AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: dstock on August 11, 2025, 04:49:26 AM

Title: Mainspring link
Post by: dstock on August 11, 2025, 04:49:26 AM

What material is best for making the mainspring to tumbler link in a lock.

Title: Re: Mainspring link
Post by: mtlonghunter on August 11, 2025, 05:17:37 PM

A piece of hacksaw blade and two pins. If I understand your question correctly.

Title: Re: Mainspring link
Post by: P.W.Berkuta on August 11, 2025, 07:40:39 PM

I've made mine out of O-1 and filed them to shape. No need to heat treat them but you can.

Title: Re: Mainspring link
Post by: dstock on August 11, 2025, 09:13:02 PM

So you guys think that there isn't enough stress on that small link to warrant a high strength metal. O1 was my first thought because I have it but was planning on heat treating it to increase strength and wear ability. I appreciate the replies.
Hacksaw blade, hadn't thought about that but could upgrade to larger bandsaw blade. Good thought thanks.

Title: Re: Mainspring link
Post by: JTR on August 11, 2025, 09:42:13 PM

Given that if that link breaks in use, it will no doubt knock a big chunk of wood out the stock under the lock area, I think I'd error on the side of extra strength.
John

Title: Re: Mainspring link
Post by: Bob Roller on August 12, 2025, 03:34:22 AM

I made them from 1018 for decades and no reported problems.A hacksaw blade would be a lot of work and my experience says the integral connection is stronger
Bob Roller