rebound spring installation tip

[Dr Denby]

Hi, everyone.

I just thought I would share a tip with you that I learned when working on my Model 27.

I picked up this :

on ebay, 80 cents from Thailand, $1.99 U.S. seller (free shipping with both)

First time I used it, it took about 20 seconds to get the spring on. The next 2 times I used it, was about 5 seconds.

You can pick up the specialty rebound spring tool a couple places for $5 plus $5 shipping, or you can get the manicure tool for $.80 to $1.99 .

Just thought I would share this as it was so cheap and so handy

Doc

 

[chief38]

For many years I used a small screwdriver and one day I simply made a few of the appropriate tools from old beat-up (round shaft) screwdrivers. Simply heat them up with a Propane Torch after cutting the original tips off, bend them into the "Z" shape at the end and cut a slot in the center of the tip with a Dremel. Takes a few minutes and even though the hardness of the metal changes from the heating, there are no issues since there is no stress on the tool. I suppose you could re-heat treat - but not necessary. Works like a charm and duplicates the "real Brownells tool" almost 100%. I have made several of the tools and even own the real Brownells version so I have a few in different places.

Midway also sells the Bit for screwdriver handles for $4.50 which will work much better if you don't want to bother making your own.

Wheeler Engineering Screwdriver Bit S&W Rebound Slide Spring

Yes the tool you showed will get the job done as will a plain old screwdriver, however if one works on Smiths on any regular basis it does pay to spend the $4 1/2 bucks or make a proper tool. It sure beats spending time looking for flying springs AND you don't want to damage the Stud in any way! Just saying.......... YMMV

 

[old&slow]

Over the years I have used many different tools to reinstall the rebound spring.. Like Chief, even made a tool out of an old screw driver. Several months ago I was watching a video and the guy used a 'Bic' pen.. I tried it and it works as good or better than anything I have tried so far,,

 

[somebrains]

I watched the Jerry Miculek vid where he slipped out the rebound slide with a screw driver, and reinstalled with a pen.

Had never done a spring job in a revolver before, and it worked fine.

 

[Alk8944]

Use a small (#1) Phillips screwdriver. Works better than any of the fancy tools that are made for the job, and you probably already have one!