My stock shift knob came loose
 

How do i tighten it back up?

Might sound like a dumb question but ive never had a stick like this one

Is this on a manual or automatic? Pretty sure you just line up the whole on the shift knob with the screw on the shift knob and turn it around till it falls in place then just tighten it up

Manual. I was in the middle of shifting and the knob spun, now if i twist it till its tight its not lined up straight

I put a little contact adhesive on the threads(just a little drop) before I screwed mine back on. It will hold the knob from turning, but you'll still be able to give it a good twist and break it loose it you need to. Just screw it down until it lines up and let it cure for a while.

What purpose does the lite silver ring under the knob serve? Id that what locks it in place?

Usually I twist it till its tight then move it around till its centere so its a little loose but not loose where it moves around when shifting

Not to come off like a wise-ass. Just turn clockwise till its tight. Good luck

when i do that till it's tight the numbers don't line up anymore

hmm mine is a little lose as well but I have to give it some effort to twist it. You can always use it as an excuse to get a cool shift knob to replace it :D

If you don't plan on swapping your knob, you could put a little locktite on the threads and alight it straight. That way it wont come loose again and it'll be straight.

Then start screwing it in from a different starting position, ie; make it so the numbers face you upside down and then start screwing in.

This. Probably your best solution. My shift knob moved a bit last summer when the temperatures were quite hot. locktite should set it in place for a while.

Threads don't work like that...