Loose choke tubes function poorly when not mated tight to the barrel of a shotgun. When one becomes loose prematurely, it’s a serious problem. Luckily, there are several methods that can keep a choke tube secured tightly that don’t take much time or effort to fix.
Spontaneous loosening occurs when a choke tube rotates or twists free due to shock and vibration. Even a small rotation of the choke tube can cause it to lose its preload, which is why it’s the most common reason for a choke tube becoming loose.
In this guide, we’ll discuss in more detail why choke tubes become loose and the top fixes to prevent them from backing out.
Why do choke tubes become loose?
The most common reason for a choke tube becoming loose is due to spontaneous loosening. This happens when a choke tube rotates or twists free as a result of shock or vibration, even with just a small rotation causing the choke to lose all of its preload.
Vibrations from rounds being fired are the obvious culprit to these effects and can’t be eliminated. As such, there are several mitigating factors that have proven to work well to limit the effects of rotational self-loosening.
Factors that can cause a choke tube to become loose include excessive lubrication, insufficient tightening or torque, a misaligned choke, and damaged or stripped choke threads. Inspect the choke and barrel closely to identify if these issues are present so they can be corrected before taking additional measures.
Why choke tubes loosen
- Excessive lubrication
- Insufficient tightening
- Over torqued
- Misaligned choke
- Damaged barrel or choke threads
Top 5 Fixes to Prevent Loose Choke Tubes
Nothing is more frustrating than having a choke tube constantly back out or loosen during a hunt or on the sporting clay range. Not only is it a safety hazard, but it can lead to premature thread wear resulting in choke or barrel damage. Here are the top ways to keep a choke tube tight without it backing out.
1) White Teflon Tape
The simplest and least invasive way to keep a choke tube from loosening is to use plumbers tape or white Teflon tape. Almost everyone already has Teflon tape in their tool bag for repairs around the house, and this is the perfect time to break it out for a different type of application.
Even though Teflon tape is primarily used to seal voids in threads to prevent water and gas from passing through, it can provide enough binding to keep choke tubes tight. Start by wrapping the tape at the second thread from the end of the tube so it doesn’t block the opening. Pull the Teflon tape tight and wrap it in the same direction as the threads. Usually, 1-2 wraps is enough to cover the threading.
It’s important not to go overboard with too much tape. Use just enough so that the choke can be hand tightened and it still sits flush the barrel. If you need Teflon tape quick, you can pick it up on Amazon for cheap .
2) Choke Tube Grease
Choke tube lube, grease, and oils are typically used as anti-seizing agents to prevent stuck choke tubes, but they can also be used to provide cohesion to keep a choke tube in place. Grease that contains stickier compounds, such as those with zinc and lithium, are more prone to cause threads to bind or stick.
Lubricating oils and penetrating solutions can cause chokes to back out more frequently. Excessively lubricated choke threads are a major reason why most chokes suffer from rotational self-loosening. Lubricating oil should only be used to apply a thin coat to the choke threads to prevent corrosion.
One option that is extra sticky and works great for this purpose is the Sage & Braker Gun Grease. It only requires a few beads on the choke threads to get a uniform coating as the choke is installed. Once it sets up, it can help prevent a loose choke from occurring.
3) Locktite Thread locker
Thread locker from Locktite has been around forever, and if you’re no stranger to fixing automotives, you’ve probably used it before. While it was specifically made for bolts, there’s no reason why it can’t be used for choke tubes as well.
But the key to using Locktite for chokes is to focus on low strength recipes and use them sparingly. The two versions that work for this application are purple and blue Locktite. These are both removable thread lockers and won’t cause a permanent bind.
Locktite versions
Apply only a small amount of thread locker to the choke threads. Coating two or three threads is usually enough. Install the choke and let the thread locker work its way into the threads as it turns. It will take 10-20 minutes to fully set.
4) Choke Wrench – Extra Torque
Choke wrenches are convenient tools for installing and removing choke tubes. When a choke becomes loose, chances are it may not have been tightened properly.
There are two types of choke wrenches, brand specific and universal. Brand specific wrenches only fit a certain brand or model of shotgun (ex. Browning). Universal wrenches fit all choke tubes and rely on friction as they expand inside the choke and grab the inner walls.
Choke wrenches can keep a choke from becoming loose by allowing you to apply the needed torque to prevent shock and vibrations from breaking it free. Hand tightening is preferred if your setup allows it, but if you have reoccurring loosening issues, applying slightly more torque with a choke wrench is the answer.
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5) Replace the Choke
If you’ve exhausted all other options, the last is just to replace the choke tube itself. Sometimes chokes are either made out of spec or become damaged over time. You may not even be able to see it with the naked eye.
Once a choke tube is out of spec, there is no correcting it. This usually happens when the choke is misaligned and the shot column slams into it while exiting the barrel. This repeated slamming can cause the choke to break free and back out.
If you want an affordable, versatile replacement choke tube – that can deliver tight patterns at longer ranges – look for a ported choke tube that costs around $80. It will work well with most shotguns while hunting over decoys or for passing shots. (The Patternmaster Code Black has been our favorite for this style for many years). Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
Bottom Line: Use Teflon Tape on Loose Chokes
Choke tubes become loose due to shock, vibration, or dynamic loads from repeated firing. This effect is known as spontaneous loosening.
The best way to prevent a choke from becoming loose is to apply a small amount of white Teflon tape to the threads. This will help the threads lock into place and prevent self-loosening from occurring.
Other methods to keep a choke tube tight are to use sticky grease, a thread locker such as Locktite, or to apply more torque with a choke wrench. If these methods aren’t successful, the last option is to replace the choke tube. It may be out of spec.
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Last update on 2025-10-18 / Affiliate links / Product Images from Amazon Product Advertising API