Ruger Mainspring

[Tequila Shooter]

Yesterday I had to change the mainsprings on my new to me ROA’s.  I know it’s not done often, and I managed to get it done, but there must be an easier way than using a pair of vice grip pliers like I did.  So what’s the trick?

 

Also, does anyone know a source for ROA parts, just in case?

[Not Dead Ed]

this was either online or another thread here or one of the SASS Facebook groups.  I save snapshots of it because it was so useful.  

[Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646]

He got them all

 

Imis

[Tequila Shooter]

I knew someone would know a better way!  THANKS

[High Spade Mikey Wilson]

I use the fork method. Works well for me.

[Sedalia Dave]

Make sure the fork has good tines. the cheap stamped sheet metal ones will fail.

 

I made a spring pusher out of a tack puller. Used a dremil to deepen the nail slot.

 

[Marauder SASS #13056]

He left out a favorite - Use your teeth! 

[Badlands Bob #61228]

The most important tool used in all those techniques is a good vise to hold the strut.

[Tequila Shooter]

4 hours ago, Marauder SASS #13056 said:

He left out a favorite - Use your teeth! 

 

No way I’m still paying them off!  

[Preacherman]

I like to use a chain saw sharpening depth Guage. Works great with a vise, of course.

 

 

[Snakebite]

Lots of good ways to do it, but nobody posted the easiest way. Just take it over Dale's and tell him to change the spring. No sweat, no strain. Geeze, you guys make a big deal out nothing! 

[G W Wade]

Damn, I am feeling dumb.   Thought they just cut them off till they fit.   Factory springs them way to tight anyway      GW

Sorry11 The devil made me do it      GW

[El CupAJoe]

literally posted this this morning   should have checked here first!  only thing I'll add is that for the first method, depending on the gun, you may be able to lay the assembly in the gun and remove the pin instead of using a vice and grips.  my charter arms was this way.

 

[El CupAJoe]

On 11/7/2021 at 9:21 AM, Badlands Bob #61228 said:

The most important tool used in all those techniques is a good vise to hold the strut.

if you have a long pin and use the screw method, and can reinsert it into the gun without having to move the pin to the other side of the shoe, no vise required.

[Sedalia Dave]

On 11/7/2021 at 7:05 PM, Preacherman said:

I like to use a chain saw sharpening depth Guage. Works great with a vise, of course.

 

 

 

What model gauge is that?

[Preacherman]

Or another, I don't think it matters, just an Oregon tool. Get at home depot, Lowes, etc.

[Pat Riot]

Whatever method you use, please wear safety glasses.

[Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L]

some folks recommend doing this inside a clear plastic baggie in case you slip and the spring goes flying

[Will Kane]

On 11/7/2021 at 8:11 AM, Sedalia Dave said:

Make sure the fork has good tines. the cheap stamped sheet metal ones will fail.

 

I made a spring pusher out of a tack puller. Used a dremil to deepen the nail slot.

 

Sedalia Dave, you need to publish a CAS “Hints & Kinks” book!

[Sedalia Dave]

1 hour ago, Will Kane said:

Sedalia Dave, you need to publish a CAS “Hints & Kinks” book!

 

I started out in this game shooting a Steven's 311. Wanted to slick it up a bit.  Removing the locking lever spring was darn near impossible. reinstalling it without a custom too was impossible.  Good thing I was paying attention when I was Grandpa's helper. he had a whole box of custom modified tools that he used when repairing farm machinery.

[Tequila Shooter]

1 hour ago, Sedalia Dave said:

 

I started out in this game shooting a Steven's 311. Wanted to slick it up a bit.  Removing the locking lever spring was darn near impossible. reinstalling it without a custom too was impossible.  Good thing I was paying attention when I was Grandpa's helper. he had a whole box of custom modified tools that he used when repairing farm machinery.

 

Dave from what I know of you you’re a chip off your Grandpa’s block.  I don’t doubt you’d be able to make any special tool you’d need. 

[Kid Rich]

Ya oughta see his automatic toothpic.

kR