removing/replacing flap return springs...

[trombair]

greetings!
i just finished removing/replacing the left flap return spring. i had to drop the flap in order to inspect/replace some hardware. boy, what a pain! anyone have any good procedures or secret tools to make this job a little easier and/or secure? i felt really uncomfortable having a "loaded" spring loose and that close to plywood structure. could have done a lot of damage if it had gotten away from me. i was lucky this time, but i'd rather not repeat the excercise.
many thanks in advance and all the best for the holidays!
blue skies,
vic steelhammer & N522A

 

[NC74392]

I've worked on alot of British cars over the years. That's why I'm overweight and have some grey hair.
Anyway, I used to have a spring expander tool for the rear brake shoes that stretched the spring out so I didn't have to pull on it with vice grips only to shoot it halfway across the lawn when it slipped.
I wonder if I could either modify this tool to do the job for the flaps or build a new tool?
:idea:
I'll see if I can dig it up. I haven't used it in a few years. Everything I have has disc brakes now.