686 extractor group disassembly?

[texas yankee]

I have a 686 serial number AAC82xx - I purchased the gun used - the spring loaded "nub" on the back end of the extractor (what the bolt pushes on to release the cylinder) moves, but it is VERY stiff. A bit of oil hasn't helped it get less stiff. I've been reading lots of posts and watching videos about disassembling the extractor parts - before I start in seriously on taking it apart (I already tried and it's very tight), I'm wondering what I could use to loosen up the assembly (penetrating oil ?). I've read that some folks have put thread locker on the threads, and in those situations, I saw recommendations about heating the part to 180 degrees to help loosen the thread locker. I also read that the the cylinder needs to be turned off counter-clockwise, ideally with the extractor rod in a vise with wood jaws padding around the extractor rod. I also read about putting empty cases in the cylinders. I'm thinking that it might be a good idea to order an extractor spring and a center pin spring before I start disassembly. Thanks in advance for any recommendations about additional "just in case" replacement parts to order, as well as what to use to loosen up the extractor assembly.

 

[RGNewell]

Clockwise, to remove. It is left hand threads. If you use a vise use an old leather belt to pad ejector rod.
Good luck.

 

[texas yankee]

686

"Clockwise, to remove" - WOW - thanks for catching my mistake - I could have caused a disaster! I watched the video again, more closely, and see that with the ejector rod held fast, the cylinder is turned off clockwise. LOL, glad I asked the experts before getting into it!

 

[ms]

Remember to put a few empty cases in the cylinder to distribute the torque when you tighten or loosen the rod.

 

[texas yankee]

686

"put a few empty cases in the cylinder" - thanks - I saw that in one of the videos - LOL, took me a while to figure out why that was important - just another reminder for me of why it takes so long and how much there is to remember to be a good gunsmith.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

...with the extractor rod in a vise with wood jaws padding around the extractor rod.

With the cylinder removed from the revolver I put the extractor rod in my portable drill's keyless chuck & hand tighten it. The chuck has never marred the rod.

Hold the chuck tight in one hand & turn the cylinder with the other.

Double check your orientation before you start turning because you'll likely be holding it backwards from normal.

My 396NG's cylinder was crazy hard to loosen the first time & this was the only method that worked, & I had tried many.

It's the only way I do it now.

.