When Springs fly...

[Maletrain]

I store my springs on small safety pins

That quote, and my latest episode of this comic-drama last night with a Con-Cor truck with sticking MTL coupler, got me thinking about tools to help when the MTL jig can't be used (as on a truck-mounted coupler or doing a custom conversion on a steamer pilot).

I am thinking that an L-shaped piece of wire with the short leg the length of the inside of the MTL coupler slot could be used to pick up the spring and insert it into the slot, compressing it to proper length as it goes in from one end.  Then a finger could be used to hold the spring in the slot while the tool is withdrawn.

But, my last spring went into that coupler, so I'll ask here:  What is the inside diameter of those little springs? I want to make the tool while I wait for the new springs supply to be delivered.

[atsf3751]

My technique for installing springs in a truck mounted coupler is to use a pair of needle nose tweezers inserted through the front of the coupler to hold the pieces. I then use a #11 Xacto blade to hold the spring. I compress the spring to the rear of the coupler box and push down on it. Once the spring is inserted I remove my tweezers and all the parts remain in place with friction. I carefully hold the truck while adding the rest of the box to the truck. I would say that the coupler comes apart probably one out of a hundred tries, then I just redo it. Been doing it that way for many years.

[Maletrain]

It is the part where you "compress the spring to the rear of the coupler box" with the Xacto blade that tends to launch the spring for me.  That is why I am considering the wire tool that more effectively captures the spring while it is placed and compressed.

[atsf3751]

Insert the knife blade at one end of the spring as far as it will go, while it is compressed push the spring into the box and cover it with your finger. Remove the knife blade and carefully lift your finger, the pressure from the spring should hold everything in place long enough to put the box together.

[nkalanaga]

Marty:  That's exactly how I do it.  Putting the knife in the middle of the spring is a sure way to lose the spring. 

I put the knife end at the pivot post, insert the spring against the end of the shank, then hold it while removing the knife.  That leaves the front end of the box clear, and I can slide the lid under my finger.

[atsf3751]

Yep and you will lose very few, if any, springs that way.