Step Pivot Screws Keep Coming Loose

[richard5933]

I've had a problem with my step pivot bolts/screws coming loose for a while now. If I tighten them enough that they'd stay in place, the pivot is too tight to move. If I provide enough slack for the steps to move, the screws come out after just a few times opening/closing the steps.

I'm talking about the screws that hold the pivoting parts for the bottom step.

A thought I had was to use blue (medium hold) thread lock compound.

Anyone have a better suggestion to keep the screws in place yet still allow free movement of the step pivots?

[n2916s]

I would try the blue thread lock. Should solve the problem.

[Crackerman]

I always use blue loctite on step hardware. It keeps it together

[ROBERT CROSS]

Don't laugh....try this. I've used it on both machine screws and wood screws with good results… It even surprised me!

Bob
🇺🇸

[Rick n Mary]

Originally Posted by richard5933

I've had a problem with my step pivot bolts/screws coming loose for a while now. If I tighten them enough that they'd stay in place, the pivot is too tight to move. If I provide enough slack for the steps to move, the screws come out after just a few times opening/closing the steps.

I'm talking about the screws that hold the pivoting parts for the bottom step.

A thought I had was to use blue (medium hold) thread lock compound.

Anyone have a better suggestion to keep the screws in place yet still allow free movement of the step pivots?

Use blue Loc-Tite.
Like you said, blue can be (broken) loose with hand tools….. DO NOT use green! (Torch time for this stuff)…. Another option is what are called “nyloc” nuts. You may need to replace the bolts with a little longer bolt. (“Nyloc’s) are nuts with a disformable? nylon insert that will lock the bolt and prevent it backing out. Rick