Field expedient recoil spring installation tool

[ByronF]

Special tools are really handy for working on your FAL at home, but you can't expect to have that stuff with you all the time. Does anyone else use their carrier and rat-tail to install their recoil spring? It isn't as convenient as the special tool or a cleaning rod, but it sure beats trying to cram it by hand. And you know it'll be there when you need it. I can't think of a situation where you'd have to pull your spring in the field, but it's a good technique to try sometime.

Byron

[Double G Gunsmithing]

Hey There,

You can use a pistol cleaning rod with a bare end, one with a bore guide on it helps,you can turn the knurled part of the cone to start the recoil spring tube nut
( screw ) I
used that meathod oversea's on FAL's in the ' 70's, beats a sharp stick :-)

Sincerely, George L. Gouger

[ByronF]

ER:

I've used the rattail several times. It's not a "I wonder if..." thing, it does work. I don't think you wasted your time building your special tool. The rattail works, but if I can get a'holt of a cleaning rod you can bet I'll use it instead. This is just a handy tip to know in case you're ever up the creek without a special tool.

Byron

[awp101]

It's amazing what we learn on this board! I was about to ask this question, but broadened my search options and found this. :D

Two great big thumbs up!

Can we put this in FAQs EMDII?

[ July 08, 2001: Message edited by: awp101 ]

[EMDII]

Along with the others. Just make sure folks read it, instead of re-creating the thread a thousand times. Point folks to the FAQs for a lot of questions. That's why they're called Frequently Asked

What tools (http://www.l1a1.com/cgi-bin/forums/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=10&t=000053)

More 'what tools' (http://www.l1a1.com/cgi-bin/forums/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=10&t=000141)

Did a search of the FAQ on 'tools' and got

11 hits!

[EMDII]

SOB won't transfer. Later.

[Pastor_ Augie]

I used a Cleaning rod for a 223 rifle to put the spring back in with. Just hope the wife does not see the 2 Spring marks on the ceiling. Man she is going to Skin me alive.

ps Thanks Lance.

[ October 13, 2001: Message edited by: Pastor_ Augie ]

[OmegaMBR]

I used an aluminum welding rod but an ar-15 cleaning rod would be even better, just stick it through the nut and compress and turn , no brainer.
my field cleaning kit uses the ar-15 rod so it can clean .22s anyway.
the rat tail is a great idea though.