Is their any rational behind using thread lock on a AR pistol buffer tube.

Blackstar65 · Jul 2, 2015

A buddy of mine had a pistol lower assembled by a gunsmith at a LGS. He bought a law tactical folding stock adapter and asked me to install it for him. I read up on it a saw that it didn't involve anything above my skill lever so I told him I would do it. I took a look at the lower and noticed the castle nut on the buffer tube was not staked which I though was odd but also was going in to make the install easier. Then I discovered that the gunsmith used thread lock on the castle nut and on the buffer tube possibly. From what I have learned thread lock should not be used.

Am I wrong?

Thanks in advance for the answers.

pwoolford · Jul 2, 2015

Here is a good write up about this topic:

http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=171639&highlight=thread+locker

friendlyhippo · Jul 2, 2015

Blackstar65 said:
From what I have learned thread lock should not be used.

Am I wrong?

No, you're very much correct. The locking liquid often stays a liquid for quite some time before finally curing, and can (and does) frequently creep into the buffer retainer hole just in front of the buffer tube, and lock up the retainer and spring....which can cause all sorts of serious problems.

Just stake the castle nut in accordance with the spec, and it ought to be just fine. Clean all that thread locker off first though.

Blackstar65 · Jul 2, 2015

friendlyhippo said:
No, you're very much correct. The locking liquid often stays a liquid for quite some time before finally curing, and can (and does) frequently creep into the buffer retainer hole just in front of the buffer tube, and lock up the retainer and spring....which can cause all sorts of serious problems.

Just stake the castle nut in accordance with the spec, and it ought to be just fine. Clean all that thread locker off first though.

I don't have anything that may generate enough heat to loosen the thread locker. I don't want have to buy him a new lower if something gets warped in the buffer tube removal process either. I told him what should be don't and sent him back to the gunsmith who built it to fix it right.

That might not be a good idea though...

parttimer · Jul 2, 2015

If having the original smith fix it fails. Your kitchen over will generate enough heat to loosen up most forms of lock-tite

pwoolford · Jul 2, 2015

Did you try to break it loose? I've had to heat locktite a few times but I can usually break the bolt/nut loose without it.

friendlyhippo · Jul 2, 2015

Blackstar65 said:
I don't have anything that may generate enough heat to loosen the thread locker.

A simple propane torch (20 bucks at lowe's should set you up fine) should generate considerably more heat than is necessary.

zoostation · Jul 2, 2015

friendlyhippo said:
A simple propane torch (20 bucks at lowe's should set you up fine) should generate considerably more heat than is necessary.

This. Or a MAPP torch is even hotter for a few more bucks. But might be a bit much for this application.

Depends if he used red or blue Loctite, blue melts at a much lower temp. But both should give with enough heat.

BradMacc82 · Jul 2, 2015

OP, just catch up with me - I'll loan you out my heat gun and mapp gas torch, take care of that issue really quick.

Can even stake the nut/endplate if you want.

Blackstar65 · Jul 2, 2015

BradMacc82 said:
OP, just catch up with me - I'll loan you out my heat gun and mapp gas torch, take care of that issue really quick.

Can even stake the nut/endplate if you want.

Thanks for the offer but he had the LGS fix the issue and install the law tac adapter.

jrumann59 · Jul 6, 2015

Blue loctite use muscles, red or purple loctite you need heat.

Is their any rational behind using thread lock on a AR pistol buffer tube.

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

Blackstar65

Ultimate Member

pwoolford

AR15's make me :-)

friendlyhippo

Banned

Blackstar65

Ultimate Member

parttimer

Ultimate Member

pwoolford

AR15's make me :-)

friendlyhippo

Banned

zoostation

, ,

BradMacc82

Ultimate Member

Blackstar65

Ultimate Member

jrumann59

DILLIGAF

Users who are viewing this thread

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Latest threads

Forum statistics

Share this page