How to use a mainspring vise.

[waksupi]

Some don't know how to use a main spring vise properly, and end up breaking springs, this being the main cause.

Here is the right way.

125052

Some people just put the vise on the spring, and start cranking. Doing it this way, if you aren't at the proper points, it stresses the spring, some times to failure. Don't do it like this.

125053

The proper way is to put the lock in the full cock position. This compresses the spring in proper relation to the lock.

125054

Then, put the vise on the spring, just snug enough to stay in place.

125055

Disengage the sear, and the main spring is then free to be removed.

125056

Then you can remove the cock. Always put the cock back on the tumbler before reinstalling the spring. Then cock to full position again, to replace the spring and remove the vise.

I have two mainspring vises, one for the frizzen spring, one for the main. I leave the springs compressed until ready to reinstall.

[Omnivore]

Nice. Thanks!

[OverMax]

Never seen it done (correctly) before now. Thank you kind Sir.

[Beagle333]

Great to know. Thanks!

[dondiego]

Never used one. Now I know how! Thanks.

[fouronesix]

Well worth the small investment! Simple to use too. Just don't over-tension the spring- at the full cock position, it should take very little if any additional compression to free up the connections.

They work for most hairpin type mainspring actions… including those that used the basic musket locks even into the cartridge era. For example- they work perfectly for trapdoor locks.

[shadowcaster]

Good info! Thanks..

Shad

[fouronesix]

For a one time investment, they are not expensive, so easy to use and almost foolproof.
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/1038/1/TOOL-VISE

[geargnasher]

Thanks, Ric, someone gave me a similar vise from Brownell's a few years ago and haven't used it yet. I've got two flinters in need of some lock TLC and that will be just the ticket. Have you ever tried to use the same tool on SAA revolvers?

Gear

[waksupi]

Thanks, Ric, someone gave me a similar vise from Brownell's a few years ago and haven't used it yet. I've got two flinters in need of some lock TLC and that will be just the ticket. Have you ever tried to use the same tool on SAA revolvers?

Gear

Nope, I have no idea if it would work!

[Hickok]

Good post.

DONT try vise grips. I got by with using them for a while until I broke a mainspring. I then had a hard time finding a replacement and when I did it was costly.

Use the right tool.