Is Thread Lock really necessary?

[Mr. G36!]

Searched but couldn't find a conclusive answer; I apologize if this is covered in detail elsewhere.

Anyway, how necessary is Thread Lock when it comes to the screws in your Mechbox? Is it really a necessity, or do some just prefer to play it safe? Will the box crack open and spew gears all around your receiver if you don't use it, or will a decent tightening do the job just fine?

[W0lf]

In most cases thread lock is the "better safe than sorry" tool. In some cases though it is what keeps things together

[CDN_Stalker]

Don't do it, not required. Most mechboxes use shitty metal (el cheapo) screws as it is, I've never seen any unscrew from gun use, but I've worked on one mechbox that had threadlocker on it (the permanent type) and I had a bitch of a time opening it (I did thanks to my Dremel). Mechboxes will always need to be opened to clean, put new grease, new upgrades, etc. so use threadlocker (the appropriate type) very sparingly. Like on the pistonhead is generally good.

If you must use threadlocker, just use nail polish.

[Blackthorne]

LOL...I thought you were going to start bitching about having a thread locked by the mods....

Don't us it on your mechboxes. The metal is so soft the screws get plenty of bite. If you lock then the cheap ass screws will strip when you try to remove them.

If you are really worried, take some nail polish and paint a thin coat over the screw head on onto the box, that should do the job

[W0lf]

But depending on where you're using the nail polish thread lock, you might want to focus on using clear polish. Having neon purple leaking out of the side of your gun would signal too many flaws

[CDN_Stalker]

Tell that to TM with that red goo they put on the mechbox shell screws.

[ThunderCactus]

I find it's not required, and certainly not recommended, on G&P mechboxes. Although some mechboxes, like CA and TM, will tend to have their screws rattle loose over a while. Use the least powerful loctite you can find, even blue can end up badly. I had someone use red loctite on a CA mechbox screw, took me a half hour with a lighter and a chisel to remove that screw. FYI the chisel was the only thing that could actually grab into the screw after it stripped.

[Danke]

Anywhere you've got screws in a location that is subject to vibration you may need some type of chemical locking agent.

Has anyone tried linseed oil? Something that isn't aggressive but still tacky.

You could also try the dab of paint or locktite on the outside off the threads to freeze the head of the screw to the shell, and then flicking that off with a knife tip before undoing.

[TokyoSeven]

Ive never thread locked my mechbox, but sometimes just as a prudent course of action I use some of the weaker thread lock on the piston head screw that attaches the piston head to the piston. Just in case, only because Ive had it rattle loose before.

[kalnaren]

20,000+ rounds through my gun. Never used threadlock. Never had a mechbox screw come loose.

[Caped_crusadar]

ive never needed it, never even had one of my screws come loose, but if your not willing to check every 2 months or so, you could put some tape across the top, or then inserting it, poke it though a sheet of paper, so it wraps around the underside of the cone, applying back pressure, helping it stay in place.

[JayPee]

I've used the Blue color threadlock which is removable. A tiny bit will do the job....so far no problem.

[Slick]

Thats what the gold lock washer is for. Threadlock is just overkill.