Got to be a trick

[Gene L]

for installing a trigger return spring on a J frame. I've got a tool with my Wheeler screwdriver set, and that makes taking the spring out pretty doable. I did it in a plastic bag and was glad I did or I would have probably got hit in the eye with the spring.

However, putting it back in was a job for me, old and weak. I finally muscled it in, but wondered if there is a technique for old fumble-fingered no-skill guy? The guy from Brownell's made it look easy.

 

[Alk8944]

for installing a trigger return spring on a J frame. I've got a tool with my Wheeler screwdriver set, and that makes taking the spring out pretty doable. I did it in a plastic bag and was glad I did or I would have probably got hit in the eye with the spring.

However, putting it back in was a job for me, old and weak. I finally muscled it in, but wondered if there is a technique for old fumble-fingered no-skill guy? The guy from Brownell's made it look easy.

The best rebound spring tool is a #0 Phillips screwdriver!

 

[oberon]

You need a tool that you can get hold of, and fits in the frame with a little space to spare.
I made one out of 3/16 brass rod, with a long enough end so I could push it easily.

 

[Gene L]

Do you cut a slot in the end of the brass rod? A picture would be appreciated. Not that I'm going to be doing it a lot. I seem to remember putting a spring in back in the early 80s with a screwdriver. Does that sound doable?

 

[Green Frog]

Do you cut a slot in the end of the brass rod? A picture would be appreciated. Not that I'm going to be doing it a lot. I seem to remember putting a spring in back in the early 80s with a screwdriver. Does that sound doable?

As Alk8944 said, a #0 Phillips head screw driver works for a lot of folks... just push the spring in past the notch in the spring housing, then lower it onto the pin in the frame until it touches the screwdriver blade. Continue pushing down on the block as you withdraw the blade, and everything snaps into place. At least that's how it works for me!

Froggie

 

[Grayfox]

This little jewel is well worth the money.

Rebound Slide Spring Tool

 

[lamarw]

Yes, I just finished reassembly of a Victory and ran into the exact same situation. The Wheeler tool was the way for disassembly but became frustrating in the reassembly. The phillips head screwdriver tip I found on the internet was the solution.

The problem with reassembly was the special tool slipping off the spring as you applied pressure.

 

[Muss Muggins]

At the armorer school in Springfield, we were taught to use a flat blade screwdriver, the same screwdriver that we ground the edges on first day to create a one size fits all hollow ground screwdriver . . .

 

[tripper]

I made this to use for removal and sometimes it works to re-install. I've seen some guys use a cheap Bic pen to compress the spring as well.

 

[Gene L]

Yeah, I used the Wheeler tool to re-install the slide. I don't know how I did it because I tried so many times but finally, it worked. I'm no pistolsmith and hope I never have to do it again. I remember 40 years ago installing the spring with a S&W screwdriver...I think I remember. Too long ago for me.

 

[H Richard]

If you do a lot of disassembly and reassembly a "Smithmaster" tool (has a split tool on one end for removal, and a grooved tapered rod for reassembly on the other end) It makes the job a lot easier.

 

[Arquebus357]

I like using a small phillips head screwdriver because it captures the spring. You then push the spring in ( one of the four grooves needs to be facing down) while pressing the assembly down. The spring will catch on the pin except for the top of the final coil. While still keeping pressure down on the assembly, drop the phillips head and grab a straight blade screwdriver and coax that final bit over the pin. Your downward pressure should now be able to press the assembly home. I know, I know, you should be able to do this in one movement but I'm talking to klutzes like myself.

 

[Green Frog]

I like using a small phillips head screwdriver because it captures the spring. You then push the spring in ( one of the four grooves needs to be facing down) while pressing the assembly down. The spring will catch on the pin except for the top of the final coil. While still keeping pressure down on the assembly, drop the phillips head and grab a straight blade screwdriver and coax that final bit over the pin. Your downward pressure should now be able to press the assembly home. I know, I know, you should be able to do this in one movement but I'm talking to klutzes like myself.

That's what I was talking about, but more eloquently explained. To be honest, if I'm at a bench or table and not juggling everything in my lap, this is always a fairly easy job. There are a lot of more difficult things to do out there!

Froggie