Diana Model 36 Front Stock screws loose

[RANGER94]

Hello!  Quick question – I was shooting my Diana Model 36 at 25 yards, and noticed the accuracy was suffering.  The other day I was shooting low (somewhat consistent) and then today I was shooting way high (6 inches) (less than consistent). I also noticed the front of my stock was “squishy”.  My front two stock screws were very loose.  Is there a way to keep those two screws tight?  Loctite?  Or Torque setting?

Thanks!!

Ranger94

[Yogi]

I like Vibra-Tite.  Front stock screws should be very snug.  Trigger screws can be part of your tuning experience.
Think about adding Crazy glue, thin stuff, or something similar to your stock screws.  There is a sticky on how to do it.
Then think about a steel washer, lockwasher, front stock bolt.  That should hold it.  But check often...

-Y

[Roadworthy]

Remove your front stock screws and you'll find a star washer on each.  Put a flat washer between the star washer and the wood.  The star washer will slowly chew its way through the wood and the screw will become loose.  Before reassembling put Vibratite VC-3 on each screw and follow the directions.  Remove the front trigger guard screw and add Vibratite VC-3 there, too.  Tighten all three screws.  If you must have a torque, try fifteen inch pounds.

[Lt. Dan]

My tube of Vibratite VC-3 is dried out so I was about to order another tube when I noticed Amazon now offers Vibra-TITE VC-3 Tape Instant Threadlocker.

Has anyone tried the TAPE?

[Back_Roads]

 Speaking of tape, liquid electrical tape is what I use now for adjustable threads.  Holds better than Vibra tite liquid anyway.

[Lt. Dan]

I've had great results using Vibratite VC-3 on my front stock screws on all of my spring powered rifles and with flat washers under the star washers. 

[lefteyeshot]

If you can find small enough lock washer that should work. Also don't forget to tighten the rear stock screw that goes thru the trigger guard.

[Toxylon]

It seems Vibratite has taken the springer community by storm. I have Loctite in a couple of forms and have used it for years, but that's just so last season 

Are there specific differences that make Vibratite a better choice?

[Yogi]

It seems Vibratite has taken the springer community by storm. I have Loctite in a couple of forms and have used it for years, but that's just so last season 

Are there specific differences that make Vibratite a better choice?

Yes, you can further tighten or loosen the screws after set-up and they still stay put!
-Y
The Loctite I have used, one you break the bond, you have to start all over again.

[Back_Roads]

 I may add Vibra-Tite and liquid electric tape cure in minutes not hours like thread locker, so you can get to shooting sooner

[Toxylon]

Well, there's a twofer for Vibratite, then!

[tjk]

Bucky, too many great suggestions for me to pile on!!! One thing I would strongly recommend is Roadworthy's advice to add a flat washer between the wood and whatever locking style washer your rifle came with,....especially star type lock washers.

[Yogi]

Bucky, too many great suggestions for me to pile on!!! One thing I would strongly recommend is Roadworthy's advice to add a flat washer between the wood and whatever locking style washer your rifle came with,....especially star type lock washers.

Harden the wood first with liquid Crazy Glue, or the like...

-Y

[RANGER94]

Thanks for help here!

I went to Lowes and bought #8 washers (zinc), and had to grind them down (drill, nut&bolt, file) to get them to fit into the hole in the stock, and also had to increase the size of the hole through the washer to be able to put the bolt thru.  I also purchased Star Washer:  Lock Washers, External Tooth #10.  I then put Vibra-Tite VC-3 on the threads, and reinstalled back into stock.  I also removed the front screw from the trigger guard, and did the same with the Vibrat-Tite VC-3.

Today the weather in the NorthEast is not great, I will give it a try tomorrow.

Once again, many thanks!!!!

[Yogi]

Thanks for help here!

I went to Lowes and bought #8 washers (zinc), and had to grind them down (drill, nut&bolt, file) to get them to fit into the hole in the stock, and also had to increase the size of the hole through the washer to be able to put the bolt thru.  I also purchased Star Washer:  Lock Washers, External Tooth #10.  I then put Vibra-Tite VC-3 on the threads, and reinstalled back into stock.  I also removed the front screw from the trigger guard, and did the same with the Vibrat-Tite VC-3.

Today the weather in the NorthEast is not great, I will give it a try tomorrow.

Once again, many thanks!!!!

Should have used metric Stainless Steel, IMHO.

-Y

[Toxylon]

M5 washers work perfectly on Diana front stock screws, no need to grind.

[RANGER94]

&^^&!  That is what I should have done!  But that is what happens when you run to Lowes and the honey due list catches up to you, and you only have about 10 minutes to get moving!  Thanks for the tip on the Metric M5 washers!

[tjk]

Next time check out the file type shelves I. The hardware dept at Lowe’s. You will find the metric washers in them.