Scope rings

[Smooch]

Does everyone degrease their scope rings and mounting bolts before installing them? If so, what do you use?

 

[WeiserBucks]

Brake clean or acetone.

 

[ndlawrence]

Acetone.

 

[eric1115]

Yes, for sure. Best is acetone, but I've used isopropyl alcohol in a pinch and had it work just fine. I'd imagine lacquer thinner or mineral spirits would do ok as well. Any good strong solvent you have sitting around is going to do the job.

 

[Smooch]

So does everyone degrease for the purpose of applying locktite, or do you still degrease if not applying locktite?

 

[WeiserBucks]

So does everyone degrease for the purpose of applying locktite, or do you still degrease if not applying locktite?

Degrease regardless.

 

[TaperPin]

Regular rubbing alcohol degreases well.

 

[LongOdds]

Another vote for Acetone. No issues yet.

 

[NSI]

I’ve seen no difference between acetone and rubbing alcohol when actively degreasing screws. I imagine the acetone would work somewhat better if you were to be less mechanically vigorous with the process.

-J

 

[Smooch]

93% rubbing alcohol did the trick just fine.

 

[UnckleBob]

So does everyone degrease for the purpose of applying locktite, or do you still degrease if not applying locktite?

Yes. The threads need to be clean and grease free.

I used brake cleaner.

 

[philcox]

This is a real noob question, but ...
1. What do you use to clean the threaded holes? Q-Tip? Pipecleaner?
2. Do you soak the screws and holes in acetone/alcohol, then clean OR just get the rag/q-tip/pipecleaner wet and clean?

 

[RWT]

Acetone in a jar with lid and they all soak for at least 1 beer. Then wiped and dried. Sometimes they retake a second dunk if they produced a lot of grease. Qtips dipped in acetone to clean all thread hole. Also wipe the inside of rings and ring cap holes. I’ll even wipe between and under the rail lugs.

Then I use Vibratite. Let it sit for at least 10 mins then install. Vibratite claims you can reuse the screw/bolt up to 4 times before you reapply. I used to use blue Locktite but ran into issue with it not curing. Then once installed and torqued to 22-25 & 65” lbs. I use a paint pen on top of every bolt head.

 

[AZ Gator]

I like to use brake cleaner in the thread holes. I feel like the pressure of the spray helps to remove debris/grease.

 

[Castle Rock]

Gas

 

[Broken Twigg]

If you are using acetone for nail polish removal, make sure it is straight acetone. Some nail polish removal acetone contains additives like vitamin E, dyes, and seed oils. Just check the label as a quick precaution. Not sure how these additives would effect the degreasing, but why take a chance?