Replacing buggered side plate screws

[Narragansett]

Are the side plate screws for a M28-2 readily available? I might imagine they are the same as a M27?

Also the forward screw that retains the cylinder yoke, might require stoning?

Just thinking about replacing screws from somebody not using the right screwdriver

 

[Toolguy]

Oftentimes you can use a small hammer and move the metal back where it came from. Then chuck the screw in a drill and polish the head with it spinning. I've saved a few that way.

 

[armorer951]

Just a reminder....the pilot of a new replacement front yoke screw for the older guns (before new yoke retention system) will often require fitting at it's interface with the yoke button. The button of the yoke is fit to the screw pilot, not the other way around.

 

[Tex1001]

MidwayUSA has new blued and stainless sideplate screws for cheap.
Examples:
Handgun Frames | Handgun Parts | Gun Parts

 

[JimBianchi]

I got a side plate screw for a M13-3 from Numrich for cheap.

Also for a Kahr MK9.

 

[Narragansett]

Just a reminder....the pilot of a new replacement front yoke screw for the older guns (before new yoke retention system) will often require fitting at it's interface with the yoke button. The button of the yoke is fit to the screw pilot, not the other way around.

If I pull the old one out, I can no doubt see what proper fitting entails. is this something just done by light stoning Carter?

 

[chief38]

While replacement Side Plate Screws are not hard to come buy, almost all buggered screws CAN be fixed up to look like new in a few minutes with a bit of practice. The replacements have started getting a bit pricey too!

All that is needed are some simple tools, some skill, practice, common sense, and about 15 minutes if your time per screw.

Tools needed:

A small Ball Peen Hammer
Miniature File set (small / thin) - some with cuts on edges, some safe edges)
Dremel Moto-tool with a thin cut-off abrasive wheels
Small Arkansas Stones (called "files")
Flitz Polish
Brownells Oxpho Blue Cold Bluing

If you are fairly good at using hand tools, restoring screw heads are easy, fun and rewarding. It also saves you the hassle of constantly having to look for new screws. I use this method on many screws and not just for firearms. I collect and restore many types of antiques such as vintage electric fans, telephones, radios, Lionel Trains, tools, etc. and only in very severe situations do I ever have to replace one. That's a good thing since many of the older screw styles are not even readily available these days!

NOTE:

Blued donor screws can easily be high polished and will look like Nickel Plated ones if needed. They can also be polished to a satin finish to look like stainless steel if desired. Because they are polished up so well, they won't rust on you even with no bluing! There have been a few vintage Nickel Plated Revolvers that I could not find replacement screws for and the original screws were just beyond restoration!! I used Blued versions and polished them to look like Nickel - sometimes I forget myself that they are not Nickel Plated! Flitz Polish and a Dremel with Felt Wheels will do this in short order. Works incredibly well!!

 

[Narragansett]

While replacement Side Plate Screws are not hard to come buy, almost all buggered screws CAN be fixed up to look like new in a few minutes with a bit of practice. The replacements have started getting a bit pricey too!

All that is needed are some simple tools, some skill, practice, common sense, and about 15 minutes if your time per screw.

Tools needed:

A small Ball Peen Hammer
Miniature File set (small / thin) - some with cuts on edges, some safe edges)
Dremel Moto-tool with a thin cut-off abrasive wheels
Small Arkansas Stones (called "files")
Flitz Polish
Brownells Oxpho Blue Cold Bluing

If you are fairly good at using hand tools, restoring screw heads are easy, fun and rewarding. It also saves you the hassle of constantly having to look for new screws. I use this method on man screws and not just for firearms. I collect and restore many types of antiques such as vintage electric fans, telephones, radios, Lionel Trains, tools, etc. and only in very severe situations do I ver have to replace one. That's a good thing since many of the older screw styles are not even readily available these days!

NOTE:

Blues donor screws can easily be high polished and will look like Nickel Plated ones if needed. They can also be polished to a satin finish to look like stainless steel if desired. Because they are polished up so well, they won't rust on you even with no bluing! There have been a few vintage Nickel Plated Revolvers that I could not find replacement screws for and the original screws were just beyond restoration!! I used Blued versions and polished them to look like Nickel - sometimes I forget myself that they are not Nickel Plated! Flitz Polish and a Dremel with Felt Wheels will do this in short order. Works incredibly well!!

I have all of those tools, and am fairly good with my hands. The only problem screw is the yoke retainer. I was just looking for a bit of how the fitting is done, but i am sure it will be self explanatory once I remove the original

 

[alwslate]

You might want to get a copy of the Kuhnhausen S&W shop manual if
you don't already have one.

 

[chief38]

I have all of those tools, and am fairly good with my hands. The only problem screw is the yoke retainer. I was just looking for a bit of how the fitting is done, but i am sure it will be self explanatory once I remove the original

Since the Yoke was already fit for a screw once, the next time should be a piece of cake since the diameter is exactly the same. Just compare the new one to the old one. Should take you all of 5 minutes. Test by feel when the screw is fully tightened.