Still use a tool to reassemble?

[nase]

For the first year or so that I owned my R9, I always used a pair of pliers to compress the recoil spring and get everything back together after a cleaning. But after all that, I've realized that I can just barely manage it by hand, assuming I haven't cut my fingernails in the last few days. Just wondering if anyone else has come to the same realization.

And yes, I did send the spring shooting across the room a couple of times while perfecting my technique. But the last several months have been without mishap.

[RetiredBadge]

I just purchases a tool from Yankee2500. I am hoping to avoid the flying spring issue.

[chameleon]

I never needed the pliers or any of the other gizmos.
I bought one of RJ Hedeley's tools to keep the slide open though. I may have strong hands, but I still only have two, some things make you feel as though you need three hands.

[yankee2500]

Here is what the R J style tool I sell looks like, makes the job a little easier.



John

[Alphonso]

Someone posted a while back about putting the spring in first, pulling it out of the front, and then putting the barrel in underneath it.  

Took a bit of practice for me to learn, but that is how I do it now...

[kjtrains]

Here is what the R J style tool I sell looks like, makes the job a little easier.



John

This is nice to have, for sure.  Excellent idea, and a great place to get one; right here!

[Recluse]

I started off doing everything by hand, but now have Yankee2500's tool.

I like using the tool.  Highly recommended.

[kanuist]

I'm still using the RJ 2-in-1 tool.  It makes for a smother reassembly.

[Richard S]

Out of habit and convenience, I use R. J. Hedley's "Two-in-One Stopstick" and Steve Bedair's compression tool to align the slide and the barrel pin for take down and reassembly. I can perform the entire process without any tools or the well-manicured "third hand" of my little wife who helped out the first few times I cleaned the R9, but at my age and station I say to myself, "Self, make it easy on yourself."

[LRHogFan]

I use a golf tee to insert into the chamber to get to the slide pin.  It's almost a perfect size.

[yankee2500]

I use a golf tee to insert into the chamber to get to the slide pin.  It's almost a perfect size.

That would be the only use I had for a golf tee.

John