I dinged the metal band on my 4S can it be replaced?

I agree with JON35Y. You can't easily replace the band, so if it's just cosmesic it's better to just live with it and put it in a case if it bothers you.

Here's a picture of of the parts. You can see that the band is attached to the main housing.

 

This isn't a screen replacement though. It doesn't look like it's an an easy fix and the housing is probably pretty expensive. I don't even see the main housing listed as a replacement part on iFixIt. Better off upgrading the phone for $200 (when eligible) or covering it with a case, IMO.

 

But it's not broken; it's dented. Fixing it would be costly and difficult enough that it might break something. It's just not worth it for a dent. I like tinkering with electronics too, but I factor in how the phone is currently functioning, cost and difficulty level when people start threads like this. Replacing it makes no sense at all in this case.

 

Your original post led me to believe this was simply a cosmetic dent. Still, this is not an easy or cost-effective fix. Is it still functioning fine and can you cover it with a case? You can get a replacement for $49 if you have AppleCare+. Otherwise, Apple will likely charge you $229. If it's functioning fine and you can put a case on it to hide this, you're better off using a case and updgrading the phone for $199 (when you're eligible), IMO.

 

Got a link for the part? He'd need the center piece in the pic below and I don't see it for sale on iFixIt.com. Looks like it will require near-complete disassembly of the phone. I'm curious why you're recommending such an extensive repair to someone without first asking them if they have done basic iPhone repairs and are comfortable with advancing to one that is difficult. I'm also wondering why you're failing to warn them that they might break something in the process and that they will void the warranty. Have you ever replaced the main housing? What were your results? If they even sell it and the part is over $150, do you think it might be worth it to have Apple fix/replace it? They won't charge more than $229 and the warranty won't be voided. Or better yet, just upgrade the phone?

 

Average iPhone user?