Torsion springs for RB67 WLF Magnifier?

[dw617]

Was out shooting my RB today, all of a sudden the magnifier would no longer snap up. A quick look revealed there are 2 torsion springs responsible for this. The legs broke off on both, I assume one has been broken for a while. I've disassembled everything and was able to measure the springs. Searching around the 'net, I'm having a hard time finding a replacement. It does not need to be exact, just needs to do the job. Thoughts, comments appreciated.



https://i.imgur.com/UVTaooA.jpg

Thanks

 

[Dan Daniel]

Did you search on ebay? Chinese manufacturers offer a bewildering variety of springs.

And dimensions on the springs you need? Those look very similar to what are on TLR hoods, but the scale could be wrong. I have more broken hood parts than I will ever need.

 

[tedr1]

there is a selection of springs here www.mcmaster.com and they accept credit card orders with no minimum.

 

[dw617]

Thanks guys - my first stop was mcmaster, they don't seem to stock smaller sizes

Coil diameter is .4mm, OD is 2.2mm with 12 coils. The spring rides on a rod which is 1.2mm in diameter.

I got creative and simply removed one of the coils from the existing spring and reformed the leg. Seems to have done the trick, until I can find a better replacement.

 

[itsdoable]

You could try taking out the existing springs, carefully bend out new legs, and re-install.

 

[WilmarcoImaging]

Replacement waist level finders appear fairly plentiful on the auction site, if a modified or replacement spring does not succeed.

 

[dw617]

Yep, buying a new to me WLF is the nuclear option.

Forming new legs appears to be working. It also doesn't seem too hard to make the springs myself with some spring wire if I have to.

 

[Jim Jones]

A variety of compression springs is available at many hardware stores. Buy one with about the right wire size and coil diameter that is more than long enough. Pull enough wire straight out from the coil and straighten it as necessary to form a leg. Supporting the coil with it impaled on a rod or nail held in a vice makes this easier. Do the same at the other end. It is likely much easier to form such a spring yourself than to try to buy a ready-made spring that is right. You can start with straight spring wire and form the desired shape, but easier to start with a compression spring.

 

[dw617]

The RB is back in business. Took the opportunity to re-glue the leatherette on the WLF while putting it back together. Thanks to those who replied.