I just got a Brownells' rebound slide spring tool, but I don't see how to use it. Is it for taking the rebound slide out, putting it in again, or both?

I have been using a screwdriver for all this stuff before, but I hoped that this tool might make things easier. I don't find it all that hard to remove the slide, but getting it back in requires language that I don't otherwise use.

I hope that someone can explain (to a mechanical dummy) just how to use this thing. Thanks!

I just got a Brownells' rebound slide spring tool, but I don't see how to use it. Is it for taking the rebound slide out, putting it in again, or both?

I have been using a screwdriver for all this stuff before, but I hoped that this tool might make things easier. I don't find it all that hard to remove the slide, but getting it back in requires language that I don't otherwise use.

I hope that someone can explain (to a mechanical dummy) just how to use this thing. Thanks!

the notch in the tool is clearance for the pin that is stake in the frame which is blocking the rebound spring from flying.

just line it up and push

when the tension of the spring is pushed inward into the rebound

lift up on the tool to angle the rebound slide up and slowly release the pressure of the spring to avoid it from flying

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YWDK3OS7IA

good luck

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if you're gonna be a bear...

The RB spring tool is only necessary to install the spring. To remove a RB spring, just take a small jeweler's screwdriver and gently pry up one rear corner of the RB slide a small amount. Then slide a regular screwdriver under the corner (COVER THE END OF THE SPRING WITH YOUR THUMB AS YOU DO THIS) and slowly pry the slide up until the spring releases.

i have the rebound slide tool and find that it isn't much better than using the tip of a srewdriver blade.

I have the rebound spring tool. I use it for removing the rebound spring. I replace it with a screw driver tip.

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Tom

I bought one also and I am not impressed. No more useful than the screwdriver I used before.

Thanks for all the advice. The youtube video was helpful. I will try it today and see if this tool is more useful than the screwdriver that I have been using.

I think that it works great either in or out. It's easier to control than the screwdriver.

Well, today I tried to used it in doing my first action job (on my 66-5). It worked OK, but really no better than a screwdriver.

Here is the old factory way:

A shop towel - fold it in forths, hold this over your weak hand forefinger (so the screwdriver flat end doesn't go thru your finger - ouch), then use a flat blade screwdriver and remove the RB slide spring, then using the same method, install with same motion and materials.
Not that hard to do, but I know people fret over this procedure. The cover over the finger is merely to protect so you don't put the flat blade of screwdriver thru your finger.
It really is pretty simple as I can do it in five seconds.

Hope this helps
chris

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Retired LEO, FI, S&W Armorer

Well I wish I had known that procedure before gouging my finger years back.

I bought a rebound tool after that wonderful gouge!!

I used a small screwdriver for years before I bought a purpose designed tool.

Screwdriver works, purpose designed tool works better. Money well spent.

I can and have used a screwdriver, but I prefer the rebound spring tool for this job.

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195th Session FBINA

At the armorers school we used a small screwdriver. I have the rebound spring tool, but I just use a golf ball tee, a lot quicker!

Hombre

I always use a phillips head screwdriver it work's real well. you can line up the stud in one of the groves of the screwdriver and it will pop right in.

+1

I did that just last night, and it is soooo easy!