Did not fit - huge disappointment
Did not fit around frame pin therefore could not compress the trigger rebound spring. Did not modify because I expect a tool that does one job to do that job. I wanted to make disassembly easier. The only thing this product did for me was give me more practice using a screwdriver to compress the spring.
Tool Required Modification
The tool required modification (filing by hand with a small file) in order to fit around the spring pin and compress the spring. I dont see the use in a tool I have to modify in order for it to work. Hindsight being 20/20, I would make my own tool to accomplish the same thing.
I wish I read the reviews prior :-(
I love Brownells products. So I was deeply disappointed when this tool would not work properly in disengaging the rebound slide/spring on my S&W 642. As others stated, the "U" cut is not deep enough to get around the pin, and significant hand-filing was necessary to make it engage as originally designed. Given the popularity of the 642, and other alloy-framed S&Ws, perhaps this may be an opportunity to redesign and offer a product dedicated specifically to these firearms.
Will not work on a J frame
As others have said, it will not work on a J frame Rebound spring. The slot is not wide enough and the "fingers" will not even reach the spring. You would need to file the bottom of the slot around 1/8th of an inch or more to engage the spring.
Not for 642's
As others have said...this will NOT work with the S&W 642 without some filing or Dremel tool grinding modification. Don't know about other J frame models. With care you can remove/reinstall the spring and slide assembly with a flat blade jeweler's screwdriver and save yourself some $.
Poor quality control
A necessary tool for easy removal of rebound slide spring assembly. Problem is the slot cut in the end of the tool is to narrow to fit around the pin in the handgun. I had to use the Dremel and grind the slot to fit around the pin. Then honed the burrs off with a narrow stone.
2 each 642, no workie
I probably could have made it work. For $27 in hand, and such little bit of material, so little skill in producing it, I expected functionality. Should have read the reviews, not the sales pitch. A 10 penny nail worked just fine. Back she goes.
Not worth the money!
Great concept, but slot not wide enough, and spring still gets launched across the room. I wouldnt ever buy this item again! Wound up using the point of a cheap ball point pen and seated spring the first time! Planning to contact customer service to return it.
Didn't work for me
I was hopeful that this would work well, and had seen several videos online showing how easily it worked. The tool was getting hung up on the rebound spring post so I thought I was doing it incorrectly. I pulled up the Brownells video and verified I had been doing it the intended way. I don't know if S&W Changed the diameter of this post, but this tool would not clear the post so all it did was scrape the paint off the post. I ended up using a screwdriver to compress the spring.
Non-Functional Twenty Dollar Bill
Tool will not capture spring as advertised
