Side Plate Screw Dimensions

[James K]

Anyone know the screw size and dimensions for S&W Side Plates for K frames like K-22, K-38 and similar? I'm trying to find a single driver that works. Have several magnetic bits that do work but really want a single wooden handle driver like a Grace.

They sent me a P4 but it's too thick. I can file it down to fit but prefer to find one that fits without modifying.

Grace has been very helpful in the past and asked me for dimensions that I can't measure. Thanks.

 

[armorer951]

In terms of the interface for the screwdriver, the width of the slot itself is approx. .025", slot depth on the crowned sideplate screws is approx .050". Diameter of the screw head (overall slot width) is approx .165". Thread size is 5x44.

Screw "C" shown in the illustration is a representation of the slightly longer "piloted" screw, designated the yoke retention screw in the sideplate.





Illustration is from the Kuhnhausen book, The Smith and Wesson Revolvers, A Shop Manual, 5th Edition


Carter

 

[chief38]

S&W screw slot sizes have changed a little over the years. You can have older revolvers with replaced screws that are newer. Weather they "officially" changed the slot thickness or it just sort of morphed over the years is not known to me, but I can tell you one size does not PROPERLY fit all. Best off to get a small assortment of Bits so you have the correct fit. They are certainly cheap enough and a few extras should be kept around for such occasions IMO.

For some guns, Marlins, Brownings, etc. A bit driver must sometimes be hand ground to the perfect size. Sometimes regardless of what Brownells says, screws will vary and for the OCD guy's there is no substitute for a custom grind finish. Just take the closest bit that is a tad too big and carefully grind it down to fit. Should not take very long!

As you can see I have a few screwdrivers but the ones in the mahogany block are my go-to gun smithing bits. Some have been hand modified as you may be able to see. I do have even more screwdrivers but again, for 95% of my GS'ing needs, they bits are in the mahogany block.

 

[James K]

In terms of the interface for the screwdriver, the width of the slot itself is approx. .025", slot depth on the crowned sideplate screws is approx .050". Diameter of the screw head (overall slot width) is approx .165". Thread size is 5x44.

Screw "C" shown in the illustration is a representation of the slightly longer "piloted" screw, designated the yoke retention screw in the sideplate.





Illustration is from the Kuhnhausen book, The Smith and Wesson Revolvers, A Shop Manual, 5th Edition


Carter

Thank you. I forwarded the dimensions to Grace.

 

[James K]

S&W screw slot sizes have changed a little over the years. You can have older revolvers with replaced screws that are newer. Weather they "officially" changed the slot thickness or it just sort of morphed over the years is not known to me, but I can tell you one size does not PROPERLY fit all. Best off to get a small assortment of Bits so you have the correct fit. They are certainly cheap enough and a few extras should be kept around for such occasions IMO.

For some guns, Marlins, Brownings, etc. A bit driver must sometimes be hand ground to the perfect size. Sometimes regardless of what Brownells says, screws will vary and for the OCD guy's there is no substitute for a custom grind finish. Just take the closest bit that is a tad too big and carefully grind it down to fit. Should not take very long!

As you can see I have a few screwdrivers but the ones in the mahogany block are my go-to gun smithing bits. Some have been hand modified as you may be able to see. I do have even more screwdrivers but again, for 95% of my GS'ing needs, they bits are in the mahogany block.

Thanks. I do have the bits you marked for S&W from Brownells. As I mentioned, I was looking for a single driver to keep in my range bag as a just in case, so to not carry the loose bits and chance losing one. I ground down a close-fitting Grace driver that works pretty well but hoping to find one that fits un-modified from the manufacturer.

 

[chief38]

I would think that the ONLY bit you would use at the range would be to adjust your rear sights doubting any real GS-ing work would be done at the Range. Once again, screws have somewhat changed over he years and so see which one of the two fits your rear sights the best, 120-1 or 150-3. I just carry one of the old silver colored S&W screwdrivers included in the box with older guns as well as one or two I have made from broken screwdrivers over the years.

BTW, NOT trying to spend your money, but Brownell's does makes a screwdriver handle that holds all the S&W bits in it with a plastic cap. I understand if you don't want to spend more money, - got that, but just so you are aware. Even if you take an old pill bottle and stick the bits in there, that works too.

 

[Imissedagain]

That '79 K22M uses a 120-3 or a 150-3 for the screws.
The 150-3 is close to the slot ends, so we use it with care.
All my range screw drivers are one piece and hex/torx heads
are a folding set or one piece as well.

The trigger is sinfully nice on that Rolex of Smiths.
A White Cross might be added to those Reds.
Bought new with a Colt GM/45 and a Colt Sporter in '79.
RenWax time.

 

[chief38]

That '79 K22M uses a 120-3 or a 150-3 for the screws.
The 150-3 is close to the slot ends, so we use it with care.
All my range screw drivers are one piece and hex/torx heads
are a folding set or one piece as well.

The trigger is sinfully nice on that Rolex of Smiths.
A White Cross might be added to those Reds.
Bought new with a Colt GM/45 and a Colt Sporter in '79.
RenWax time.

AHHH, a Rolex you say? I've got screwdrivers for those too!

 

[Matt_X]

I found the sideplate screws on the 1940s M&P to have thinner slots than my mid-70s J-frame.
But the top screw of the 5 plate takes a wider blade.
https://smith-wessonforum.com/141911794-post24.html

 

[chief38]

I found the sideplate screws on the 1940s M&P to have thinner slots than my mid-70s J-frame.
But the top screw of the 5 plate takes a wider blade.
https://smith-wessonforum.com/141911794-post24.html

Exactly my point.