I wanted to get some spare sideplate screws, just to keep on hand. I notice there are 2 styles of yoke screws. One is stepped down and comes to a point, while the other is not. Are they interchangable?
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Yoke Screw Sizes
- Thread starter GBertolet
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No, they are not. The spring loaded one (larger one on left) is the result of the yoke redesign. ( ≈ 1988)
Basically a money saving move by the company, as the new design requires no fitting on the button end. I personally hate them, as they inhibit free cylinder rotation to some extent, and they allow the shoulder of the yoke to move forward and strike the frame cutout when the gun is fired.
Basically a money saving move by the company, as the new design requires no fitting on the button end. I personally hate them, as they inhibit free cylinder rotation to some extent, and they allow the shoulder of the yoke to move forward and strike the frame cutout when the gun is fired.
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If you do not have a well fitting hollow ground screwdriver, you probably will need the extra screws. Brownells sells a set with the correct bits for Smith & Wesson - you might look into that.
Yeah, the spring pointed tip acts like a cam to allow forward play of the yoke. Under recoil, play allows battering of the yoke shoulder against the frame cut out edge of the cyl window.
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The screw used for the older type needs to be fitted enough so it will snug to the frame while giving the yoke smooth free motion. The newer one that only fits guns it was built to fit does not need fitting.
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This is a case IMO where older is better.
If you're getting one set of screws for one gun, no problem.
But recognize there is a change of length for the upper side plate screw on 5 screw K frame guns. Also, although pre WWII screws have the same thread pitch, they have a slightly smaller thread diameter.
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I'm kinda surprised some enterprising machinist does not make solid replacement screws that can be fit to the new style yoke. I have seen the cylinder come off of the frame with the new style yoke when the screw was not tight enough.
I think it was a weak spring in the new style screw, but I have seen an action competition where fast hard slapped in reloads have disengaged the yoke from the frame. I still prefer the "old" style.
