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GENERAL => CZ Gunsmithing => Topic started by: Sulpgnir on March 05, 2023, 01:03:45 PM

Title: Removing red Loctite set screw with success
Post by: Sulpgnir on March 05, 2023, 01:03:45 PM
Long story short, I needed to remove the red Loctite set screw from CGW's adjustable sear to properly engage the manual safety.

I have a blowtorch, but decided to use a soldering iron (60W/450F) instead.  See setup below.  In about 10 minutes, the set screw came loose and backed all the way out.  The advantage of the soldering iron is that you can apply heat directly to the screw.  Initially, I didn't think 450F was going to be hot enough, but it worked.

As always, be careful when working with heat and electrical equipment!

The adjustable sear was fitted in 2019 on a different CZ.

(https://i.imgur.com/n86VcgQ.jpg) (http://"https://i.imgur.com/n86VcgQ.jpg")
Title: Re: Removing red Loctite set screw with success
Post by: AZ_GunGuy on March 05, 2023, 01:39:14 PM
That's a smart idea, thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Removing red Loctite set screw with success
Post by: Sulpgnir on March 05, 2023, 01:59:31 PM
That's a smart idea, thanks for sharing.

Thanks.  I think it may also work with rear sight set screws.
Title: Re: Removing red Loctite set screw with success
Post by: jwc007 on March 05, 2023, 04:25:02 PM
Great Idea!!!  8)  I'm going to have to remember that one!!!  :)

I've got one particular project that may need that, as I plan on using Red Loctite.
Title: Re: Removing red Loctite set screw with success
Post by: timetofly on March 05, 2023, 04:36:20 PM
Fantastic idea, thanks for passing it on.  I always wondered if red loctite on that screw was a one way trip.  You’ve shown us that it isn’t.  Congratulations on your ingenuity.
Title: Re: Removing red Loctite set screw with success
Post by: Sulpgnir on March 05, 2023, 04:50:47 PM
Great Idea!!!  8)  I'm going to have to remember that one!!!  :)

I've got one particular project that may need that, as I plan on using Red Loctite.

Fantastic idea, thanks for passing it on.  I always wondered if red loctite on that screw was a one way trip.  You’ve shown us that it isn’t.  Congratulations on your ingenuity.

Thanks gentlemen. 

Just a quick note, initially, I set a timer for 5 minutes and see if the screw would move.  It didn't.  I set the timer for another 5 minutes, and then it came out. 

If you are using a higher temperature soldering iron, it probably won't take 10 minutes.  YMMV.
Title: Re: Removing red Loctite set screw with success
Post by: SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM on March 05, 2023, 06:25:22 PM
Been doing it in a similar fashion for years. I have some "sacrificial" Allen wrenches and screw bits that I heat to high temp and insert in Loctite held fasteners and it will normally break them free pretty easily.
There's no way you can put a torch directly on something like a sear without ruining the hardness of the part and rendering it un-useable.
Title: Re: Removing red Loctite set screw with success
Post by: Grendel on March 05, 2023, 06:51:32 PM
If you read their site, Red Loctite will melt at 500*. I can imagine that temp. is an average, so a soldering iron should get there pretty quickly if you apply it directly to the part.
Title: Re: Removing red Loctite set screw with success
Post by: Sulpgnir on March 05, 2023, 06:52:19 PM
Been doing it in a similar fashion for years. I have some "sacrificial" Allen wrenches and screw bits that I heat to high temp and insert in Loctite held fasteners and it will normally break them free pretty easily.
There's no way you can put a torch directly on something like a sear without ruining the hardness of the part and rendering it un-useable.
A "sacrificial" Allen wrench was my original plan, then the soldering iron came to my mind.  The soldering tip was just small enough to make contact with the set screw.
Title: Re: Removing red Loctite set screw with success
Post by: Lock-n-load on March 05, 2023, 08:30:09 PM
Great idea thanks for the info!
Title: Re: Removing red Loctite set screw with success
Post by: newageroman on March 06, 2023, 04:12:53 AM
Very nice results!
I needed to remove and reset one and CGW said hit it with a torch and melt it so I did. I thought about doing the soldering iron and think I even mentioned that in the email to CGW but I can't remember specifically.

Here is the thread:
https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=120419.msg935440#msg935440 (https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=120419.msg935440#msg935440)

I will say that from now on, moving forward on other builds I think I am just going skip the $$$ of the Adj. Sear, and match the stock sear to the safety as it provides better contact area.