Gate Detent Spring Clamp

[gnappi]

I'm tired of struggling with getting the gate spring in and out, does anyone have one of these to comment on?

 

[rkrcpa]

Check out RW Gripframes website. He has a really neat tool for the gate spring

 

[nvbirdman]

I have one, can't remember the brand name. I won't take my new Blackhawks/Vaqueros apart if I don't find it first.

 

[Johnnu2]

I think I may have provided this link before..
https://rwgripframes-com.3dcartstores.com/loading-gate-spring-depressor.html$20 is cheap for this blessed device

J.

 

[peachhead]

Another nod for the RW part. Well worth it.

 

[loaded round]

Make your own clamp by modifying an old cheap ''C-clamp''. Picture of one was in Brownell's ''Gunsmith Kinks''.

 

[Randyzzz]

Another vote for Ronnie’s handy little tool. Well worth the $20.

 

[peachhead]

Make your own clamp by modifying an old cheap ''C-clamp''. Picture of one was in Brownell's ''Gunsmith Kinks''.

Actually started to do that, before I got one of the tools. I might still just for the heck of it.

 

[Johnnu2]

Actually started to do that, before I got one of the tools. I might still just for the heck of it.

It's a GIGANTIC PIA compared to using Ronnie Wells tool (above).....

J.

 

[loaded round]

To each his own Johnnu2, it worked for me!

 

[gnappi]

I ordered one from Midway, I was ordering something else anyway. I have a few projects to work on and figured if the clamp made every project a few minutes faster it would be money well spent.

 

[gnappi]

"Technical" review of the Midway gate spring depressing tool / clamp .

Summary... Not good.

Problem(s):
1. The cutout / channel that allows the clamp to press into the side of the frame is machined too shallow, and ridges inside made it sit NOT flat against the frame.
2. The screw that depresses the gate spring will engage the frame NOT the spring

Solution(s):

1. Painstakingly file the clamp cutout / channel flat so the tool would lie straight and closer to the frame. A big PITA without an end mill.
2. Bevel the screw tip to make sure it cleared the frame.

After 45 minutes of diddling it actually worked pretty good, likely how the designer planned it to work, but failed. I could have sent it back but that's an even bigger pain than handling it here.

Recommendation:

Buy another brand

Seriously, this tool must have been made on a Harbor Freight grade of milling machine, or had zero inspection of the machined part, or the cutting tool was bad, or just bad setup / drawings.

 

[Johnnu2]

https://rwgripframes-com.3dcartstores.com/loading-gate-spring-depressor.html

 

[gnappi]

Thanks Johnnu, I saw that one after I ordered from Midway, but I probably wouldn't have bought it anyway because "joining" yet another site just to buy something I lost interest in.

I wonder when site owners will get hip that forcing buyers to "join" a site to buy something keeping passwords and slathering mastercard info around the world is not a good idea. Nowadays if they don't take Paypal, I leave.

Imagine going into every single brick and mortar store and before they let you buy you have to join their club?

 

[G2]

gnappi,

NDIH, just a opinion,,, my opinion…

I agree about joining to buy, but every now and then if you want quality unique parts and tools from a an absolutely genuine guy/ maker, you do what you have to do.

I chuckled when I saw you ordered / reviewed the clamp from Midway, total waste of money and it leaves evidence behind!!!

I have one of Ronnie's tools, it's fool proof and works, NO SCREWS leaving marks.

My suggestion is mail Ronnie a check for $25 and get yourself one. ESPECIALLY if you're going to be in & out of new model guns. A must have for a new model Ruger Enthusiast. A lot of ACCURATE measurements milled into that little chunk of aluminum!

 

[gnappi]

I hear ya, but a solution to them losing customers is a new invention called "guest checkout" and Paypal sends them all of the info they need.

 

[contender]

I think that RW Grip Frames,, aka Ronnie Wells has his site set up like that to actually protect his customers, AND keep him from having scam/spam problems.

I've ordered from him. I've never gotten any spam or even any emails from him or anything. In fact,, he's more protective of stuff than any other site I know of.
And I know if you send them a check & an order,, it will get taken care of. Ronnie is one of the seriously good guys!

 

[gnappi]

I appreciate the issues more than anyone knows, but three times in the past several years I had issues with credit card fraud so I now limit my exposure to in person credit deals and paypal.

A few years ago Target stores had a security breach and I decided that Paypal and in person limits my exposure sufficiently.

 

[Johnnu2]

Being the odd man out (usually), I never trusted those electronic (?) pay thingies like paypal.... go figure...!!!
I just froze all my credit thingies.... assume I can rest somewhat easier..with one credit card...which I watch carefully..;-)
J.

 

[gnappi]

Being the odd man out (usually), I never trusted those electronic (?) pay thingies like paypal.... go figure...!!!
I just froze all my credit thingies.... assume I can rest somewhat easier..with one credit card...which I watch carefully..;-)
J.

The good thing about Paypal is it is a single point of exposure, nobody has the card info except Paypal. Vendors get their money, not the card info.

 

[anton853]

I'm tired of struggling with getting the gate spring in and out, does anyone have one of these to comment on?

I just bought an RW Gripframes spring tool. Man is it nice....Will never ever take my gun apart without this handy little doodad. Best $20.00 I ever spent..