Extractor Spring Installation Tool

[Jstud220]

I have not had great success with the pressing them in with pliers method and I was using the Knipex parallel jaw pliers for the task. The extractor spring needs to be securely held in the hollow end of a tool and given a twist to seat it. If you just attempt to press them straight in they will become damaged more than half the time.

Here are a couple of great videos on the best way to do this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH-AIX7WYlI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEb3qbtAWFw

I’ve never twisted one and never had an issue. I just listen for the click when it snaps into place and call it a day. The only time I’ve damaged extractor springs is removing them and stretching the spring out visibly.

Having a proper tool would probably be easier. For me the hardest part is always balancing the spring on the extractor while holding the towel in place on the bottom of it.

[markm]

I’ve never twisted one and never had an issue. I just listen for the click when it snaps into place and call it a day.

Same here. I didn't know they could become twisted or whatever.

[1168]

I pour oil on them then constrict them in a large crescent wrench. When the worm screw won’t turn anymore, I press the slack out of the jaws by pinching with my fingers. It pops in at this point. This is only convenient because the wrench happens to live on the table at which I replace extractor springs.

There is likely a better way.

[mark5pt56]

If one pushes at an angle it can cause the spring to kink. If you take a block or any raised surface or table edge, place the spring base up and then the extractor on top. Then just simply press straight down with your thumb, it will snap into the well.

[AndyLate]

Same here. I didn't know they could become twisted or whatever.

Twisting reduces the diameter and makes them easier to install, at least in theory. I always replace standard extractor springs with Colt, Sprinco, BCM parts and never had a problem until I destroyed one. I will be picking up a tool.

Andy

[prepare]

There are several ways to install them. Some fit tighter than others. I already had the Brownells punch and just discovered that it works quite well for installing the extractor springs without any trouble.

[HKGuns]

I own one as well and will try this on my next extractor spring upgrade.

Thanks for the tip.

[markm]

If one pushes at an angle it can cause the spring to kink. If you take a block or any raised surface or table edge, place the spring base up and then the extractor on top. Then just simply press straight down with your thumb, it will snap into the well.

It's really just that easy. But considering we have a never ending thread on the BCM grip screw, there's no limit on turning non issues into mayhem here.

Twisting reduces the diameter and makes them easier to install, at least in theory. I always replace standard extractor springs with Colt, Sprinco, BCM parts and never had a problem until I destroyed one. I will be picking up a tool.

Andy

I used to worry about upgrading the extractor spring assembly, but now that I don't tolerate over gassed guns, it's not really an issue. I've been running a standard spring in a 14.5 SOCOM carbine for weeks now with no issues at all.

[prepare]

It's really just that easy. But considering we have a never ending thread on the BCM grip screw, there's no limit on turning non issues into mayhem here.



I used to worry about upgrading the extractor spring assembly, but now that I don't tolerate over gassed guns, it's not really an issue. I've been running a standard spring in a 14.5 SOCOM carbine for weeks now with no issues at all.

My interest in screws and other small parts is for stocking the correct parts in bulk quantities for my shop.

[lysander]

Press and twist with my thumb, it pops right in.

If I were assembling a hundred a day the tool might come in handy, but for the occasional build and replacement, my thumb works just fine.