This is not really gunsmithing, but use of an old pistol spring. I think Millennials would call this "re-purposing" the parts.
The back screen door has the typical lever type latch. The spring broke so the bolt didn't come out and the handles just hung at a 45 degree angle.
Rather than go buy a new one for $35, I removed the latch and bent the tabs that hold the side on to open it to find a broken spring.
I went to the junk box and found a used Tokarev TT pistol spring that was just a hair smaller in diameter. A Makarav or Garand recoil spring would probably work too.
Cut it so It would fit with a bit of compression. That took a couple of tries, clipping until the tension was right. A little lube on the moving parts.
The door latch is better than it's been in years.
Repaired just like the old timers did. Glad I have a collection of old screws, springs and stuff.
The back screen door has the typical lever type latch. The spring broke so the bolt didn't come out and the handles just hung at a 45 degree angle.
Rather than go buy a new one for $35, I removed the latch and bent the tabs that hold the side on to open it to find a broken spring.
I went to the junk box and found a used Tokarev TT pistol spring that was just a hair smaller in diameter. A Makarav or Garand recoil spring would probably work too.
Cut it so It would fit with a bit of compression. That took a couple of tries, clipping until the tension was right. A little lube on the moving parts.
The door latch is better than it's been in years.
Repaired just like the old timers did. Glad I have a collection of old screws, springs and stuff.