Big Boy Lever Swap

[NorthernBoy]

Getting ready to switch to a large loop lever on my BBSteel 44mag. Seems like I remember someone saying that their lever screw kept creeping back out, so they recommended using a drop of locktite on it. Don't remember which color. The instructions don't call for it, though, so I thought I'd better get some confirmation before I do anything.

[wailer1]

Swapped mine, no Loctite needed. If you insist, then use the blue, though it will be the devil to remove in the future.

[Rugerfanboy]

Swapped mine, no Loctite needed. If you insist, then use the blue, though it will be the devil to remove in the future.

The blue will not need any heat or special tools to loosen the lever screw up. My Henry Big Boy Steel chambered in 357 Mag and one chambered in 44 Mag, I had to use blue loctite on the large lever screw.

[Rugerfanboy]

http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/t_lkr_ ... ue-242.htm
Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 is designed for the locking and sealing of threaded fasteners which require normal disassembly with standard hand tools.

Or you can use Permatex Threadlocker Blue from Walmart....$2.96 0.8 oz bottle
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Permatex-242 ... 3=&veh=sem

[tractortad]

I've got two big boys that occasionally have the lever screw loosen up, and I thought about using some blue loctite to keep them tight. After I looked at how far that screw has to back out to come all the way off, though, I changed my mind. It is real obvious when that screw starts coming out - almost looks/feels like a push button safety. I opted to let it be and tighten it when it needs it rather use loctite and chance goobering up the screw during removal. I take the lever off when I clean my big boys to get at barrel from the chamber end, so I take that screw off routinely. Rather have it loose than damaged...

[PT7]

Welcome, NorthernBoy, from the Show-Me-State.
Enjoy your visits on the Henry Forums!

Getting ready to switch to a large loop lever on my BBSteel 44mag. Seems like I remember someone saying that their lever screw kept creeping back out, so they recommended using a drop of locktite on it. Don't remember which color. The instructions don't call for it, though, so I thought I'd better get some confirmation before I do anything.

[CT_Shooter]

Welcome from CT, too. Glad you joined the Henry/shooting/firearms conversation.

[Rugerfanboy]

I've got two big boys that occasionally have the lever screw loosen up, and I thought about using some blue loctite to keep them tight. After I looked at how far that screw has to back out to come all the way off, though, I changed my mind. It is real obvious when that screw starts coming out - almost looks/feels like a push button safety. I opted to let it be and tighten it when it needs it rather use loctite and chance goobering up the screw during removal. I take the lever off when I clean my big boys to get at barrel from the chamber end, so I take that screw off routinely. Rather have it loose than damaged...

If you ever bugger up a Henry rifle screw....you can take a fine file to the top of the screw. After knocking off the burr or fixing the damaged area....you can use some cold blue (SKINNER BLUE) from Skinner Sights and it will make the screw look new again. We've all been there and done it before using the wrong screw driver or put a burr on the screw head cause the screw driver was too small or our screw driver slipped and goobered up the screw head. I know I have and I've repaired two screws so far. This $4 bottle was worth the money in my opinion.

SKINNER BLUE
http://www.skinnersights.com/testimonials_12.html

[Frank V]

A trick I tried years ago with a loose screw was to wrap it with one wrap of plumbers teflon tape. Wrap it so when you tighten the screw it tightens the teflon too. I did this with a screw & it's stayed for years.
Might try it it's a cheap fix.
Good luck.

[Sir Henry]

I've got two big boys that occasionally have the lever screw loosen up, and I thought about using some blue loctite to keep them tight. After I looked at how far that screw has to back out to come all the way off, though, I changed my mind. It is real obvious when that screw starts coming out - almost looks/feels like a push button safety. I opted to let it be and tighten it when it needs it rather use loctite and chance goobering up the screw during removal. I take the lever off when I clean my big boys to get at barrel from the chamber end, so I take that screw off routinely. Rather have it loose than damaged...

A lot of people don't realize screws need to be checked often. This is even more true with scope mounts. Tighten them enough to stay relatively tight but not overly tight. This means you will need to retighten them after eight hours use.