Installing springs in small spaces

[Steve in VA]

Now, this may be common knowledge but thought I'd pass it along JIC. I had to install a new pedal return spring that was very stout but back in a spot with limited access. I clamped on end in the bench vice and will pulling on the other end, I slipped a flat washer in between the coils. I repeated this for 8 washers. That gave me the stretch to install the spring. I put the washers opposite from the front of the hook so its angle changed to help the process. It popped right in place. Then I pulled each washer with a packing pick. Easy breezy.

Hope this helps somebody.

 

[Eric in IL]

It works well. Sometimes after it is in place you can depress the pedal and the washers will fall from the spring.

 

[grizz02]

also in the reverse compress a spring in a vise then zip tie it , install it then cut the ties

 

[Steve in VA]

Ooo. I didn't think of that! Elegant in its simplicity.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I couldn't put spring on Idler pulley after replacing belt on woods 6 ft finish mower.
Way beyond my strength.
So I attached ratchet strap to spring using aluminum wire. Ratchet pulled spring in place. I then cut wire. Got it done.
I may try you washer trick.

 

[Farmall plowboy]

Wealthy are we, who learn from others!

 

[Dieseltech]

I've done that trick on a broken baler knotter compression spring years ago, on a late Saturday afternoon when the stores were closed and rain coming..

 

[Charles in Aus.]

Thanks Steve , your ' just in case' will save my knuckles and wrists the next time I service the mower deck .

 

[PJH]

Thanks Steve, I'm gonna try to remember that trick.

 

[dr sportster]

File that in the brain for future use ! Nice one !

 

[SVcummins]

Thats a good idea

 

[Billy NY]

I have done this before, converted a 1980 K-10 from automatic to standard transmission, that clutch pedal spring is a stout one. Just wedged it one coil at a time until it was close enough to hook. There really was no other way. I did this entire job outside in one of the staging yards we had at work, NAPA was on the other side of the fence, a Spicer dealer was within walking distance, was kind of a fun job with these 2 suppliers at my fingertips. I did have to go to a dealer for some small parts.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

The older I get, the weaker I get and I have to invent work around ideas.
Glad this idea gets Barney's approval.

 

[Richard G.]

Thanks for that idea.
Springs can be a bear sometimes and arthritis does not help.
Richard in NW SC

 

[Blackhole49]

Good idea.

 

[chuckthin]

you can also reshape a spring using wire cutters to cam out loops. just be careful to not to nick or cut.

 

[John Deere D]

Thanks for the info...

 

[Phil-mar Farms]

We did something similar to a John Deere spring on the rear lift. We extended the spring and put 7/16 bolts in each opening. When the lift was released it gave us enough slack to remove the spring