, I plan on using blue.

cslinger · August 23, 2019, 07:33 AM

Heat will break loose red. On a sight try heating a paper clip up to apply very precise amounts of heat around/to the sight.

99% of the time I use Blue Loc Tite but have used Red on a rear sight before.

HughScot · August 23, 2019, 11:49 AM

Here's a link for a list of Loctite products, with details.
https://henkeladhesivesna.com/henkel...inal_Links.pdf

reynolds357 · August 24, 2019, 12:37 PM

Blue and purple are complete waste of time on anything that is exposed to any amount of heat. They are so heat sensitive they are holding nothing once the gun builds up heat. Red or nothing, except in the trigger.
Nothing is usually the best choice. Degrease with brake cleaner, lube with a fast drying synthetic lube, torque down.

berettaprofessor · August 26, 2019, 06:59 PM

Quote:

They are so heat sensitive they are holding nothing once the gun builds up heat.

If you look at the chart from HughScot, almost all of them are listed -65 to +300F (except Blue Ultra High Temp at over 600). I doubt my gun barrel has ever reached that top temperature. and 53 in-lbs of the Purple 222 is probably enough.

August 17, 2019, 11:29 AM	#1
AzShooter Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2006 Location: Surprise, Az. Posts: 766	Which Loctite do you use? I decided to replace my sights on my GSG 1911 22. I ordered a new sight from CW Accessories and they recommended using Red Loctite. This stuff is permanent. I miscalculated the sight position and had to move the sight. Well not an easy task. I should have used Blue which can be removed if needed. Try as I may I couldn't get the Red to budge. I used a heat gun and finally a butain torch to no avail. I burned the fiber optic out of the sight and then figured the only alternative was to push the sight out, order a new size and reinstall. I'm going to use Blue on the new sight. What have you used with success?

August 17, 2019, 11:47 AM	#2
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,468	Red is for the garage, for rare use on the Jeep. On the gun bench, I keep blue (medium hold) and purple (light hold). For a sight in a dovetail, I would start with purple. If that didn't hold, I would then try blue. Under no circumstances to I allow red (or green) near a firearm. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

August 17, 2019, 11:53 AM	#3
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,833	Loctite makes a RANGE of products, red, blue, green, and probably some other color bottles I don't remember...and there is a number in the name. like 242, or 271, or some other number. The number is important, when used industrially. It is the number that identifies the product specifically. The colors are only general identifiers. Loctite makes permanent, semi permanent and removable threadlockers. Permanent isn't coming loose. Ever. Semi permanent can be loosened with heat. Removable lets you unscrew with the proper tool. I can recommend a product called GUNTITE. It's made for gun screws. Holds well, but screws/bolts come out fine with the proper screwdriver or wrench. Last time I got some (and its been a while) was from the Sporting good section of Walmart, it came in a white tube with green lettering. DO be sure to clean and properly de-grease the threads and the hole, or it won't hold well. As to sights? hmmm we're talking dovetail here, right? I would not put any Loctite on a sight dovetail, at first. And its a .22? hardly needed, but ok... For you (replacement) sight, I recommend after cleaning up the slide, install the sight with NO Loctite. Shoot the gun enough so you can make any needed adjustments to the sight position FIRST. Then, when you are sure its in the right spot, make a witness mark on the side and slide. Remove the sight, add a drop of Loctite, and reinstall lining up the witness marks, and let cure. Sight will be in the right spot, and won't be going anywhere, now... Good Luck. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

August 17, 2019, 12:45 PM	#4
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	I don't go any 'higher' than purple (222) for screws, dovetails (only if necessary), etc., unless I have a reason to do so. Then it's blue (242/243). Only very rarely will green (290) come out to play, such as when attaching the free float tube to the barrel nut for certain AR fore-ends. Red stays in the garage. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

August 17, 2019, 03:16 PM	#6
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	Blue for scope/sight applications. Red something that I want to be permanent 'cause it's a pain to take off. __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

August 17, 2019, 01:39 PM	#5
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	When I worked in the prosthetics industry (been retired for 14 years now), they used a Loctite product called, "Black Max", and as the name implies, a permanent product.

August 17, 2019, 04:14 PM	#7
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	As a gunsmith, I keep a variety of LocTite products around. Red, purple, green, blue, black. Before you get too confused, LocTite uses numbers to identify their products so not all green or blue LocTite products are the same, and there are many different strengths of LocTite that are the same color. There are LocTite products that are oil resistant, penetrating, for use on non-ferrous metals, for plastics, dielectric, heat conducting, heat release, you name it. That said, I use much, much more green 290 and blue 243 than any other types, I buy the large bottles and go through about one a year. Red 271 or 277 lasts a long time in my shop, I still have the same small bottle I bought when I opened my shop 8 years ago (yep, learned that one early on). Black Max is a special use product, and is considered permanent (it is used to attach shotgun ribs), so that gets used very little as well. For most home hobbyists, I point them towards the LocTite 222 purple low-strength product (since most home users think if a little is good, a lot has got to be better). __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

August 17, 2019, 05:49 PM	#8
natman Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2008 Posts: 2,607	Red is for high vibration applications, like old British motorcycles. It has no place on a firearm. Use blue or for really tiny screws, purple. __________________ Time Travelers' Wisdom: Never Do Yesterday What Should Be Done Tomorrow. If At Last You Do Succeed, Never Try Again.

August 17, 2019, 07:41 PM	#9
tango1niner Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: NY Posts: 317	purple... (Deep Purple)

August 17, 2019, 08:13 PM	#10
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	I usually use red on about everything except scope rings. I have a knack for being able to precision apply heat. A little heat and red turns loose.

August 17, 2019, 08:49 PM	#11
berettaprofessor Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2008 Posts: 1,091	Purple on gun-related things....222

August 17, 2019, 09:59 PM	#12
stangbangr Member Join Date: March 8, 2011 Posts: 92	I use Red. Never had an issue with it. A little heat and it comes loose.

August 18, 2019, 09:10 PM	#13
kenny53 Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2015 Location: My back yard Posts: 971	I use blue.

August 19, 2019, 01:44 PM	#14
TrueBlue711 Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2011 Posts: 489	I use purple on screws on that hold the firearm itself together and blue on "add on" stuff like scopes. Never used red.

August 22, 2019, 02:53 AM	#15
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,888	I use blue for any situation when I need threads locked. If it doesn't hold, I step up to the next more powerful color. Red is the strongest, but I've yet to ever have to use it for anything. I'm sure it'll be used for some sort of off road vehicle work in the future. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

August 22, 2019, 07:19 AM	#16
sparkyv Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2015 Location: Deepinnaheartta,Texas Posts: 318	Blue on firearms. Red on wheel spacers and automotive engine uses. __________________ μολὼν λαβέ NRA Life Member

August 22, 2019, 11:22 AM	#17
jfruser Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 350	Purple and maybe blue on firearms. Never yet had cause to use red. __________________ Regards, jfruser "Books and bullets have their own destinies."----Bob Ross

August 23, 2019, 06:05 AM	#18
claydoctor Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 450	The front sight on my brand new Ruger LCP Custom left for parts unknown after the third shot. When I get a new sight from Ruger, I plan on using blue.

August 23, 2019, 07:33 AM	#19
cslinger Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 2,045	Heat will break loose red. On a sight try heating a paper clip up to apply very precise amounts of heat around/to the sight. 99% of the time I use Blue Loc Tite but have used Red on a rear sight before. __________________ "Is there anyway I can write my local gun store off on my taxes as dependents?"

August 23, 2019, 11:49 AM	#20
HughScot Senior Member Join Date: July 4, 2016 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 166	Here's a link for a list of Loctite products, with details. https://henkeladhesivesna.com/henkel...inal_Links.pdf

August 24, 2019, 12:37 PM	#21
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	Blue and purple are complete waste of time on anything that is exposed to any amount of heat. They are so heat sensitive they are holding nothing once the gun builds up heat. Red or nothing, except in the trigger. Nothing is usually the best choice. Degrease with brake cleaner, lube with a fast drying synthetic lube, torque down.