Message for THOR Re: INSTALLING A LUGER MAINSPRING By THOR
 

Hey, just wanted to say a big thank you for this article http://www.lugerforum.com/Mainspring_Install.html
I had told my dad I would install new springs in his Luger that was having problems, but when I got to the mainspring I was EXTREMLY daunted.... I was going to say just forget it when I found your article, which made me think that MAYBE I could do it... so I went for it..... and got it done, THANKS!!!!

The on thing I did differently, is in step 5... I couldn't get the mainspring compressed all the way to get the hook of the mainspring guide over the end of the spring.... I was afraid I was going to pinch my hand between the hook and spring, and pliers were no help.... I managed several times to get it about 3-4 coils from the top though... so finally when I got it 3 coils from the top, I simply took the pliers and rotated the spring so the hook rode up the spring to the top.... like a nut on a screw... made it super easy!!!

Thanks again....

Yep, the twist method works but I put a bout 1/3 of the length of the spring in a vice, then gently compress it to hold the spring then the recoil spring guide can be pushed into the spring with a punch through the hole in the end of it without too much effort and hooked over the end. That is the method I use daily! Glad I could help!

I also found Thor’s article helpful.

I had the article open on my computer screen while I was wrestling with the main spring, and my hand slipped and I fired the main spring and guide into my computer monitor. I now have two “dimples” in my flat screen monitor, but at least it was not my old CRT monitor – that would have been scary.

Mike

Mike, Glad it wasn't your eyes!

Marc

Mike, I have taken old monitors out to my range and shot the dickens out of them..the glass in them is 10 inches thick! I don't think a mainspring would touch an old monitor screen. I was amazed at how thick they are. I guess that's why they are so heavy.

Jerry Burney

Yes, I now know to wear safety glasses while playing with springs.
I had no idea that the glass was that thick on the old CRT monitors.

Mike

Step 4 of my method says "make SURE to have a pair of SAFETY GLASSES or SAFETY GOGGLES on to protect your eyes. These springs can launch themselves and the rod with MUCH FORCE if they slip!! "

For what it's worth, CRT's are vacuum "filled". They don't explode, they implode. Regards