Bean / Banana Patch Box Latch / Opener Springs

[canadianml1]

Below are pic's of the opener spring and the closing latch that I have installed on my Kibler smr. I could not bring myself to try and position a PC 'nail' in the right spot, too risky for me.

Let me be clear, I do NOT believe that the installation is PC. The springs are made from 1/32 inch brass sheet. They are designed so that the stress in the springs does not cause any permanent set while providing a nice crisp 6 to 7 pound load to unlatch the cover. I intend to reduce the button after soldering it to the spring. At present it is held on with a brass 4-40 m/c screw which I plan to 'disappear'. In addition, I plan to try and make the installation look a little more PC by coloring all brass with brass black............sort of faux PC.

All comments appreciated.

[Daryl]

Interesting design that I haven't seen before, but seems to work.

[canadianml1]

It still works well after many many cycles of opening and closing. It does seem to be  robust enough but I will not repeat or recommend it as I found it somewhat finicky to fit and tune. I am sure that there is a better way for me to do it, just don't know what at this point in time. Its appearance should improve with reduction and coloring of the latch button.

[canadianml1]

Latch button soldered and reduced to simulate a nail head.

[P.W.Berkuta]

Looks fine to my eye -- nice job .  Brass can be worked hardened as you know but you have to be careful not to get it brittle.

[canadianml1]

The brass is cold finished so it gets a lot of its strength (50,000 psi yield for 1/2 H) from work/strain hardening. It still can be bent 180 degrees with no cracking.