Installing a Luger mainspring
 

What is the trick to getting the mainspring back in? Been at it for 2 hours without success.

Thanks
sfnamvet

There is a special tool for it

Check out the vid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjIXIielj8Q

Some folks may have additional procedures of getting one installed w/o the tool. I'm sure they will chime in if they do.

The way I do it it to get two 2x2 wood blocks at least 6 inches long. Space the 2x2's just far enough apart on the bench top to allow the lower portion of the grip frame to fit between them. Remove the upper so you just have the lower frame. Take a steel punch that will just fit the hole in the spring guide and slide it through the hole (If you don't have a punch, a steel drill could possibly substitute). Now set the frame between the 2x2 blocks with both ends of the punch supported on the blocks and the frame free to move down between the blocks. With one hand push down on the top of the frame, the punch holds the spring and compresses it while you push the frame between the 2x3 blocks. You can use your other hand to move the spring guide to latch into the frame.....

Anyway, it works for me.... Good luck!!!!

There is a tutorial in the General Information section of this site. That is a good guide, but I have found that I can just muscle it without pushing it against a desk if I put the handle of the punch in a screwdriver handle and give it the umph!