Patchbox spring placement & function question

[Adam in WI]

Hi folks, I've got a question regarding the function of a patchbox lid on a rifle I put together. I bought the patchbox from Track of the Wolf. I followed the instructions pretty well I think, but I seem to have a situation where the lid doesn't really want to fully close unless I snap it shut. The way I understood, this leaf spring arrangement should provide assistance in lifting the lid open and provide force for keeping it closed. I've included a few pictures and a little illustration of my concern.

I guess the question is; do I have the spring placement wrong, or does is there a fitment issue between the individual pieces. Shouldn't the lid want to snap shut once it closes past a certain point?

Thanks for looking

 

[Phil Coffins]

By the drawing the hinge is nearly even with the tip of the lid tab. The tab could move back past that point to make the lid snap shut sooner.

 

[Flintandsteel]

Your placement is actually pretty good. Might I suggest, before you adjust anything, just try shimming the patch box return spring up a bit. Like a popsicle stick thickness. You should still have just a little pressure on the lid spring, even when it’s open.

 

[Phil Coffins]

I also notice in the photos the edge of the spring is sharp, lightly polish it will make it move smoothly.

 

[Adam in WI]

I'm wondering if I don't have to deepen the spring's mortise. I think I can get the tip of the spring higher that way actually. Right now it's touching the hinge, I think.

Along with polishing the spring, Phil; I suppose it would help to polish and slightly radius the end of the lid tab.

 

[Phil Coffins]

I'm wondering if I don't have to deepen the spring's mortise. I think I can get the tip of the spring higher that way actually. Right now it's touching the hinge, I think.

Along with polishing the spring, Phil; I suppose it would help to polish and slightly radius the end of the lid tab.

Yes, the tab is what I meant.

 

[Adam in WI]

So just to update; along with polishing the mating surfaces of both the spring and the tab, I noticed while holding the lid and finial slightly further forward the lid seemed to have noticeably more inclination to snap shut. So with that in mind I repositioned the spring roughly 3/16" further to the rear.

This, along with filing a little more clearance for the lid itself made a great improvement in the lid function. I think I'll leave it at this.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. About midway through putting this patchbox in, I was seriously doubting myself. Between the tricky inletting (for a relative beginner), and the subsequent function issue I was really starting to kick myself. I was starting to grow frustrated with the rifle in general, and was disgusted with myself for not opting for Jim's sliding wood cover. Now that it's functioning and is cleaned up some, my overall satisfaction with the end result is much greater.

 

[Pete G]

You might use a shim under the spring to make it stronger.

 

[Tumbledown]

You can also bend the tab on the lid out a bit more to create more tension on the spring. But you have the right idea.