How do I remove blue Loctite from threads?

[aray]

I have a bolt that helps to hold my trigger control group in on a lever action rifle. I took it out and noticed that the manufacturer put in blue Loctite on the threads. Now I can't get it back together. I think it is the old blue Loctite that is causing the problem.

I tried soaking the bolt in 70% isopropyl alcohol for about 20 minutes then tried to rub it off with a rag. That didn't help at all. Even poking at the threads with somewhat harder substances (stiff toothbrush, toothpick, etc. - I don't want to scratch the threads) also didn't help.

Any thoughts? Also once I get the Loctite off of the male end of the bolt, I can't think of any way to get it off of the female end within the receiver. Hopefully once the Loctite is off of the male side, that won't be as much of a problem ... or will it?

Help? Thanks.

 

[Growler215]

I would try a brass wire brush. A small bronze bore/flash hole brush could get the female part de-gunked.

If that doesn't work, try with acetone.

 

[kennyd]

Leave no traces: How to remove glue from most surfaces

How to remove super glue and other adhesives from common surfaces. Bring out your inner handyman and get glue off clothing, floors, furniture, and more.

www.loctiteproducts.com

 

[Raineman]

Tap & die to chase the threads.

 

[Jim12]

Once ungunked, You should use blue locktite when reassembling it. The manufacturer used it for a reason.

I’m a bit surprised that that’s what’s preventing it from back together.

 

[ToBeFree]

The only way:

Nuke it from orbit

 

[Doco Overboard]

Using loctite to hold a gun assembly screw fast seems unusual to me especially being that there’s difficulty reinstalling the screw.
Could say if the firearm is new first time disassembled or who the manufacturer is?

 

[MigraineMan]

Blue Loctite is dimethylacrylate based, similar to "super glue." The recommended solvent is methylene chloride.

 

[wilcam47]

Using loctite to hold a gun assembly screw fast seems unusual to me especially being that there’s difficulty reinstalling the screw.
Could say if the firearm is new first time disassembled or who the manufacturer is?

I use the blue loctite on screws, one 10/22 i had to put some on the main bolt holding the stock. it shouldnt impede putting the screw in

 

[Doco Overboard]

I use the blue loctite on screws, one 10/22 i had to put some on the main bolt holding the stock. it shouldnt impede putting the screw in

For something like that I would tin the threads but loc tite would do I suppose because it works. As a matter of fact I think the main screw on a 10-22 has or used to be equipped with red thread compound from the factory.
I never removed a screw that had loc tite on it that couldn’t be reseated unless the threads were screwed up somehow, worn or not formed properly.

 

[smokey]

It's likely not the loctite keeping the screw from going in. I'd check other stuff. Anything stripped or binding?

 

[pre64hunter]

I never had any luck using acetone. Google search affirms that it's difficult to remove with solvents. I may try gas or brake cleaner next time or maybe fresh loctite and remove it before it dries. Blue loctite supposedly dries in the absence of air.

https://www.grainger.com/product/LOCTITE-Instant-Adhesive-Solvent-For-4KM49

 

[King Chicken]

Blue Loctite is dimethylacrylate based, similar to "super glue." The recommended solvent is methylene chloride.

Not sure they want to buy solvent for one bolt.

I'd guess wire brush, and it won't help with the original problem. Never heard of blue loctite stopping anything.

 

[wilcam47]

I have a bolt that helps to hold my trigger control group in on a lever action rifle. I took it out and noticed that the manufacturer put in blue Loctite on the threads. Now I can't get it back together. I think it is the old blue Loctite that is causing the problem.

I tried soaking the bolt in 70% isopropyl alcohol for about 20 minutes then tried to rub it off with a rag. That didn't help at all. Even poking at the threads with somewhat harder substances (stiff toothbrush, toothpick, etc. - I don't want to scratch the threads) also didn't help.

Any thoughts? Also once I get the Loctite off of the male end of the bolt, I can't think of any way to get it off of the female end within the receiver. Hopefully once the Loctite is off of the male side, that won't be as much of a problem ... or will it?

Help? Thanks.

Dremil has a brass brush wheel you can put on it.

 

[MigraineMan]

Not sure they want to buy solvent for one bolt.

I'd guess wire brush, and it won't help with the original problem. Never heard of blue loctite stopping anything.

Hobby shops sell small bottles of superglue remover that will probably work. Acetone (steal some of your wife's nail polish remover) is a maybe; depends on the specific formulation. Might try some WD-40 and scrub with the wife's toothbrush.

 

[Bob A]

We used to use methylene chloride back in the dark ages. If it gets on unprotected hands, be aware that it reacts strongly with wedding rings.

 

[TI-tick]

I'd give carb cleaner a try.

 

[BFMIN]

MEK? use with appropriate precautions, its big medicine!

 

[Boats]

Once ungunked, You should use blue locktite when reassembling it. The manufacturer used it for a reason.

I’m a bit surprised that that’s what’s preventing it from back together.

Same. I doubt that is the case.

 

[River02]

C4 with a little det cord is your friend...