Gunsmithing Removing green loctite residue

[memilanuk]

So... I've got a part that needed to be affixed using green loctite, per the directions. Started to put it on, but realized I'd gotten some of the goo on the outer surface (threads) as well, and pulled it off. Surprise, surprise, that stuff sets up FAST! Now its spread over the tenon and the inside of the sleeve as well, and I need to remove it COMPLETELY before starting over.

I know heat loosens it up, but is there anything out there that (safely) acts as a solvent for removal?

TIA,

Monte

 

[338RUM runner]

Epoxy paint remover will take it off and not hurt the blue finish

 

[Jethro3898]

I have used acetone......the real stuff, not your wife's fingernail polish remover.....to loosen many screws on rifles that were Locktite-ed in. Just place a drop on the screw head and let the capillary action flow it into the threads. Usually one or two drops will dissolve Loctite. I have never noticed any degradation of the finish, but then again I'm very careful where I put it (on the screw head).

Long story short, Acetone will dissolve it, but I have no idea what it might do to the finish on your part.

Here is a long shot, but maybe 91% (or greater) Isopropyl Alcohol might dissolve it. I've taken all kinds of crap off with 91% IP.

 

[biner626]

I'm guessing this is for an AR barrel assembly. Would acetone hurt anodizing?

 

[RugerSlinger]

I'm guessing this is for an AR barrel assembly. Would acetone hurt anodizing?

Nope, use it all the time to clean parts before cerakote.

 

[memilanuk]

I'm guessing this is for an AR barrel assembly.

Actually... its not. It's a barrel tuner (machined from solid brass) designed to slip-fit over the tenon for a front sight on a LR Prone/Palma type barrel. All materials are either bare stainless steel or brass.

I'll see what I can find at the hardware store, and give the acetone a try.

Monte

 

[EOD350]

I have used Goof Off on several different thread locking compounds. It stinks, but works well. It will even take dried paint off of carpet w/o damaging it, so it may work for ya.

 

[memilanuk]

Well... acetone seems to barely touch this stuff. 'Soaked' it for a bit, then took a piece of #0000 steel sopping wet with solvent and tried getting the adhesive off the inside of the sleeve - nada. I've also got a bit of it gumming up the inside threads about halfways up the length of the outer body - I could probably just 'chase' it out by threading the inner sleeve past it, but there isn't much for gripping surface and the brass is very soft - don't want to booger the threads up.

I've got some Loctite X-NMS solvent on order (that stuff ain't cheap - $30-45 for 2 oz!) but it'll probably be a week or so before it comes in. So I'm open to other suggestions/ideas in the mean while. I've got some lacquer thinner, and some MEK, sitting on the shelf. Might have to get some Goof Off - been meaning to get some anyways for removing some other stuff anyways - and give it a go.