It can be done.

I've worked on several J frames and never had this happen.
Was putting the front screw in, the one that holds the yoke for the cylinder.
(New 43C, had the plate off once before.)
Went to snug the screw and it popped and started turning again.
The hollow outer threads broke off and stayed in the gun.

I'm no gorilla arm, so I'm thinking this screw was defective.

Are they normally that easy to break?

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Yes, it happens but rarely. I've had it happen before on a J frame. The screws are not that hard. All someone has to do is tighten it too much one time and the next time, pop.. it snaps off. Another thing that can happen is when reinstalling the side plate, a lot of people use the screw to pull the side plate in snug. That can also strain a screw.

You need someone with a mill to go in and center it up and clean out the rest of the screw. Then retap and install a new screw. It doesn't take much to do but will cost you for machine set up time. Once the mill hits it, it will come right out. If you try the hand drill and easy out route, it may ruin the frame. it's possible if you take off the side plate that there is enough left to get a hold of and unscrew the broken end.

I've got a shipping label from S&W.
Would be nice if warranty would cover it.
The broken piece looks like it may have had a void on one side.
I'm sending that with the gun.

It will be an expensive mistake if I have to pay.

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You might try backing the screw out before sending it in. A needle like tool or pick can be used.

A very small punch in a very very light touch with a hammer. Can maybe back the screw out

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

I seriously doubt there will be any charge.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

Might have been a defective screw (wouldn't be the first one) or the screw driver handle that was used was too large and exerted too much force on the small bit & screw. Even if you didn't gorilla it, with too large a handle greater force is used than one might actually think.

Got it back!
Gone about 30 days, no charge.

The repair was listed as "Yoke binding, replace yoke screw."
:-)

I will certainly be more careful in the future.

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