M&P Non Captured Guide Rod

[ParaLarry]

I feel silly having to ask but does anyone have any tips on compressing the spring while installing a Non Captured guide rod in a FS (.40) M&P?

I can't get the spring compressed enough by hand.

Never had this problem with 1911 spring plugs.

Thanks

Edited December 9, 2013 by ParaOrdnanceLarry

[ParaLarry]

Got it done, I took an old fork, broke off the center tines and made a little tool that worked; I just couldn't grip with my fingers alone.

[Sarge]

That's some spring! On my 9's I always go with a much lighter spring so I guess that's why they are easy to get in there.

[fdc1999]

I have the Wolff rod with a 12lb spring. While pushing on the back, i walk the front one coil at a time. Just one slip and it sproings off.this same method also works with the 14lb spring.

[ParaLarry]

I came up with a better idea; an open ended 1/2 wrench fits right between the frame rails and captures the loose part of the spring like a third hand:

Just had to use thumb to push in the back of the recoil rod.

[fdc1999]

That is perfect!