Do you know how important a gun mainspring is in a gun? The mainspring is an essential part of the gun. A gun cannot work without a mainspring. Let’s find out how to forge a gun mainspring.
A gun mainspring is a helical string of metal that is compressible and extensible. The mainspring powers the gun’s hammer to strike the firing pin, resulting in the firing of the gun.
This part of a gun is very important, which gives more reason why you should forge it. Forging a gun mainspring seems difficult but very possible if you follow the right steps.
Forging the mainspring is quite simple for professionals but otherwise for amateurs, so I urge you to follow the steps and procedures when forging.
Instructions on How to Forge a Gun Mainspring
Step 1: Get a Good Quality Carbon Steel
The quality and durability of a forged tool depend on the quality of material used. That is why it is advisable to always make use of high-quality materials to get a good result. You should forge your mainspring using good quality carbon steel.
You are going to be forging your mainspring with a steel bar. Besides, you can get a good quality carbon steel from a local store around you. You can also get it from other tools you have in your workshop.
Step 2: Cut Out the Needed Shape
This stage is very crucial in forging your mainspring. You need to know the shape of the mainspring you want to forge. You can either get a picture of a similar mainspring or get a template or drawing to follow.
Quick Steps
To cut off the shape, the following steps are essential:
● Make a drawing of a small but long bar with an extension near the bar’s tip. The bar should be about 0.5 to 1.0 centimeters wide and about 10 centimeters long. The extension should also be about three centimeters from the top of the bar and a centimeter long.
● Get a wheel cutter.
● Replicate this drawing on the steel bar.
● Cut out this shape with the wheel cutter.
Step 3: Grind the Steel Bar
After cutting the shape of the steel bar, you should grind the edges and surface of the steel. The edges and surfaces need to be smooth and should have a fine texture. It is one of the most crucial steps when learning how to forge a gun mainspring.
You should also grind the extension until it becomes cylindrical (grind from the square shape to a cylindrical shape). You should make use of a file to grind the steel because of its small size. It might be difficult to make use of a belt grinder or angle grinder.
Step 4: Start Forging Your Mainspring
As soon as the steel is smooth, you should start forging your mainspring. Forging the mainspring requires steps and procedures; the steps and procedures are listed below, but you have to follow them accordingly.
Quick Steps
To forge your mainspring, you should follow these steps:
● You have to bend the tip of the steel inwards (the tip closest to the extension). To bend the steel, you should place the tip of the steel inwards a forge and heat it till it becomes red hot. After heating, you can then retrieve it from the forge and bend it with your hammer.
● Measure a distance from the bent tip to some distance after the extension such that the measurement covers the bent tip and the extension.
● Mark the distance.
● Bend the marked distance outwards using your hammer.
● You should also heat the measured distance before bending with the hammer.
● Heat the opposite tip in the forge.
● Bend the tip inwards with a hammer.
Step 5: Annealing
You should anneal your mainspring after forging it. Annealing a metal will make the metal tougher and more durable. It is another crucial step when learning how to forge a gun mainspring. To anneal your mainspring, you should do the following;
● Place the mainspring in a forge for heating.
● Heat the mainspring for some time.
● Retrieve it from the forge using a crucible.
● Allow the mainspring to cool steadily by dipping it in wood ash.
Step 6: Grind the Mainspring
After annealing, you should grind the mainspring to get rid of scales and the coarse texture. You should grind it with sandpaper or file. You can also grind it with a small miniature grinder.
FAQs on How to Forge a Gun Mainspring
Question
Is there any replacement for the mainspring in a gun?
There has not been any replacement for the mainspring in a gun. You need the mainspring for your gun to fire properly. As of now, the invention of guns with higher qualifications is in progress, and a replacement for the mainspring in a gun is yet to be discovered.
Question
What shape does the mainspring take?
The mainspring of a gun comes in different shapes. It doesn’t have a precise shape as there are varieties of shapes that the mainspring appears. Some mainspring comes in the form of strands of steel, while some come in the form of a helix.
Question
Can I forge my mainspring from aluminum?
You can forge your mainspring from different metals, but you should be careful when picking the type of metal you want to use. You should make use of high-quality material to last long and remain durable. Aluminum is also a good material for forging a mainspring.
Video on how to Forge a Gun Mainspring
Warnings
Following safety precautions is paramount to keep you away from hazards. Following these safety precautions guarantees your safety. You should follow the safety precautions listed below;
- Clean your tools after use.
- Keep away from any harmful substance or tool.
- You should be careful when handling materials from the forge.
- Do not handle hot metals with your bare hands.
- Always make use of a suitable tool for each task.
