Loosening mainspring problems

[Mictlanero]

Hey there - switching out backstrap and trigger guard off of a colt repro and having some problems.

I have the right size screwdriver heads and all the screws are in fine shape but but i am just mangling the heck out of that mainspring screw - i just can't seem to get enough torque or something - now it is chewed up and getting it off of there is even harder.... pretty stripped head

Is there a trick to this i am missing?


UPDATE: Well i was able to loosen the mainspring screw by grabbing the head with pliers - not pretty but it worked ---- and ordered a mini ratchet for the screw driver heads - and a couple of extra mainspring screws.

 

[rcmodel]

Did you take the grip frame apart before trying to work on the mainspring screw.

If you take the screw out of the bottom, and the two screws out of the back of the frame, and then remove the back-strap portion of the grip frame first like you should?

It's a straight shot to the mainspring screw with any screwdriver that fits the slot.

rc

 

[Mictlanero]

yes i did do that, rcmodel - i unscrewed the backstrap and had access to the screw.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Soft steel is not your fault. It was a bad part to begin with.

 

[Mictlanero]

yes the steel was soft - the other screws still look perfect, but all it took on these mainspring screws was a couple of poorly angled turns of the screw driver.

I am new to this and learning - tried my best not to goober it up but I guess sometimes that happens.

Well it seems to me that the mainspring was under a lot of pressure - perhaps that is why it was difficult to unscrew - what is the best way to take the pressure off of the mainspring?

 

[Hellgate]

Press the mainspring down and rotate it off the hammer roller. That will free it so it is under no tension when you torque the screw.
You may need to take a fine hacksaw and cut a new slot for the screw head or order a new one.

 

[Chawbaccer]

On my Colts I seem to be able to squeeze the spring away from the hammer and push it to the left, loosens it right up, leave it a bit loose when putting back together and push it to the right, have to use a driver then.