It certainly did not require that kind of force to assemble. I could not measure it, and no replacement was available. However, there was one combo gear that seemed to have a tight spot. If it was bent when I had it, it was microscopic in magnitude. I inspected all 3 shafts in minute detail. Worked for me, but things can change under power. I spent a great deal of time on that box, verifying that every gear engaged, while I spun the headstock by hand. I'm still at or Just to enlighten some of you, the others already have learned the hard way.