Tool to handle small frizzen springs

[Jerry V Lape]

I have spring vises but they are not useful on the small frizzen springs.  I have a Ditchburn lock which is about the same size as a small Siler and I have great difficulty handling this spring securely while taking the lock apart or reassembling during the build.  Any solutions for these? 

[Ryan McNabb]

Needle noise vise grips.  Adjust the compression just enough so that the screw hole lines up for reassembly.  Disassembly isn't an issue, just don't let parts get lost.

[flehto]

I put  2 layers of duct tape on the spring and use a small ViseGrip. The tape prevents the Vise Grip  from slipping. A minimum of compression is used......Fred

[heinz]

Machinists parallel clamps.  Work great for me

[tallbear]

Here's one I made from found materials during Jim Chambers lock making class several years ago.It's based on the one he uses. Always meant to make a nicer one but never got around to it.Works great!!!!

Mitch Yates

[mark esterly]

here is another example http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=7975.msg75325#msg75325

[Habu]

Machinists parallel clamps.  Work great for me

Same here.  I've actually got a frizzen spring clamp, I just don't use it often enough to remember where it is when I need it. 

[Acer Saccharum]

Habu, it's right next to your ramrod scraper.

[Habu]

Naw, I gave up on keeping track of those long ago.  I made my last one out of a piece of leafspring, then drilled another hole, ran a string through it, and tied it to my bench.  That way I always know it is at the bottom of the pile of scrap wood thrown under the bench. 

Who says I can't be organized?   

(Actually, I found the frizzen spring vise after I got home from work.  It was in the box with my horn-working tools.  I put it back so I'll know where it is next time I need it.)