[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Loose bolt key

Posted: 11/16/2004 7:14:02 PM EDT

How common is it for a staked Bushmaster bolt key to shoot loose? I was experiencing short stroking and jamming this week at the range and upon examining the rifle I discovered that both screws on the bolt key had backed out and the key was loose and leaking gas. After tightening the short stroking was solved. Can locktite be used to help keep the screws secure ? Whats the scoop? Thanks

Posted: 11/16/2004 7:33:09 PM EDT

[#1]

It's very common for Bushmaster bolt key screws to shoot loose.

You can use Loctite, but staking the screws yourself is pretty easy.

Just re-tighten the screws and use a pointed punch to place 3 dimples around each screw. Make sure they are deep and close enough to the screws, to drive some of the key material tightly against them.

Posted: 11/16/2004 7:35:54 PM EDT

[#2]

Loctite might come loose in time, heat or solvents might mess with it, stake it right and it will never come loose.

Posted: 11/16/2004 9:16:51 PM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
Loctite might come loose in time, heat or solvents might mess with it, stake it right and it will never come loose.

+1

I take the key completely off, spray the whole thing down with brake parts cleaner/gunscrubber, get it clean and dry. Then I locktite the gas key screws, install, torque em down good. Then get a center punch, and stake the hell out of the sides of the gas key right next to the screws.... so that the key metal swells out and impacts the screw head. They wont come loose again.

If you just tighten them back down, I promise it's just a matter of time.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Loose bolt key

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Loose bolt key

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Loose bolt key