Loctite and Torque Settings ("Dry Torque" versus "Wet Torque")

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eldog

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i have a set of talley alloy one piece rings/bases.

They are going on a Browning A Bolt Stalker Stainless/synthetic in 30.06.

The Talley website provides the following mounting directions:
Torque recommendations: For the lightweight alloy mounts: 20-25 in-lb for the base, 17 in-lb for the rings. Steel: bases 20-25 in-lb. Fixed rings, bottom screw 35 in-lb, top screw 17-24 in-lb. Detachable rings: large bottom screw 35 in-lb, small bottom screws 30 in-lb, top screws 17-24 in-lb. We do not recommend using Loctite but if you choose to do so then we recommend that you use a NON-permanent kind of Loctite.

I am considering using blue loctite on the base screws but not the ring screws.

My questions for the group are as follows:
1) What is your personal experience with Talley alloy one piece rings/bases and is loctite necessary on the base screws?
2) I have a Fat Max Torque Wrench. The torque recommendatons above are "dry torque". My understanding is that applying loctite to the threads changes the torque coefficient to "Wet Torque" which is different than "Dry Torque". What are your thoughts on "dry torque" versus "wet torque" and what would you set your torque wrench to if applying loctite to the bases?

Yuor feedback is appreciated?
 
I think the whole torque thing is over thought... but if you do use torque figures it makes everyone's 'good and tight' more equal.
 
I use loctite and for this kind of stuff either use the -%25 of the dry torque and somewhere in the middle of the 2 values or the simple way and get the dry loctite sticks. I stick to the sticks for my gun stuff. They have a torque spec for a reason, to tight you stretch or break the bolt, not enough and there isn't enough pre-load, it will either come loose or the part your tightening will move/wear/become loose from wear over time.
 
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While blue loctite will do the job, I think the best bet is purple "small screw" loctite. We're talking about a fastener that has very little load on it. Clean threads, proper torque, purple loctite. Fasteners have a very specific way of holding parts together, stretch is what does the work, if the bolt/screw is improperley stretched, problems will happen. Listen to the manufacturer of your parts regarding torques! Loctite is great stuff properley used. And remember, you don't need to dip the bolt in it, a tiny little amount is more than enough.

I am a heavy duty mechanic by trade, and deal with all types and sizes of fasteners, some of which will cost millions of dollars of damage if im-properly installed. I very rarely use loctite on anything, but it does have it's place.


Cheers YC
 
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Yes and always remember the torque specs are in INCH pounds, not foot pounds. I tightened......I mean I know a guy who tightened a set of Nightforce Ultralight rings to 65 ft/lbs instead of in/lbs, he broke the cross bolt that holds the rings to the base. Nightforce was pretty good about it and sent me....I mean they sent him a new set of rings.
 
ivo said:
Yes and always remember the torque specs are in INCH pounds, not foot pounds. I tightened......I mean I know a guy who tightened a set of Nightforce Ultralight rings to 65 ft/lbs instead of in/lbs, he broke the cross bolt that holds the rings to the base. Nightforce was pretty good about it and sent me....I mean they sent him a new set of rings.
Click to expand...

Haha, awesome post. My experience is to use blue loctite and the same torque specs. Never had a problem, always steel components however.
 
Dry torque to wet torque differs when you do it properly. Put a dab of loctite on a little screw that goes to 20 inlb's has little to ZERO affect period! I know I'm kinda beating a dead horse but its not like we are talking about torquing head studs on a motor for example. Some applications where you need 250+ ftlb's and accurately, then proper lube of threads, washers, nuts, etc. with the proper lubricant is used then ok. But a 20 inlb toqure to a small screw, it's more common sense than anything! Just my 2cents!
 
The locktite will have very little effect , between torque wrench inacurracy and engineering tolerances it wont amount to a hill of beans. Whens the last time the torque wrench was calibrated ? is it accurate to 4%?
the trick is to torque the fastner into its elastic range but not exceed it. The torque is applied once, dont be applying the stretch to the fastner and then repeatedly re applying it.
 
You're only talking inch-pounds of force. I'd use the same numbers myself.

Tight enough not to move, nice and even.
 
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