What is the best way to cut down a hammer spring?

Bennett Richards · August 18, 2022, 01:18 AM

Hi,
I have purchased an 11 pound hammer spring for my HK P2000sk to lighten the trigger pull a bit. I was only able to find an 11 pound hammer spring for an HK P2000 whose spring is longer.
I will need to cut the new spring to the same length as the stock spring.
What is the best tool for the job?

Thanks!

burrhead · August 18, 2022, 05:09 AM

First off, I wouldn't cut or use the spring. Other people will be along to tell you why that's a bad idea but's too early in the morning for me and I don't really care. But, to answer your question, a pair of dykes.

Pahoo · August 18, 2022, 11:04 AM

Quote:

I will need to cut the new spring to the same length as the stock spring. What is the best tool for the job?

Well, this project could go sideways for you but if you have this figured out then that's fine.. ...

Not worth damaging a "good" set of dykes. So my suggestion, is using a Dremel with that thin brown, cutting "disc", just go slow and match the proper maintain the proper angle. .....

Be Safe !!!

Scorch · August 18, 2022, 04:29 PM

Quote:

But, to answer your question, a pair of dykes.

Using a hardened tool to cut hardened steel is inviting trouble. The dykes will be damaged and they will not cut cleanly through hardened spring steel. At best, you will dent the jaws, at worst you may chip them.

No, Pahoo is right, use an abrasive cutting wheel on a rotary tool (I have a Foredom, but most people have Dremels or an Oriental knock-off).

I will also tell you to not cut the mainspring, that is not the proper way to reduce trigger pull. Will it work? Sure, but it's not the way to do it.

**4V50 Gary** · August 18, 2022, 05:26 PM

Coil spring? I'd put it on a punch and spin it on a belt sander. You won't go fast enough to reach critical.

Flat spring? Evenly sand or hand file.

HiBC · August 19, 2022, 11:10 AM

The 11 lbs is the spring rate. It will be 11 lbs if you shorten it. (pretty much)

What cutting the spring changes is preload. Its not the same. Reducing rate is about wire diameter or helix,

See if Wolfe offers what you want. I suggest you not cut the spring.

August 18, 2022, 01:18 AM	#1
Bennett Richards Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 1998 Location: Carlsbad, CA USA Posts: 356	What is the best way to cut down a hammer spring? Hi, I have purchased an 11 pound hammer spring for my HK P2000sk to lighten the trigger pull a bit. I was only able to find an 11 pound hammer spring for an HK P2000 whose spring is longer. I will need to cut the new spring to the same length as the stock spring. What is the best tool for the job? Thanks!

August 18, 2022, 05:09 AM	#2
burrhead Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 1999 Location: Chihuahuan desert, Texas Posts: 1,148	First off, I wouldn't cut or use the spring. Other people will be along to tell you why that's a bad idea but's too early in the morning for me and I don't really care. But, to answer your question, a pair of dykes. __________________ Join the GOA, SAF and the TSRA I'm offended by people that are easily offended. Last edited by burrhead; August 18, 2022 at 06:18 AM.

August 18, 2022, 05:26 PM	#5
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	Coil spring? I'd put it on a punch and spin it on a belt sander. You won't go fast enough to reach critical. Flat spring? Evenly sand or hand file. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

August 19, 2022, 11:10 AM	#6
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,283	The 11 lbs is the spring rate. It will be 11 lbs if you shorten it. (pretty much) What cutting the spring changes is preload. Its not the same. Reducing rate is about wire diameter or helix, See if Wolfe offers what you want. I suggest you not cut the spring.