Sear Spring Slot

[silky]

How is the slot in the lock plate, that accepts the tab on the bottom of the sear spring, made? What tools for the job? Thanks.

- Tom

[steven baker]

I used a flat blade screwdriver bit,used it like a punch ,it worked.
Take care Steven.

[rich pierce]

I used a flat blade screwdriver bit,used it like a punch ,it worked.
Take care Steven.

I’ve chased a few and it’s no fun whatsoever. I’m betting they were punched as Steven said, and maybe done hot after a light marking punch done cold.

[45-110]

Engraving tool shaped like a small cape chisel.

[Jim Kibler]

If being cut, drill two holes at the ends first and chisel in between.

[Bob Roller]

Reduce that "tab" to a DIAMETER and drill a hole.I did this and it works just fine.No need for a slot or figuring out the hard way to do it.
Bob Roller

[smylee grouch]

Dremmil  tool with a cut off wheel

[Jim Kibler]

A cot off tool will make an overly long slot.  Might not bother some, but not the neatest way.

[smylee grouch]

Agreed Mr. Kibler. But I see that's what looks like what was used on several production locks. A small diameter wheel might help some with that.

[Mattox Forge]

A cot off tool will make an overly long slot.  Might not bother some, but not the neatest way.

I agree that this is a second rate way of doing it. A graver with a chisel point will do the job nearly as fast and much more neatly. The problem with the grinder is that the slot nearly always gets too wide as well as too long.

Mike

[Bob Roller]

I over looked the possibility of a lock made from a kit and altering the sear spring would/could be difficult.I was thinking in terms of my own lock making and the small stud as part of the design I used.
Bob Roller

[silky]

Great! Thanks for all the info, guys.

- Tom