Mainspring vice

[russell shaffer]

I found this in my browsing while looking for a picture to maybe build one.  Doing it this way would be almost free and even I can probably make such a thing.  Just a short piece of steel with a slot in it. 

You don't actually need a mainspring vice to change a V spring in most cases.. Most English gunsmiths just use a strip of metal with a slot cut in it wide enough to hold both legs of the spring as a cramp. Tension the spring with the hammer/lever, drop in the cramp which holds the spring in tension and release the pressure on the hammer/lever. Spring will then become loose in the action and can be removed. To replace, refit spring and then tension using the lock action. Remove cramp and ease springs....

If you are working with an untensioned spring, tension it in a bench vice, drop on the cramp and then release..

Using a cramp takes up less space in the action body and is easily made from scrap with a hacksaw and file!

[russell shaffer]

Well, I just went out and took the lock out of a CVA.  I didn't make a tool but I have a small 1 inch c-clamp.  I cocked the lock, put the clamp on the spring and lowered the hammer.  Presto.  No vice grip marks on the spring and it went in and out just fine.  Remember this wasn't my idea, just shamelessly stolen.

[Keb]

I would suggest not trying your spring removal system on a Chambers Early Ketland lock. I can almost guarantee you'll be buying a new spring. 

[russell shaffer]

Thank you for the words of caution.  On the CVA I did make sure that clamp was fully engaged and not putting any twists on the spring.  It is also a $10 spring and I have a spare.  I probably would not have done this on an expensive  item but thanks for warning everyone about possible dangers.