help with replacing 10/22 op spring

[Davy Crockett]

I picked up an improved op rod spring for my 10/22 but I'm a bit unsure of how to proceed.

What I need to do is remove the crimp on the rod that holds the spring in place, install the new spring and recrimp the rod.

Removing the crimp is no problem, I can squeeze it out with a vice. I'm wondering what the best way to reapply the crimp to the rod would be?

 

[sunray]

There doesn't appear to be a crimp. There should be a shoulder that keeps the spring in place. Look at part 14 on this. http://stevespages.com/ipb-ruger-1022.html

 

[Davy Crockett]

Hi sunray

The handle on the op rod is held in with a crimp. Basically one side of the rod has a groove pressed into it which forces the rod out of round in a small area and this holds the handle on.

I can use a vise to force the sides of the rod back into round and this will let the handle off but I'm not sure how to recrimp it in the same way.

I was thinking about putting a flat screwdriver on edge in the vise and trying to recrimp with that but I need an extra set of hands to hold the handle/spring and screw driver in place and work the vice, plus the rod metal is fairly hard so I'm not sure if it will work.

Well I'm going to try anyways. If it doesn't work hawktech has some cool op rods for not too much

 

[sunray]

You won't get the rod round with a vise. The op rod is held in the bolt handle with a crimp? Is the bolt handle plastic or metal? (It's been a while since I've seen a 10/22 up close.) You could stake the rod in place if the handle is metal. Staking is kind of like a spot crimp. It was done to M1 Carbine sights. You peen a wee spot with a pointed punch and a mallet.
Mind you, I'd bet it's a press fit to start with.