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August 20, 2019
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I couldn't open the cylinder in my 15-2 yesterday and I noticed it appears I need a screw for the latch. It must have fallen out when I was cleaning it last since the cylinder was opening when I cleaned it but seemed a little stiff. Would this screw be an allen head the same size as the over travel screw head? I know it's not the same screw but I was wondering about the size allen I needed. The latch itself is still solidly in place and under spring tension but will not open. I'm assuming the missing screw is the culprit? I found a couple screws on ebay of two different lengths. (.2150" & .2495") The seller says he's used either with success.
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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If you cannot move the latch down far enough to open, then the screw has likely moved too far in toward the latch handle. It is indeed an allen head screw. same size tool as the front sight retaining screw. This situation does happen, although not often. It is very annoying and can be tricky to remedy.
The screw has 2 different diameters. About half of the screw is the diameter of the threads and the other half (toward the latch lever) is about 1/3 smaller in diameter. Unfortunately, the screw is just short enough overall that it can be screwed in far enough to get beyond the threads, At that point, the larger diameter portion of the screw will jam the latch lever and keep it from moving.
I have successfully used an allen wrench to fish around in the hole and get it into the socket of the allen screw and back it out of the hole far enough for the latch lever to function. It is tricky and mostly luck. Just keep fiddling and trying different angles. You may get lucky too.
There may be another way, but I have not yet had the necessity to find it.
Someone else may be able to help with an alternative.
Good luck!
August 20, 2019
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Thanks, Snake-eye. I guess it's time for me to go fishing(for the screw). That makes sense that it's too far in. My other 15-2's screw is flush with the crane. I just ordered two thinking it fell out. Guess if I get it fixed I'll be stocked up.
August 20, 2019
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Successful fishing expedition!! You nailed it Snake-eye. It was so far in there I could barely see it with a light. It took 40 minutes of fishing and fiddling but it opens now. When I put slight pressure on the latch it seemed to help it out. I'm thinking of blue locktite or just keep and eye on it? The "new old stock" ones I see have a dab of red LT on them but I don't think I want to use red on anything other than the cylinder stop that came out last year. I assume the screw should be flush with the crane? Thanks again, you guys have really helped me out with my education of the 15-2 Dan Wessons.
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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Congratulations!
Blue loctite is probably a good idea. I don't think flush is necessary but you can open the crane and move it back and forth till you find the ideal spot. Make note of that spot then put your loctite on.
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