Six-String Cowboy Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 I am replacing the springs in my New Vaqueros with Wolff spring kits. The hammer and trigger springs went in with no issues. The problem I'm having is I can't get remove the base pin latch to swap out the springs without a special tool. I haven't been able to find what I need online (I'm probably searching the wrong thing) and am hoping one of you can point me in the right direction. The only answer I've found so far is to take a screwdriver and grind a knotch down the center to make it "two pronged". I'd rather just have the right tool for the job but that's my last resort. Does anyone know if the tool exists, or do I have to just make one myself? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Callaway Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 I never used the right tool. I just cut a notch like you're suggesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrison Joe, SASS #60708 Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Everyone I know grinds a slot to make a split blade on the proper size screwdriver. Never seen one for sale until now, but here's a wheeler bit: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007370095 (a 10 second search using google-foo) BUT - looking closely at Midway site, it shows "discontinued" - you may try directly asking Wheeler if they still have any stock of these. Guessing the demand was real low for such a specialized bit. good luck, GJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrison Joe, SASS #60708 Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 There's also hints that some Ace Hardware stores carry "spanner screwdriver tips" but the exact maker of that was not mentioned in on-line posts about Ruger cylinder latch screw removal. good luck, GJ Hint - that hint came from a very useful discussion board for Single Actions: https://singleactions.proboards.com Grinding a slot in a bit is one of the few safe and recommended uses of a Dremel tool around single actions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawnee Hills Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Brownell's sells a bit that will work (BROWNELLS RUGER® DOUBLE ACTION SCREWDRIVER SET | Brownells) but it's currently out of stock. Grinding an existing hollow-ground flat bit will work just fine, however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixgun Seamus Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 This is the bit from the Wheeler Gunsmithing Screwdriver set Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bo B. Fetterman Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 I need to get that full kit, fixit sticks only go so far even WITH some wheeler bits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sedalia Dave Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 8 minutes ago, Bo B. Fetterman said: I need to get that full kit, fixit sticks only go so far even WITH some wheeler bits. Buy the Brownells Super Set. Well worth the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I. M. Crossdraw, SASS# 8321 Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 It's easier and cheaper just to grind one. Besides after changing the spring, how often are you going to remove the base pin latch after you have replaced the spring, unless you are a Ruger gunsmith that will be using the tool more often. Just saying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Callaway Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 I have a small pair of Channel locks with jaws padded with electrical tape I have used. Usually doesn't take much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyesa Horg Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 I got a couple of the Wheeler bits. They still needed to be ground as the blade part was too thick to fit the slot! Like said above, just grind/cut a slot in a regular bit. You're not likely to use it often. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six-String Cowboy Posted April 25, 2023 Author Share Posted April 25, 2023 Thanks guys! For now I'll join in and grind down my own if I can find a spare screwdriver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castalia,SASS#18915 Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Harbor Freight might have what you want. 3 in. Security Bit Set, 32 Piece (harborfreight.com) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six-String Cowboy Posted April 25, 2023 Author Share Posted April 25, 2023 @Castalia,SASS#18915 Thanks for the link! Also thank you again everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Just as an FYI why do you want to replace the base pin latch spring? On guns that shoot heavy loads it might make sense. On puss load CAS guns if the base pin is not coming loose when you are shooting why mess with it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six-String Cowboy Posted April 25, 2023 Author Share Posted April 25, 2023 @Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 The heavier springs came in my Wolff spring kit and I figured I might as well. Also, I am a huge fan of overkill. I don't ever want to have to worry about that base pin and what caliber I'm shooting. Even with the stronger spring the latch is not hard to manipulate so I'm not losing anything by swapping them out, except maybe an old screwdriver Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Devil Dale Posted April 26, 2023 Share Posted April 26, 2023 Harbor Freight Security Bit set: +- $9. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Callaway Posted April 26, 2023 Share Posted April 26, 2023 I briefly had a pair of Roogers. Sawmill Mary shot them a half stage and one locked up because the base pin jumped forward. She refused to shoot them again. I replaced the latch spring on both of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyesa Horg Posted April 26, 2023 Share Posted April 26, 2023 Had one of mine do it at my very first State match. Replaced the spring on both and no issues in years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frontier Lone Rider Posted April 26, 2023 Share Posted April 26, 2023 I had purchased a complete screwdriver just made for this, but I don't remember where I found it. I have used it many times over the years as I go from one set of firearms to the next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellowstone Vic SASS#32968 Posted April 26, 2023 Share Posted April 26, 2023 I believe this is the one Frontier Lone Rider is referring to: https://www.brownells.com/tools-cleaning/gun-tools/handgun-tools/ruger-sa-center-pin-latch-tool-d743f444/ Available but spendy… YMMV Vic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six-String Cowboy Posted April 26, 2023 Author Share Posted April 26, 2023 ouch, that's expensive for what it is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colorado Coffinmaker Posted April 27, 2023 Share Posted April 27, 2023 Iffin you Really Really Really need one, it's cheap seats. If on the other hand, if your latch isn't broke, it's a mite spendy. If on the other other hand you really like taking things apart, quite reasonable. And, of course, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frontier Lone Rider Posted April 27, 2023 Share Posted April 27, 2023 On 4/26/2023 at 1:35 PM, Yellowstone Vic SASS#32968 said: I believe this is the one Frontier Lone Rider is referring to: https://www.brownells.com/tools-cleaning/gun-tools/handgun-tools/ruger-sa-center-pin-latch-tool-d743f444/ Available but spendy… YMMV Vic That is the one! I must have bought it when I was ordering the complete Brownell's Screwdriver set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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