Trigger Rebound Spring Tool Necessary?

[zogger]

I have a new Model 60 that I plan to replace the trigger and hammers springs with springs from Brownells. Looking at various videos, etc. some recommend using a trigger rebound spring tool for replacement of the trigger rebound spring. There are 3 that I have found:

1) Brownells, which is not given good reviews

2) SmithMaster, which looks good

3) Samson SpdTool, which is more versatile but more expensive. Also, it say it is only for K,L, N revolvers.

Do I really need a tool? If so, any recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[g-dad]

I bought the Wheeler Engineering Bit from Midway. Wheeler Engineering Screwdriver Bit S&W Rebound Slide Spring

I already had the driver that accepted changeable bits.

 

[BigMoneyGrip]

While not necessary, it does make the task much easier. I have the Smithmaster.

 

[armorer951]

A special tool is not necessary......I just use a small screwdriver with a tip taper that fits into the end of the rebound spring. Added some heat shrink tubing in the shaft to help prevent contact of the shaft with other metal objects, frame, etc. Screwdriver suggestion was courtesy of John Contro at the armorer's school. (1980) A small phillips head screwdriver also serves this purpose well.

The approx. 1/8 inch tip also serves to remove sideplate screws, and the handle is great for tapping the grip frame to loosen the sideplate for removal. Cost: $4.50 (1985)

The Sampson tool appears to be a box handle, 3" combination stubby screwdriver that costs $50.00. What?

 

[SLT223]

If you already have a bit driver set, get this thing for $4.49. It works well:
Wheeler Engineering Screwdriver Bit S&W Rebound Slide Spring

For a long time I used a small flat head, and a bic pen. I would say my quality of life has increased by using proper tools.

I see it was mentioned above. So 2x on g-dad's suggestion.

 

[armorer951]

The link shows it is "discontinued".....I guess by Midway?

 

[H Richard]

I also use a Smithmaster. If you are only going to do one gun, no you don't "Need" a special tool, but if you feel you may do more in the future, it makes life easier, (and what guy doesn't like another tool). You can use it for I,J,K,L,N, (and I assume X) Frames.

 

[zogger]

The Wheeler bit has been discontinued. I like amorer951's idea.

Thanks all!

 

[gnystrom]

I have the old Wheeler and it works like a charm. I still use it inside if a clear plastic bag just in case.

If I were to gt a new one I would go Smithmaster just based on all the other handy products I have bought from him.

 

[revolver_ph]

I changed mine with no problem without even knowing a special tool existed.

 

[Tundra46]

No special tools are needed. Jerry Miculek uses a screw driver to remove the rebound spring and a ball point pen to reinstall it in his trigger job video:

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9gn7zE5b3g[/ame]

 

[Hopper]

This ^^^. While I have the rebound spring tool, and use it for the spring removal, I actually find it easier to re-install using the rounded end of a "click" pen. Once you get the installation started with a pen, you can then easily press the slide down into place, since the spring is now captured on the "stud".

 

[Gunhacker]

Or you can make your own from an old screw driver... spring fits on the end, the top "notch" hooks the spring coil, the bottom "notch" provides clearance for the stud.

But, the method Jerry uses with the tip of a ball point pen is simplicity in itself and works slicker than corn through a goose.

 

[ken158]

I use a Philips head screwdriver that has a shank a little larger then the spring but still allows the tip to go inside the spring enough to hold it. Couldn't be any easier...

 

[g-dad]

Sorry, didn't see that the Wheeler bit had been discontinued when I posted the link.

All the other suggestions here are good and I used most of them before getting the tool. gnystrom is correct about removing and installing the spring in a large plastic bag. You'll only hunt for that spring one time before you realize how important the bag is!

 

[cstep]

I don't have the rebound slide tool either. I just grab the largest pin punch that will fit between the post and the inside of the rebound slide to allow me to compress the spring on one side. Never had a problem using that method.

 

[UncleEd]

I've always just used a small screwdriver and never knew such a tool existed in the last 40 years or more of working on Smiths.

 

[delta-419]

Rebound Slide Spring

My project guns often require assembly/disassembly 25-30+ times with the timeline going from 45 minutes the first time to 5 - minutes at the end. The more you do it the easier it is. I use a small flathead screwdriver and a rag to cover the spring at assembly. I never use a special tool. The rag is to catch the spring if it escapes during assembly. Eye protection is required. That dude can shoot by your ear like a 22 Zinger! The tool would be helpful if its something that you will use a lot.

 

[Nightowl]

I have had the Brownells tool for years. It works great for removing the spring, but it can be a bear when putting the spring back, especially so for aftermarket springs which are longer and not as stiff as the Smith springs. I like the looks of Gunhackers screwdriver. Looks like it would work very well.

 

[slenet]

I built my own, very simple, cheap and effective
inspired by the "official tools" and Jerry's pencil)

The slotted side to remove (cover the removed parts with your fingers to prevent the spring to jump away), and the "pencil" side to re-insert the spring, as seen in Jerry's video.