Spring replacement

[FlinterNick]

I think the smith I’m referring too was talking about a finished ,installed spring not one being made and heat treated.

Depends on your perspective of things I suppose.

Call it what you will but i would fix that spring, I’d inspect it, if the cracks are through, its trash.

Otherwise if not, I’d normalize it first, file off the nooks with a diamond file 120-220. Then polish up the spring somewhat, not mirror finish but nicely polished 220 is fine.

Harden (heat and quench in oil) and temper at 750 for 1 hour.

I mean if the owner is going to be out looking for a new replacement spring, what does he have to lose trying to fix the old one?

 

[smo]

Looks like we’re beating a dead horse anyway….

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Pilgrim​

• Friday at 4:03 PM
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• #7

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index...For+DGW+Kentucky+Style+Lock+(LO0703+&+LO0704)

$12 for a new “in stock “ main spring.. buy two!

 

[bpd303]

No and I’ve never filed the bend on one either after being advised by 70 + year old master blacksmith it wasn’t a good idea.

Being the bend is the weak point of the spring..according too him..

Would you not agree?

I'm 82 and been blacksmithing for 40 of those years and gunsmithing for 60. I have made many, many springs and depending on the spring it depends if the bend is the weakest point. Polishing (filing) the surface cracks does not weaken it, but as said the stress risers at surface cracks is a sure weak spot especially at the edges of leaf main springs and will eventually make the spring fail.

 

[Rebel bull]

what would filing out cracks do? that repairs nothing!

cracks are the start of a break when you remove them you lessen the chance of them growing when done right the spring probably never break in that spot. this is why when a professional welder repairs things they drill holes at the ends of a crack before welding

 

[Philip Lebow]

I'm with Flinter Nick. I make replacement springs, and file out the imperfections and then polish the spring.
The stamped spring in the photo is typical of their rough condition. Filing away the crack starters helps their reliability.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

I'm with Flinter Nick. I make replacement springs, and file out the imperfections and then polish the spring.
The stamped spring in the photo is typical of their rough condition. Filing away the crack starters helps their reliability.

I can hammer out a replacement spring, from quality spring steel, in about 45 minutes on the forge. I’m very careful with the bend in the spring…there can be no cracks or blemishes.

 

[J.D.]

If you look at the photo of the whole spring, there is nothing bending where those cracks are, which means, filing the cracks won't affect the strength of the spring, or much of anything else, other than removing a potential stress riser. IMHO, that spring could be a, very poorly done, home made spring that does apparently work. I would simply file the bad spots down, polish and shoot it, until the spring can be replaced with a proper spring.

In reference to Dixie, I would call and get confirmation of the spring being in stock, before placing an order, as they are known for items being out of stock, when listed as "in stock" in the on-line catalog.

 

[M. De Land]

It’s not a pretty spring. Many blacksmiths know little of hardening and tempering springs, and are more adept at doing bigger stuff with zero critical dimensions. Anyone not experienced in making springs for gun locks would be an iffy choice in my view. I’d not make a spring for less than $60 unless it was a friend or neighbor. Maybe keep your eye out for a spare lock. Cabin Creek is a possibility but I don’t know their rates for a mainspring replacement.

Yeah, I can burn up half a day to build heat treat one properly ! Seems like a lot of money but it's not for custom work which spring making is. Reminds me of a friend of mine complaining about having to pay 25.00 $ for a gun screw he could not purchase from a vendor, I asked him, "ever tried making one from rod stock" ? He got the point !