MAINSPRING END REPAIR

MAINSPRING END REPAIR
Often it will be necessary to repair the end or a mainspring because it will be
impossible to find a suitable replacement. This can be done by drawing the temper on
the end of the spring after the bad end has been cut off. Heat the end )before the new
hole is drilled) until it is cherry red and then reduce the heat slowly by slowly .
About ½ inch per second or slower will work until the flame is about a foot or so away.
Be careful. The end will still be hot for a few minutes. Put the spring in a vise with the
length that is to be softened exposed so that it can be worked on safely with the torch.
After the end has been softened and completely cooled; take it out of the vise and
punch a dot (at the center of the spot where the end hook is to be( and drill out the new
hole. I prefer to use a found hole that just fits the hook inside the barrell. be absolutely
sure that there are no sharp edges or cuts where the hook holds the end because that
will cause the end to break again. Be sure to leave enough on the other side of the hole
to protect the end.