Loosening Hammer Screw

[TenTeton]

I recently picked up my brand new Big Boy. I started dry firing to get used to working the lever and noticed that as I work the lever a screw that I've identified from the manual as the "hammer screw" progressively loosens. I was wondering if any you might have an idea of what the problem could be or have experienced this, I'm very new to firearms. Thanks!

[Sir Henry]

Welcome to the forum. I don’t have an answer but I’m sure someone will in the next day or so. Feel free to post often especially range reports.

[JEBar]

first welcome to our forum, delighted to have you join us .... do hope you will choose to read and post often .... screws working loose can and do happen .... the best thing I've found is to put a drop of Purple Loctite on the thread and then snug the screw into place .... using Purple allows the screw to be easily removed .... be sure to follow the link below to where you may add your Henry(s) to our community's total


http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... 45#p148145

[CT_Shooter]

Welcome to the forum from CT.

Times two for JEBar's advise about the screws. Loctite will help, but check them before and after each trip to the range, too.

[Team Roper]

My gunsmith gave me a dirty look when I said something about putting Loctite on mine and told me, please don't do that. All lever actions have the screwsitis thing.

[fortyshooter]

I just check them before and after firing my rifle. Always bring the correct fitting screwdriver with you.

[Sir Henry]

I just check them before and after firing my rifle. Always bring the correct fitting screwdriver with you.

That’s what I do with firearm screws in general. I don’t tighten them so tight they never come loose but rather tight enough that it takes a long time.

In addition to the correct fitting screwdriver I like to use a torque driver so I don’t over tighten them and always tighten them to the same tightness. This is especially true with scope rings.

0B462D72-ADF1-4A28-A953-BEEE6E5D0CE9.jpeg

8B4BAFA1-E066-4F54-A6B8-D8AE485DA5CB.jpeg

[Henri carabine]

My lever screw and scope rigs tends to get loose. I put a tiny drop of nail polish on the screw head and frame so I quickly see if it is loosened

[Henri carabine]

I just check them before and after firing my rifle. Always bring the correct fitting screwdriver with you.

That’s what I do with firearm screws in general. I don’t tighten them so tight they never come loose but rather tight enough that it takes a long time.

In addition to the correct fitting screwdriver I like to use a torque driver so I don’t over tighten them and always tighten them to the same tightness. This is especially true with scope rings.
0B462D72-ADF1-4A28-A953-BEEE6E5D0CE9.jpeg
8B4BAFA1-E066-4F54-A6B8-D8AE485DA5CB.jpeg

Do you by any chance have torque numbers for the various screws? Nice torque driver, where did you get it?

[rugrat]

Welcome to the forum TenTeton!

[Sir Henry]

I just check them before and after firing my rifle. Always bring the correct fitting screwdriver with you.

That’s what I do with firearm screws in general. I don’t tighten them so tight they never come loose but rather tight enough that it takes a long time.

In addition to the correct fitting screwdriver I like to use a torque driver so I don’t over tighten them and always tighten them to the same tightness. This is especially true with scope rings.
0B462D72-ADF1-4A28-A953-BEEE6E5D0CE9.jpeg
8B4BAFA1-E066-4F54-A6B8-D8AE485DA5CB.jpeg

Do you by any chance have torque numbers for the various screws? Nice torque driver, where did you get it?

First welcome to the forum. It’s a Sears Craftsman and I set it at a very light setting and leave it. I can’t remember the specific settings but do remember it’s in inch pounds not foot pounds. Maybe six inch pounds?

Edit: picture and cut line added.

AC394BB8-5229-4E42-93F5-622D21AE87E2.jpeg

It just occurred to me I could check. It looks like it’s set for eight inch pounds. I use this setting for almost everything.

[Conax]

Get a nice specialized gun screwdriver. I have a cheapy with about 10 bits stored in its handle. Whenever I clean the rifles I look for loose screws and snug them back up, carefully with the right bit. If you are deforming the slot you are using the wrong bit or tightening too much. When buying used I watch for buggered screw heads.
A Cimarron revolver I have seems to loosen one up after a hundred rounds or so. They can all do it.

[Grunt67]

Reading this thread aroused my curiosity about my rifle. Checked the screws, Hammer screw was slightly loose, two others also. Tightened them back up. Checked the scope mounting screws, the rear mounting screws were loos. Tightened them also.
Want to check zero after that, before hunting. Don't want that deer to stand there wondering why I missed him.

[Grunt67]

That’s what I do with firearm screws in general. I don’t tighten them so tight they never come loose but rather tight enough that it takes a long time.

In addition to the correct fitting screwdriver I like to use a torque driver so I don’t over tighten them and always tighten them to the same tightness. This is especially true with scope rings.
0B462D72-ADF1-4A28-A953-BEEE6E5D0CE9.jpeg
8B4BAFA1-E066-4F54-A6B8-D8AE485DA5CB.jpeg

Do you by any chance have torque numbers for the various screws? Nice torque driver, where did you get it?

First welcome to the forum. It’s a Sears Craftsman and I set it at a very light setting and leave it. I can’t remember the specific settings but do remember it’s in inch pounds not foot pounds. Maybe six inch pounds?

Edit: picture and cut line added.
AC394BB8-5229-4E42-93F5-622D21AE87E2.jpeg
It just occurred to me I could check. It looks like it’s set for eight inch pounds. I use this setting for almost everything.

Gene, I'm glad you posted this. Good idea. I couldn't find the Craftsman/Sears, but did find one made by Wheeler, on Amazon for $49.99. Got it on order, supposed to be here early Dec.
I did recheck the scope screws after I put 10 rds thru it, all still tight.
Thanks, pardner.

[Sir Henry]

I just check them before and after firing my rifle. Always bring the correct fitting screwdriver with you.

That’s what I do with firearm screws in general. I don’t tighten them so tight they never come loose but rather tight enough that it takes a long time.

In addition to the correct fitting screwdriver I like to use a torque driver so I don’t over tighten them and always tighten them to the same tightness. This is especially true with scope rings.
0B462D72-ADF1-4A28-A953-BEEE6E5D0CE9.jpeg
8B4BAFA1-E066-4F54-A6B8-D8AE485DA5CB.jpeg

Do you by any chance have torque numbers for the various screws? Nice torque driver, where did you get it?

You had a good question and I haven’t forgotten I did not give you a specific number. Some online research has given me information but it’s mostly S.A.E which doesn’t apply here.

Any machinists out there?

[Sir Henry]

Do you by any chance have torque numbers for the various screws? Nice torque driver, where did you get it?

First welcome to the forum. It’s a Sears Craftsman and I set it at a very light setting and leave it. I can’t remember the specific settings but do remember it’s in inch pounds not foot pounds. Maybe six inch pounds?

Edit: picture and cut line added.
AC394BB8-5229-4E42-93F5-622D21AE87E2.jpeg
It just occurred to me I could check. It looks like it’s set for eight inch pounds. I use this setting for almost everything.

Gene, I'm glad you posted this. Good idea. I couldn't find the Craftsman/Sears, but did find one made by Wheeler, on Amazon for $49.99. Got it on order, supposed to be here early Dec.
I did recheck the scope screws after I put 10 rds thru it, all still tight.
Thanks, pardner.

You are welcome. It’s been my experience what I think is lose one day is tight the next. The torque driver keeps me consistent.

[Grunt67]

My Wheeler torque wrench arrived today ( early ). Checked the screws, all good. Pretty good kit, wrench, several bits common to scopes, guns. Good instructions, torque chart for different size screws, etc.

[jstanfield103]

I have three torque drivers. Make sure after every use that you put the mechanical drivers back to 0 so there is no remaining tension on the spring, or calibration will not be correct after a while.

It would be great though if someone did have all the torque setting for the screws. That way a guy would not have to guess, 6 inch pounds is pretty light.

[ol'pole]

Had the same problem with my 45c revolver, bought some Vibra-tite purple thread locker off Amazon, works great and is made in the USA (Michigan)

[ol'pole]

Vibra-tite also has blue and red thread locker and one that works if there is oil present on the threads