How can those tiny springs fly so far?

Ya need a totally white room without any moldings, windows and just one door. Six video cameras that can do high def slow motion video and a bar magnet. Lots of surface lighting sealed real good in the ceiling. Then you might find those little springs.

Only a flee can outperform a gun spring.

Those little springs can do more than just fly across the room with more energy than physically possible, they can bring out a whole new language from my mouth that my friends never new existed.

My trusty magnet to the rescue. That little item thought it was camouflaged. That magnet is a good item for old geezers.

Leprechauns. You know it because springs that can't be found even with the honking big speaker magnet will suddenly appear plain as day a week or so after you got a replacement spring installed.

Actually I think I've had better luck with the big Mag Lite held at a low angle but still...

1911 mainsprings, Browning Hi power mainsprings. A fella' needs extra.

BH Springs Inc. has a good tool for the BHP.

Then you get to the really small ones. Added to that aging eyes. Big fingers.


The light trick across the floor. I forgot to mention that. It works. sometimes.

The best way to find small part is to buy another.

A friend gave me the greatest tool ever for Christmas a couple of years ago.. It is a flashlight that extends like an antenna and has the head on a goose neck. Then there is also a strong magnet circling the light. I can bend the head 90 degrees, extend the length out and search the floor from my work stool. Don't even have to bend over with the magnet. Greatest old timer tool yet!

I have a box of springs I got years ago from Brownells.

I can reproduce about any lost spring from that selection.

Find the right type, cut to fit.

DF

Bigger springs can fly further.. Don't ask how I know..

Detent balls have fantastic ballistics, plus the English to roll forever.
Fastenall will sell you a 200 count bag of Savage extractor detent balls real cheap.
Anybody need any? I have a few extra.

Also install a full-ceiling electromagnet capable of sucking the little bastards up from wherever they are.

Murphy's Law: If it can fly away out of control, it will. And it will land in the most inaccessible spot.

The same as when you drop a socket it will roll on the floor under the exact center of the car.

"What can go wrong, will. And it will go wrong at the most inopportune time."


Murphy was an optimist...

Go to Target and get the biggest size Space Saver bag they've got. Put the part and ALL tools necessary inside. Cut two holes in the side of the bag to put your hands in. Proceed to do the work. Any springs that decide to leave should remain in the bag. This can also be done with a large, clear plastic storage box; but if married wife is certain to find a use for it before you need it a second time.

Because you wore safety glasses. If you didn't, it would end up in your eye, then you'd know where it was. Problem solved!

These don't fly far...

I am still waiting for my Ruger 22/45 extractor spring and detent to land....

From last summer 😜

I was going to post about converting PE to KE via compressed coiled steel, but that would just be silly at this point.