Stripped threads in frame hole for side plate repair

[Breakaway500]

Ive had a 649-2 bare frame and barrel kicking around for a while and I decided to see if I could make it whole again. However one of the screw holes has been drilled/tapped 8-32 or close to that.. I'm pretty sure the correct thread size is 5-44 from what Ive read.

I did a search for a helicoil repair kit for 5-44 but the only vendor that lists a kit is in the U.K.

Does anyone have a source in the US that stocks these kits or is there another way to repair this properly with some other technique?

 

[Alk8944]

Is it possible this is a newer frame that uses the yoke screw with the spring-loaded plunger? That would explain the larger diameter! Otherwise just order from the UK, the Helicoil kit isn't a restricted gun part, it just may take a month or so to arrive.

 

[Breakaway500]

I emailed the UK company and the kits are in stock and total cost is $47 british sterling pounds which is about $58 US dollars so Ill go that route. Thanks!

 

[Breakaway500]

As a follow-up:

The Uni-Thread LTD (U.K.) kit arrived..finally...and I tapped the frame for the insert..screwed in the insert with some super glue to hold it into the frame as it's not a blind hole...then used a diamond grinding cylinder tip to remove the coils protruding into the crane hole. It now fits perfectly and the threaded side plate hole is now useable again.

All in all not a bad situation to repair with this kit. Ive got 9 more inserts left and hopefully I'll never need them again.

 

[ameridaddy]

Nice job!
Sometimes it's hard to be patient, like waiting for a part from UK, and it's tempting to take a shortcut rather than wait for the part to arrive or the paint to fully dry.
I have to keep telling myself "Stop - listen to your little voice", but sometimes impatience wins, and too often in that case, I pay the price.

 

[Protocall_Design]

Would you mind telling us what UK company that is, for future reference?

 

[kev74]

Nice work!

 

[Breakaway500]

Another setback. The rebound slide stud broke off. I've installed hundreds of rebound slides with 100% no problems, but this stud must have been a breath away from breaking off and...it broke oh so easily.. now that it's out, it's actually bent,and you can see looking close it been partially broken for a while...I din do it! . This frame has a sordid history so I'm not surprised by all the issues it has.Nevertheless..it's worth saving.

Unfortunately Numrich doesn't have them in stock. Part number 333660B. Midway can get it..in a month..mabye. Ill have to see if the Mother Ship will sell me one. Who knows now-a-days.

Went to the S&W website..doesn't look promising for parts. I'l just order two from Midway..I can wait.

Now to get that broken stub out...still raining anyways..

Monday update: After looking at the broken stud base...and realizing I do not have the ability to remove/replace the stud properly, I've decided to toss in the towel and send it to the Mother Ship for the stud repair.

Ug..some hobby....

 

[Breakaway500]

7/18/2023. Called S&W for an update...as its been about 3 months since I sent it in for repair. They sent it to the Performance Center division and asked me to check back in another month or two...or three. They seem quite busy with the "move".

 

[Alk8944]

Would you mind telling us what UK company that is, for future reference?

Google 5x44 helicoil kit, that's is how I found the company in the UK, but it has been awhile.

 

[CH4]

Another setback. The rebound slide stud broke off. I've installed hundreds of rebound slides with 100% no problems, but this stud must have been a breath away from breaking off and...it broke oh so easily.. now that it's out, it's actually bent,and you can see looking close it been partially broken for a while...I din do it! . This frame has a sordid history so I'm not surprised by all the issues it has.Nevertheless..it's worth saving.

Unfortunately Numrich doesn't have them in stock. Part number 333660B. Midway can get it..in a month..mabye. Ill have to see if the Mother Ship will sell me one. Who knows now-a-days.

Went to the S&W website..doesn't look promising for parts. I'l just order two from Midway..I can wait.

Now to get that broken stub out...still raining anyways..

Monday update: After looking at the broken stud base...and realizing I do not have the ability to remove/replace the stud properly, I've decided to toss in the towel and send it to the Mother Ship for the stud repair.

Ug..some hobby....

Good call!
“A man’s got to know his limitations.”

 

[Breakaway500]

Finally heard from S&W today. $110 to fix the stud and ship it back. I said do it. Hope it’s not another 6 months…glad I’m in no hurry

 

[pantannojack]

Glad to read that Britain has not gone metric in their monetary system. How would we compute pounds to kilos? Or should that be left to Arlo Guthrie?

 

[Retired W4]

Glad to read that Britain has not gone metric in their monetary system. How would we compute pounds to kilos? Or should that be left to Arlo Guthrie?

Or key to use the vernacular.

Breakaway, you must be a saint to go through all that for a 629-2.