How to install mainspring barrell caps if they are loose.

BARRELL CAPS
describe how to install barrell caps if they are loose.Installing a barrell
cap on a mainspring barrell can be a frustrating experience if the cap does not fit
snugly.Many times the caps have been forced or gouged and distorted from
mis-handling.More often the barrell itself has been distorted where the cap fits on.
There is usually a small groove with a shoulder that keeps the cap from sliding
too far into the spring.If the barrell has been soldered; expect the cap to be loose
.If you see scratches and deep gouges around the edge; this is another warning sign.
If the cap has been removed and installed too many times,the barrell will get
warped and the cap will not fit tightly.
A barrell cap can be installed by clamping the barrell and the cap at one
edge snugly ,but not destructively, in a vise with SMOOTH jaws , and then with a
leather or hardwood mallet, the other edge can be installed with some sharp tapping.
PICTURE.Do not squeeze the barrell/cap combination tight enough to distort or
destroy the small edge that holds the cap. I have also installed the caps by holding
one end of the barrell/cap in my hand and tapping on the cap with a wooden mallet
with the tooth side of the barrell sitting on a SOLID spot on the bench.This is faster
but a little bit more difficult.PICTURE. If the cap is loose IE: doesn’t stay put DO NOT
START WITH TRYING TO MAKE THE BARRELL OPENING SMALLER. DO
NOT TRY TO MODIFY THE BARRELL. Start with the cap.With a polished piece
of hard steel as an anvil ; work the edges of the cap outward gradually by hitting the
cap evenly around the entire circumference of its outer edge with a polished hammer.
Stay as close to the edge as possible without actually hitting the edge. If the cap is
steel ; this method will work ; however it will take much longer to get the diameter
of the cap increased. If one is very careful the diameter of the cap can be increased
enough to make the cap stay put nicely. Be sure to carefully check the barrell for
cracks in the sides.As one can imagine; it will not be possible to get the cap to fit
tightly if the barrell is cracked.Again; do not try to modify the barrell edge; the cap
will hold if it fits snugly. Always check the barrells before you take them apart.
If there is evidence of butchery , plan on much grief in trying to get the barrell caps
to fit properly.Don’t forget to check the cap to be sure it is flat and not cupped
before installing it on the barrell.