Handbrake cog/teeth sheered off?

[daddycool]

i lent on my handbrake and it popped down a couple of teeth, now it only comes up a couple of teeth, anything further and it won't hold. is it possible to shear the teeth off by leaning on it?

 

[JackJack]

I wouldn't of thought you could do that much damage just by leaning on it.