S&W 629 Cylinder Release Problem

[Merote]

I have a 629-6. It is fairly new - with only about 100 rounds thru it. The cylinder release button is not functioning as expected.
It seems loose - though the screw in snug. I have difficultly getting the cylinder to swing out. I have found that it only comes out in one particular cylinder position. This seems strange - but before I take it apart - I thought I would put this question out for your review (I am a novice - having only replaced the springs in my Model 19 Combat Revolver once).
Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have to offer.

 

[rcmodel]

Check and make sure the ejector rod housing is not coming unscrewed.

It is a left hand thread.

rc

 

[Jim K]

It sounds like the extractor rod has unscrewed and is jamming the cylinder. Use thin nose pliers with tape for padding and try screwing the rod back in (it has left hand threads). If that works, remove the rod and use blue loctite to keep it tight in the future. If it doesn't work, let us know and maybe there are other ideas around.

Jim

 

[Merote]

Problem solved!

You guys nailed it - that was the problem. As you can see - I do more reading than posting. Thanks again for responding. It is really nice to be able to post questions like this!

 

[gamestalker]

I've encountered this problem more than once with new to me revolvers. I use the two wedge shaped pieces of a clothes pin, wedge them between the frame and the rod to keep the rod from turning. Then rotate the cylinder counter clock wise until it threads in enough for the cylinder release to depress far enough to release the cylinder, and open.

When you get ready to tighten it down, put some spent brass in each of the cylinders, this will prevent damage to the extractor and cylinder while torquing it down. I don't know about everyone else, but I always use a small dab of lock tight or nail polish to lock the threads, thus preventing future problems. Since I can never seem to find my lock tight, I have always just used the nail polish version, none have ever come loose again.

GS

 

[Jim K]

When tightening the extractor rod, clamp it in copper jaws in a vise and turn the cylinder by hand. Use the empty cases as Gamestalker recommends to prevent damage to the extractor or cylinder.

Jim

 

[rcmodel]

There's an app for that!
A tool actually.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...actor-tools/extractor-rod-tool-prod26886.aspx

I made mine out of hardwood blocks, drilled, and slotted for a clamp screw.

rc

 

[Jim K]

Good heavens! And to think I have probably tightened up several hundred of those extractor rods without having that tool! Oh, the shame of it all!

Jim