I went to remove the ejector rod for a detail cleaning and it was really difficult to unscrew. I mean this thing was gorilla tight. I soaked the assembly in Kroil for a couple of nights, and was finally able to unscrew the rod today. I had to really tighten the vise so the rod wouldn’t turn in the leather protective strips, but I could finally unscrew the cylinder using my bare hand with the rod secured and cases supporting the extractor star.The rod was not corroded or caked with powder or other debris so I am wondering why this was so difficult to remove. This is the first time I have done this job—maybe they are all like this.

Has anyone had this same problem? The revolver is a 24-3 that I bought used a few years ago. It is in very good condition and everything has always
seemed to be clean and well lubed. I just tightened the rod slightly upon
reassembly. Thanks, Willyboy

The rod should not be difficult to unscrew once it breaks loose. Perhaps someone put threadlocker on the assembly as some point?

Be careful when doing the re-assembly that the threads start together properly. Thoroughly cleaning the threads inside the extractor cavity and the extractor rod will help.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Thanks for your input. Once the rod broke free, it threaded out freely. I did
not see any evidence of thread lock on the parts.

Eventually I will pick up one of the ejector rod removal tools available from
Brownell’s and others. Willyboy