In message ,
newshound writes
On 29/06/2018 10:39, Bill wrote:
In message ,
newshound writes
Obviously, the first thing to sort is which way round the spring
goes and where it is anchored. After that, the usual trick if you
need to apply a bit of pre-tension is to make a loop from thin cord
which you hook over the free "hook" of the spring before winding it
an extra turn around the spindle. Then use the loop to get the spring
hooked into place. Finally cut the loop to remove it. Hope this makes
sense! Failing that, long nosed pliers can be useful.
Hmmm well, after trying for ages with the loop of thin cord, I think
that method will not work because of the lack of any free "hook" and
the shape of the free end of the spring. The spring seems to have a
lot more tension than necessary, which doesn't help.
The next stage, when I have time, is to* see if there is any way to
use brute force to tension the pawl spring during reassembly and,
after that fails, maybe look at constructing some sort of jig.
All very frustrating because of lack of time to be able to get a
good run at it.

To be honest I don't recall if that is how I put mine back together, or
whether I used something rigid like a screwdriver (perhaps with a
modified tip). But there will be a way to do it, and it is *so*
satisfying when you do manage!

Well, thanks for all the moral support. I think at last I've done it.

There was one stupid mistake in my reassembly which I am too embarrassed
to admit. But it helps if you notice that you have turned the frame
round before you try to put the bits back.

I also had to find an old piece of small copper tubing to fit over the
end of the spring to increase the purchase on it. This let me pull the
twist out so that it could be eased into position over the shaft and
inside the frame.

So far so satisfying. Tomorrow I'll attach it to the old trailer and try
dragging the boat out of the hedge.
--
Bill