Walker Mainspring compressor

[Dude]

Just wondering how you guys hold the mainspring when disassembling the pistol.

Took a little brainstorming to come up with a solution involving a 3/4" open end wrench and padding.

Wondering how it's supposed to be done and if there's a special tool for the job.

 

[sawyer04]

Main springs in the revolvers can be challenging. The few walkers I have worked on I just used a pair of flat nose pliers. I know, doesn't sound kosher. I think a vise could be made with simple tools like a small hand vise. Just never had a reason to make one. Not too many of those cannons around my parts.

 

[Dude]

I didn't want to mar the brass front strap. Tried some needle nose visegrips first, but they'd slip off. Too much of an angle.

That's a good idea using a crescent wrench. Channel locks would work, but then you'd have to hold them while removing/replacing the screws with your other hand.

Come to think of it, I might just have a hand vise that would work. Thanks for the idea!

 

[45D]

Most of the time you can stack your thumbs on the spring, press down and slide the spring down from under the hammer. If that won't work, you can simply push the spring out from under the hammer to either side. To install just push down and swing back under the hammer. No real need for any tools.

Mike

 

[Dude]

Thanks, Mike. I'll try that.