Leupold CDS turret set screws come loose

[Koda_]

Love the VX6 scopes but I've never liked the 3 tiny set screws holding the turret caps on, seems too weak. Today hunting I almost lost a cap, lucky for me I was able to find it on the path but I got very lucky to find such a small item fallen off in the woods.

Leupold recommends 5inch lbs of torque. My Wheeler FAT torque wrench only goes down to 10in lbs, I'm generally pretty good with "finger tight" but this is the first time I guess I wasn't...

One thing I noticed about the set screws is they are really short compared to the threaded hole length they go into... (pic)
I'm wondering if anyone has found a set screw this size with a flat tip but longer?
Has anyone used blue loctite for extra assurance?
If I invest in a proper torque wrench will 5in/lbs proper over 3 set screws really hold it for good?

 

[Koda_]

I need to doublecheck thread size and length...

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[std7mag]

Did you try contacting Leupold?
They may send you the screws free of charge.

Yet another reason for me to like MOA reticles over CDS.

 

[just_jon]

Blue Loctite solved the problem for me on several scope brands.

 

[Koda_]

Blue Loctite solved the problem for me on several scope brands.

I'll give blue loctite a try. The Leupold screws are 3/16" (.1875") long, 6-32 threads. Im going to see if I can get some 1/4" to 3/8" long screws at the hardware store. The threaded hole is about 3/8" long so those would show but I dont think a big deal and the extra threads with some loctite should hold them great.
Thanks for the reply, its good to know someone else has found a solution to this 'small' problem.

 

[Will.284]

I use blue loctite and got longer set screws from my local ace hardware they have a awesome collection of gun screws

 

[Brathany]

I've a handful of CDS dial Leups. Trick is to seat all the screws evenly so they all require the same amount of engagement on the drum. In the past I discovered where I had two tight and one loose. I've not needed loctite, but it ain't a bad idea.

 

[skipglo]

I'll give blue loctite a try. The Leupold screws are 3/16" (.1875") long, 6-32 threads. Im going to see if I can get some 1/4" to 3/8" long screws at the hardware store. The threaded hole is about 3/8" long so those would show but I dont think a big deal and the extra threads with some loctite should hold them great.
Thanks for the reply, its good to know someone else has found a solution to this 'small' problem.

Be careful the longer screw doesn't bottom out before it tightens....I'd use what you have and as stated...blue loctite

 

[Koda_]

Be careful the longer screw doesn't bottom out before it tightens....

What does this mean?
The threaded hole is threaded all the way thru, the set screw will make contact with the turret body regardless of length.

 

[Will.284]

What does this mean?
The threaded hole is threaded all the way thru, the set screw will make contact with the turret body regardless of length.

I agree as I do it to all my stuff

 

[Koda_]

I use blue loctite and got longer set screws from my local ace hardware they have a awesome collection of gun screws

I stopped by ACE after work today, they didnt have the "extended tips" Leupold uses but had standard tip stainless set screws in longer lengths. I bought a few extras and will set this up with blue loctite before this weekends hunt. I'll bring a repair kit with the proper allen wrench and some extra screws in case but should be good to go.

 

[skipglo]

What does this mean?
The threaded hole is threaded all the way thru, the set screw will make contact with the turret body regardless of length.

My Bad...! Wasn't clearly thinking..Turret

 

[big johnson]

Been shooting a 338 RUM for 5 years and haven't had a issue, no loctite , etc. Just make sure that all 3 screws are close to being equal on the drum. Shot over 500 rounds and the dial is rock solid . Good Luck.

 

[Rflshootr]

I would use #222 loctite (purple). It is made for small screws.