18th century spring vice

Posted by Cliff Brown on April 11, 2012, 6:08 pm
71.187.26.92

Hello all, Before disassembling the lock on my elsie for a good cleaning I did a search on the forum for any tips, but had not noticed anyone using the spring vice that is commonly used on the flintlocks for compressing the main spring. I decided to give it a try and it worked like a champ. During reassembly I had to drill a hole in a pine board to put the pin of the sear into while re aligning the main spring with it to compress it again for reassembly. The main spring vice can be purchased at most black powder supply houses. I will attempt to post a picture.

Re: 18th century spring vice

Posted by cliff Brown on April 11, 2012, 6:11 pm, in reply to "18th century spring vice"
71.187.26.92

here is the picture spring vice

Re: 18th century spring vice

Posted by Ed St. Thomas on April 24, 2012, 7:59 pm, in reply to "18th century spring vice"
74.105.230.225

For what it's worth, for compressing mainsprings I have been using a small Vice Grip pliers that I ground the noses down to fit. It has worked like a charm for me.

Re: 18th century spring vice

Posted by R. Minshall on April 25, 2012, 4:26 pm, in reply to "18th century spring vice"
76.18.200.217

Would you please give me one of these Black Powder supply houses address or website. Thanks

Re: 18th century spring vice

Posted by Bill Browner on April 26, 2012, 6:32 am, in reply to "18th century spring vice"
24.231.254.151

I believe both Dixie Gun Works and Brownells has these in stock. Excellent idea..

Re: 18th century spring vice

Posted by Cliff Brown on May 1, 2012, 8:59 pm, in reply to "Re: 18th century spring vice"
71.187.26.92

Mr. Marshall, sorry I have not been on this site for some time. There are several black powder suppliers on line. A google search should bring them up easily. here is a short list. The Log Cabin Shop, Dixie Gun Works, and Track of the Wolf. it is called a main spring vise.

Re: 18th century spring vice

Posted by R. Minshall on May 10, 2012, 9:43 am, in reply to "Re: 18th century spring vice"
76.18.200.217

Thanks for the info. I purchased one from Log Cabin.