Removing red loctite ?

[dogngun]

I recently bought a used 1911 and found something that looks like dried red loctite around the trigger area. Previous owner had installed an adjustable aluminum trigger and may have applied some (too much) to the adjustment screw.

Thanks.

Mark

[Cap]

I believe Loc-Tite suggests using heat for the red


..L.T.A.

[pa_guns]

Hi

+1 ...Heat it up and it should unscrew with a little effort.

Bob

[flyfish]

Does anyone know how hot it needs to be? Would a blow dryer do it or do you need a micro torch? I never use the red but come across it once in a while.

[pa_guns]

Hi

Simple answer, apply a bit of twist with the allen wrench and start heating. You probably will need something more than a hair dryer.

Bob

[Dave Berryhill]

Are you talking about red loctite applied to threads or excess loctite that is just on the surface of the metal?

[flyfish]

Are you talking about red loctite applied to threads or excess loctite that is just on the surface of the metal?I seem to encounter both at the same time. I guess that begs the question of how to remove it completely. At the same time I wouldn't want to overheat and damage a treated part.

[pa_guns]

Hi

Normally when the screw comes loose the rest of the "stuff" will come with it. If it does not, pick it off while it's soft.

Bob

[flyfish]

Thanks! I just give it a try next time. I have some Vertrel MCA that will gently remove any leftovers.

[Rocket 6R]

Does anyone know how hot it needs to be? Would a blow dryer do it or do you need a micro torch? I never use the red but come across it once in a while.

I heard from a gunsmith that it needs 322 degrees F. Don't quote me on this!

[dogngun]

Are you talking about red loctite applied to threads or excess loctite that is just on the surface of the metal?

I think it was applied to the trigger adjustment screw, but too much was used. I want to get it all out if possible...the trigger is just not "right" to me and I want to see if I can determine the problem...the gunk is just extra stuff I don't want in there.

Maybe put it in the oven at 350 like a pie...should probably do the pie first, though.

Thanks. I felt like this was a stupid question but I see others have run into this before. I really appreciate the help.

Mark

[edwardyoung]

I always use a soldering iron. Hold the tip against the screw for a few seconds and try to loosen it. Repeat as necessary.

[Dave Berryhill]

If it is excess loctite on the surface then it comes off pretty easily by chipping, scraping, etc. You might try some acetone to remove any remaining residue, followed by some oil to prevent rust.

If it is in the threads than heating is the only way to remove the screw.

[Morrisey]

Probably a silly question, but have you tried moving the screw without heat? Some people use nail polish as a "poor man's Loctite." In fact, a smith recently told me that Ruger uses nail polish to secure its sight screws on its Mark III pistols. If it's nail polish, it'll move without heat.

Also, if the previous owner got a little overzealous with GunButter Trigger and Locking Lug Grease, that, too is red (but it shouldn't have dried out).

Tom

[pa_guns]

Hi

Before there was Loctite there was Glyptal varnish. Also red, also pretty common stuff. (odd that the spell checker knows about Glyptal ..).

Bob

[dogngun]

I found the disassembly instructions posted here and saved them to my favorites section. I will attempt to disassemble and clean out my Daly pistol and hopefully fix the problem of the sticky trigger.

Thank you all for you help and all the great information to be found here.

Mark