Removing a frizzen spring

[DB]

What is the best way to remove and replace a frizzen spring?

[Lucky R A]

Without breaking it is the smart answer.  To do this I use a small C clamp.  First rotate the frizzen so the frizzen spring is at maximum compression.  Place the C clamp over the spring at the closest possible location to the frizzen and tighten the clamp only enough to compress the spring to relieve the pressure against the frizzen foot.  You can now remove the spring by removing the inside or outside screw that secures the spring.   Now slide the spring straight out the little tit may stick a bit but it will come out....   

[dannybb55]

The elegant solution is a frizzen spring tool. I will forge a few up tonight and post them on the site.
           Danny

[The other DWS]

I have used one of those small 3 or 4 inch cheap vise grips.  I have ground the serrations off of, and polished the jaws so they don;t scratch the spring and create "stress-risers".  I also reworked the ends of the jaws to make them less bulky.  I don't use them to compress the spring, but to hold it once the frizzen compresses it.  the adjustment screw on the vise-grip lets me set the minimal amount of compression needed to get the springs in and out so I don;t accidentally over compress them.

[flehto]

I compress the frizzen spring w/ the frizzen, apply a few layers of masking tape onto the spring and a clamp w/ vise grips. The tape prevents the vise grip jaws from slipping and marring the spring.....Fred

[Don Getz]

I own a Dave Motto "cramp", the simplest thing you have ever seen or used.   It is made from 1/4" round stock, merely
hook it over the front of the spring and put a slight upward pressure on the spring and remove the screw....done......Don

[elk killer]

just use a main spring vise

[Chris Treichel]

I use a hand vise... they come in handy for these little jobs

[Jim Kibler]

I'm with Don.  For years I used a small mainspring vise.  A year or so ago, I finally took a little time and made a cramp or whatever you call it from a piece of 1/4" square stock.  Works slick as can be and is far easier than futzing with a vise or clamp.  

[heinz]

I use a small machinists toolmakers parrallel clamp.  Works great.  Looks like these that I have never bought so know nothing about.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Machinist-Toolmakers-Parallel-Clamps-1-Pair/T10079

[Swampwalker]

I use a small mainspring vise, 'upside down' (small end on the working side of the spring).  Works perfectly, never felt the need for anything else.

[Bob Roller]

Lucky R A. We are on the same page. I have used this method for decades and the miniature C"clamp is the tool.

Bob Roller

[mjm46@bellsouth.net]

I use a small machinists toolmakers parrallel clamp.  Works great.  Looks like these that I have never bought so know nothing about.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Machinist-Toolmakers-Parallel-Clamps-1-Pair/T10079

I have a set of these. Really great clamps, I use them for lots of things. I was wondering where to get another set.

[Jim Kibler]

Just telling you guys, use the cramp type device and you'll not want to use anything else.  Been there done that!

[Tom Currie]

IF someones got the time, a picture of a cramp device would be helpful.

[John Archer]

IF someones got the time, a picture of a cramp device would be helpful.

Page 3 Line 5 in Shop Made Tools.

John.

[dannybb55]

http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo290/fllintlock/Frizzen_Spring_Tool.jpg
 Here is one of the frizzen tools that I made a few years back in response to the same question. the price is still 5 bucks plus shipping.
                    Danny