02 Blazer ZR2

So this morning went out to goto work and my blazer would not start! All the lights on the dash were on but when I turn the key nothing happened. No click no light dimming just nothing! Don't think it's the battery or the alternator. Been told to check the starter uh the neutral safety swith and or the ignition switch. So I have no idea where the neutral safety or the ignition switches are. The starter made no sounds when i turned the key nor did I feel anything inside the starter move. I then hooked up a jumper from positive terminal of the battery to the starter and then it started spinning. Sorry this is so long!!! But i then went to take the starter out and the screw with the wire closest to the engine broke as soon as i turned the ratchet. Could that have been my problem the whole time? Help would be greatly appreciated! THanks!

could have been. make sure you have 12 volts on the wire from the batt to the starter. if you can get a helper, you can test the start lead easily. while someone turns the key, you should see voltage (i think 12v) on the signal wire to the starter.

if you dont see any voltage on the signal wire i would start thinking about the ign switch, or possibly a blown fuse. is that a manual or automatic?

It is an automatic 4.3 vortec. Just took the starter to a place that rebuilds starters and there gonna charge me 80.00 which is cheaper than a refurbished one from autozone.