13 replies to this topic

[Dragoon]

I was not able to find a topic for it and maybe if this topic gets good enough replies, it could serve as a stop for others who don't know how to effective cut their spring. Well, here is my predicament. I tried to integrate a Nitefinder spring into a Max Blitz but the spring was too long so the catch wouldn't "catch." So I tried to cut it down using a hobby knife, clippers and finally a saw but to no avail. I don't have a dremel (its coming in the mail) but I was just wondering how to effectively cut a spring. Also, I don't have easy access to a mechanic shop to use those behemoths of power tools.

[six-five-two]

Have you tried wire cutters? Those may work.

[Carbon]

Wire cutters typically don't provide enough leverage to cut springs (I'm assuming that's what Dragoon meant by clippers, anyway). Your best solution is coming in the mail, I'd say. Either that, or a small set of bolt cutters to get the leverage you need.

[Chewbacca]

I used wire cutters to cut my springs. I can't cut them using my hands, I stick it (the wire cutters and spring, I mean) in a vise and tighten until they cut. I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it works for me.

[CROW]

The two methods I use are tin snips or bolt cutters. Both cut through springs fairly easily. And if I ever have a spring that wont cut with either of these, I use a very large bolt cutter (Each handle is two feet or so long)

[Dragoon]

I broke my clippers trying to cut the spring. So I couldn't break the spring with my bare hands so I used a hammer to pound the clipper handle and one of the clippers broke off.

[Carbon]

Chewbacca, on Jun 23 2007, 01:18 PM, said:

I used wire cutters to cut my springs. I can't cut them using my hands, I stick it (the wire cutters and spring, I mean) in a vise and tighten until they cut. I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it works for me.

Dragoon, on Jun 23 2007, 01:47 PM, said:

I broke my clippers trying to cut the spring. So I couldn't break the spring with my bare hands so I used a hammer to pound the clipper handle and one of the clippers broke off.

This falls under the lesson of "don't force your tools". If it isn't capable of doing the job normally, it wasn't meant to.

[wldworld]

Dragoon, on Jun 23 2007, 02:47 PM, said:

I broke my clippers trying to cut the spring. So I couldn't break the spring with my bare hands so I used a hammer to pound the clipper handle and one of the clippers broke off.

That is sooo added that hilarious quote to my signature, while playing with my butthole.

[b00m13]

Ask permission from an adult to use a lighter to heat up and weaken the area you want to snip, a candle works too and it's prob safer since you don't need to hold onto the lighter.
Depending on the metal it'll take longer for some metal to melt through, for soder it's less then a sec, for brazing it's a few seconds, etc.

also use common sense when handling the spring above the open flame, don't hold it vertically which will let the melted metal drip on your hands, wear mittens if you have to, try to hold the spring with a pair of pliers, etc. Just remember to be careful.

Edited by b00m13, 23 June 2007 - 09:33 PM.

[Gengar003]

Needlenose pliers holding spring (NOT HANDS) + dremel cutting wheel + safety goggles.

[z80]

b00m13, on Jun 23 2007, 06:32 PM, said:

Ask permission from an adult to use a lighter to heat up and weaken the area you want to snip, a candle works too and it's prob safer since you don't need to hold onto the lighter.
Depending on the metal it'll take longer for some metal to melt through, for soder it's less then a sec, for brazing it's a few seconds, etc.

also use common sense when handling the spring above the open flame, don't hold it vertically which will let the melted metal drip on your hands, wear mittens if you have to, try to hold the spring with a pair of pliers, etc. Just remember to be careful.

Steel is NOT going to melt from a candle, or for that matter, a lighter.

[six-five-two]

By clippers are you talking about wire cutters or PVC "shear" cutters?

[Dragoon]

The clippers I used were like wire-strippers/aluminum cutters. They could cut soft malleable metals or soft plastic but CERTAINLY not steel springs.

[Flaming Hilt]

Carbon said

Your best solution is coming in the mail...

Agreed. Stop breaking things and wait for a Dremel.

... ; o)