OldFalGuy Posted June 10, 2005 Report Share Posted June 10, 2005 http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/blink.gif Guys, I wrote once ago about the pilot/spring tool. a week later I found it after mangeing to wind the devil without it with what?? I can not recall. Tonight while showing the weapon the bolt would not draw back ( the oiler seemed to be in the way in the end) I stripped the upper but could not see the fault and then recalled I had moved "the tool" to storage. I had been in contact with one member here who had handily used a paper clip instead. I gotta tell you all I failed miserably with teh paper clip and could not turn NADA with one, I was all mixed up. Finally I stuffed the spring and pined it with a pfinsihing nail and installed it inthe receiver. What in the hell did I do wrong?? with the paper clip guys?? Do you hold the Pilot in a vise and then wind the spring, that didn't work at all HELP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawksnest Posted June 10, 2005 Report Share Posted June 10, 2005 When using the "tool" I wind the spring to compress it. When using the "paperclip" I must manually compress the spring and insert the paperclip to hold the compressed spring in place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lancer Posted June 10, 2005 Report Share Posted June 10, 2005 I use a bigger paper clip, about twice the size of a standard run of the mill paper clip. I straighten it out and then bend it in half so I have a double thickness for strength. This also allows me to create a loop in the end to insert finger for winding. Nothing fancy, but it works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
full auto 45 Posted June 10, 2005 Report Share Posted June 10, 2005 I used a cleaning rod for a .45 pistol, they are cheap, about $2-$3 each. Then use a grinder and turn the end down to fit the hole and it works great. Made couple myself and they work perfect. Maybe I see a ebay special in the works. http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/dry.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murray Posted June 11, 2005 Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 I hold the view now that owing one of those "British"? main spring winding and insertion tool is as much fun as owning a 1928A1 Thompson. I get as much buzz out of striping the 1928 using the tool and demonstrating it to groups of amazed bi-standers. They all think that I am performing some kind of majic tricks. Paper clip! http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/dry.gif Get started Mike, you could make a killing. http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/smile.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21 smoker Posted June 11, 2005 Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 I`ll take a couple,Mike....engraving extra?.. http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/wink.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldFalGuy Posted June 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 Well since I started this thread with my helplessness I think its only fair that if Mike makes the tools that I be the Official needy poster child. Have at it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john Posted June 15, 2005 Report Share Posted June 15, 2005 I did the same thing as Mike back when you couldn't find "the tools"....a surplus parkerized .45 rod turned down in a lathe to match as close as my calibrated eyeball could figure from a picture! A few dabs of Dichropan and "voila"! perfect tool for the job! Bought an original at the SAR show from Doug Richardson last December but I don't use that one. Mike used a grinder, which would be very easy with a sharp edge on the wheel. If yopu guys can field strip a Thompson and have access to a grinder or lathe, give this a try! http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/wink.gif john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merry Ploughboy Posted June 15, 2005 Report Share Posted June 15, 2005 Or you can just buy the repro from Sportmans Guide (AX5A-90312). A little pricy at about $30 plu HIS. MP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldFalGuy Posted June 15, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2005 MP, That is surely where I got mine-works real well so long as your main spring follows instructions and doesn't try and get a curl caught on the pilot and be stubborn.... like mine was. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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