Makin my own flat springs

Matt · February 6, 2000, 10:35 AM

I have an old Harrington&Richardson 32 cal. revoler.This piece was a mass of rust when i got it,I've cleaned it all up and had her reblued.now i need to replace all the flat springs.I've ordered spring stock from Browells,and the basics of making springs seems easy enough,but I'd like to learn as much as possible before i start this stage.Does it matter what weight oil you use to quench?time in oil?is there any books covering this subject in detail?
Thanks,
Matt

George Stringer · February 6, 2000, 03:47 PM

Matt, you have your work "cut out" for you. The Brownells flat spring stock is pretty thick when you compare 1/16" to .010". That will be the hardest part of it. Getting the metal thinned. Making flat springs is relativly easy. Most small ones you can make on top of the kitchen stove. The method that works well for me it so lay the spring onto a burner and heat on high until cherry red. Then quench in 30wt motor oil. I have used 10wt so I really don't think that matters. After the spring has cooled in the oil suspend it in molten lead for 4 to 8 minutes. I use my Lee lead pot for this. It maintains the proper temperature. After that, either you have a spring or you don't. It isn't what you'd call an exact science. In Brownells Gunsmith Kinks series there are several different methods outlined. It's a pretty good source for tips on gun work. George

James K · February 6, 2000, 09:45 PM

Most of the springs you will need for that H&R can be bought from Wolfe or Brownells. They may need some fitting, but that would be easier than making them.

Jim

February 6, 2000, 10:35 AM	#1
Matt Member Join Date: September 14, 1999 Posts: 39	I have an old Harrington&Richardson 32 cal. revoler.This piece was a mass of rust when i got it,I've cleaned it all up and had her reblued.now i need to replace all the flat springs.I've ordered spring stock from Browells,and the basics of making springs seems easy enough,but I'd like to learn as much as possible before i start this stage.Does it matter what weight oil you use to quench?time in oil?is there any books covering this subject in detail? Thanks, Matt

February 6, 2000, 03:47 PM	#2
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	Matt, you have your work "cut out" for you. The Brownells flat spring stock is pretty thick when you compare 1/16" to .010". That will be the hardest part of it. Getting the metal thinned. Making flat springs is relativly easy. Most small ones you can make on top of the kitchen stove. The method that works well for me it so lay the spring onto a burner and heat on high until cherry red. Then quench in 30wt motor oil. I have used 10wt so I really don't think that matters. After the spring has cooled in the oil suspend it in molten lead for 4 to 8 minutes. I use my Lee lead pot for this. It maintains the proper temperature. After that, either you have a spring or you don't. It isn't what you'd call an exact science. In Brownells Gunsmith Kinks series there are several different methods outlined. It's a pretty good source for tips on gun work. George

February 6, 2000, 09:45 PM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Most of the springs you will need for that H&R can be bought from Wolfe or Brownells. They may need some fitting, but that would be easier than making them. Jim