Reply To: Pocket watch "T" end mainspring installation issue…

[randy]

This is one that I also struggled with for awhile.
You’re right Tom, in that they don’t stay lined up as you shoot them into the barrel, and it’s frustrating to say the least.
I but the barrel into a “right sized” hole in my round staking anvil,..and my trick is to use some KT22 grease on this inside walls.
Then I shoot the spring in, and use a nylon stick move the spring as necessary. The light amount of grease allows the spring to slide, and I can rotate the barrel wih my fingers to assist.
I then put on the cap, turn it over, give a little push and the cap snaps in place. The anvil give a nice hard, flat surface for this.

I like David’s method using the crystal press. I have one of those,..and think I should try that out !!

Take care,

Randy