Agh! The pain of rebound spring change.

[carl3989]

So I ordered the Wolff reduced spring kit for my 17-6. After watching Jerry Mikulac's DVD on S&W revolvers (Boy he makes it look so easy) and buying the Brownells' tool for the rebound spring I thought I was ready to go. Everything went well until it came time to put the rebound spring and holder back in. S#@&*!. Golly that was as much fun as a night with Hillary Clinton. This took as much time as the entire spring change process from start to finish. Between trying to get that spring compressed into the holder and its mad escape through the room at the last minute when I thought I had it in place, fun was had searching for that little bugger. Well finally I did get it in but it seriously put a damper in any desire to repeat the process. Is it me or has anyone else felt the pain of rebound spring change?

[fonejack54]

Sorry you had so much trouble. I used a philips screwdriver like someone here recommended and it was easy as pie.

[VM]

Originally Posted by fonejack54

Sorry you had so much trouble. I used a philips screwdriver like someone here recommended and it was easy as pie.

This works extremely well.........quick and easy with no injuries or flying spring

[BillyWayne]

I have tried many different ways. I had a long cut on my palm from using a flat screw driver. I have used the rebound spring tool. The best method I have found is the philips screwdriver. Pass on the word and save some folks from flying springs and cut hands.

[Maximumbob54]

I also used a small Philips. Worked easy enough.

[NFrameFred]

The rebound spring tool is great but it's a skill that you don't get to practice much, so even after you get the hang of it it may be a long time before you need to do it again, unless you're someone who does a lot of revolver work.

One thing is to get a large plastic (see-through) bag to work in. Any airborne springs usually are captured by the bag or impeded enough in flight that they don't go far.

Having been trained that the "right tool for the right job" makes things easier, I shy away when possible from using screwdrivers and such unless absolutely necessary for such tasks. I've seen too many gouges in steel and flesh and marred finishes testifying to poor technique and the use of the wrong tool for the job.

YMMV.

[cptdco]

Another vote for the small phillips.

[carl3989]

Originally Posted by cptdco

Another vote for the small phillips.

The small Phillips seems like the cat's meow. Why didn't I think of this? Thanks guys.

[texasjarhead]

The rebound tool from MIDWAY is great!!! It's specifically designed for this job-not only removal, but also re-insertion. One end is slotted to fit over the pin, the other end if forked to push the spring back in beyond the pin.

[jdickson397]

I just put the Jerry Miculek reduced power spring set into a new S&W 625 PC and had the same problem with the rebound spring. The special recoil spring tool I bought from Brownells worked great on getting the spring out but not well at all on installing the new one. On the first attempt I thought it was installed properly and then it flew out and hit the ceiling. Luckily, I was able to find it in my junky gunroom. I kept trying to install it with no luck until I thought of using a Phillips head screwdriver. Worked like a charm. So, special rebound tool to remove it; Phillips head screwdriver to install.

[Bullseye Smith]

I like and use the same screw driver that takes the side plate screws out. BUT i will feel for you on your first one, now you eather run with the big dogs or stay on the porch with the pup's. Just kidding, no matter how much you cuss you won't get it in being upset, drink a cup of joe and try in five mins again. HAVE FUN

[FTG-05]

I used the Midway tool for the first time tonight and it worked like a charm. Previously, I had made a special tool for it (about 15 years ago) but the Midway tool worked much better. $4 well spent, IMO.

Good luck.

[Cyrano]

You haven't even seen problems yet! I changed the rebound spring on my 638-2, and worked the action a couple of times to see if everything was working OK. Then I couldn't get the sideplate back on. Turned out I'd bent the pin (part of the frame) that holds the rear end of the spring. Trying to straighten it, I broke it off. @%$**&. Aluminum isn't very ductile. I had to send it back to S&W for a new frame. This one had a thicker pin, but be careful not to put too much strain on the pin with the sideplate off; with the sideplate on, the end of the pin fits into a hole in the sideplate, so the pin is supported at both ends.

[Nightowl]

I have purchased a few of the aftermarket springs. I found them longer and more flexible than the original springs and were harder to install. I found that I can cut two coils off of the original and it is stiffer and easier to re install. It still gives good return and lightens the trigger pull sufficiently.

[Bodyguard]

Does anyone out there have a link for the $4 midway tool ? I checked their website and only found a $22 tool that was on backorder. Thanks Bodyguard.

[jessegpresley]

Not only did I remove a S&W revolver sideplate for the first time the other night, I also installed the Apex J-frame spring kit. I must've had beginners luck, because everything went smoothly. I'm as surprised as you are.

[AveragEd]

Long ago, I bought a Wheeler 90-some piece gunsmithing tool kit from MidwayUSA and in it is a rebound spring tool that has an "S" shaped body that clears the grip frame while still providing a straight-on approach to the rebound spring housing and pin. The tool fits into a changeable-bit screwdriver (two drivers come with the kit). I've used that tool numerous times with no difficulties.

Ed

[KAC]

Like Bullseye Smith I use a straight blade screwdriver, have done so for 30 years. It is the easiest for me.

KAC

[C/O]

+1 for the phillips screwdriver.

[TAROMAN]

Originally Posted by bodyguard

Does anyone out there have a link for the $4 midway tool ?

Here it is:

Midway Tool

I have Jerry's video and have installed several of his kits.

My imression is that his rebound spring may be stronger that stock so he gets the fast trigger reset he needs to do that amazing speed work.

[FTG-05]

Oops, looks like I took the last one!