Carry Handle help

[captdreifus]

I have a question about the tightening of the carry handle. I know this subject has been covered before in 2010 and 2012 since I did use the search function. My question now is how tight is too tight, and will over tightening the carry handle damage the receiver? This was not discussed in the other threads.

I am using a BCM mid-length upper with carry handle that I bought ~2009-2010 and tightened the thumb screws to hand tight plus 1 whole extra turn. I also purchased 5k worth of ammo when it was at a more reasonable price.

At around the 800 round mark on the rifle, I noticed the CH was loosening up. I did not have thread locker at the time since I was at the range. I tightened again to the witness marks. Another 150 rounds or so the carry handle was getting loose again.

When I got home, I removed the CH and cleaned the threads to the thumb screws. I then used blue thread locker and tightened the thumb screws to hand tight and this time to 1 3/4 turn extra so the thumb screw notches were both parallel. There was some creak when I was tightening it up.

So is this too tight? Am I damaging something? This is a defensive weapon and I did not want my sighting system fall off when I would need it most.

Thanks,
Capt

[markm]

You should be good now. Keep an eye on it.

I tighten mine up with a big screw driver, but I don't give it much more than good and snug.

[captdreifus]

I also failed to mention that I cannot turn the thumb screws anymore.

[T2C]

I tighten the screws as tight as I can with a quarter inserted into the slot on the screw.

[agr1279]

I also failed to mention that I cannot turn the thumb screws anymore.

How much have you tightened them? Is it due to removing the knurls on the nuts or are they bottoming out?

Dan

[Doc Safari]

I tighten the screws as tight as I can with a quarter inserted into the slot on the screw.

I do that, but I hold the quarter with a SOG multi-plier. That gives me a little extra, and it did eventually "bottom out" where I couldn't turn it anymore.

[captdreifus]

They are most likely bottoming out. Is there going to be damage to either the receiver or CH?

[scoutchris]

You're totally fine. Don't worry about it. Shoot that bitch and enjoy.

[samuse]

Are you pulling the studs through the handle?

I go finger tight + 1/4 turn [max] with a screw driver. Make sure the sight is butted up to the front of the rail slot.

I got that from Trijicon's installation instructions on their ACOGS. Same type of hardware. Never had a problem.

[captdreifus]

Sorry, what do you mean by pulling studs through the handle?