Mainspring problem

[mesquito whitey]

  I have recently decided to start repairing and maintaining my 58's myself after sending them out for work for years.
I have three Piettas, two Uberti's and a Santa Barbara. My problem is; after I disassembled, cleaned and reassembled; I found myself unable to re-install the mainspring. I've been messing with it all day and I just can't seem to get  it.
So could any of you guys give me some idea as to what I may be doing wrong?
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.....
Thanks

[hellgate]

I put the frame into a PADDED ( w/very thick leather) vise with the gun upside down with the hammer installed. I put the tip of the spring under the hammer and take a 1-1.5" hardwood dowel (section of shovel handle) and push the bottom of the spring up into the retaining slot. Then I tap it into place with the dowel.

[mesquito whitey]

   Thanks very much. I appreciate the help.

[Arizona Trooper]

Alternatively, take the hammer screw out, but leave the hammer in the frame. Back off the tensioning screw at the toe of the grip frame. Install the spring, which will go in with little or no pressure. Put the hammer screw in the left side of the frame, then using the web of your hand (between the thumb and first finger) press the hammer down into the frame while pushing the hammer screw into place. When everything lines up, the screw drop into place. 

[mesquito whitey]

    Thank you Trooper.

[Flint]

Another method is to use a pair of pliers, grip the base of the mainspring from the side and twist it into the slot to get it started.

[Montana Slim]

I've used the following (brute-force technique) for many years on Pietta and Uberti:
Lay gun on bench.
Shove the top end into the hammer.
use hand pressure to get the mainspring close to the frame notch as reasonable.
tap end of spring with plastic-faced hammer until it goes into frame

Works everytime!
regards,
Slim

PS: On the Remington Model, I rotate the cylinder "in" from the left, lightly rotating cylinder as the hammer is gently and lightly pulled. And, remove to the right using the same (similar) motions (after pulling the cyl-pin of course).

[hellgate]

The reason I use a piece of hardwood (instead of pliers or vise grips) to force the spring into the retaining slot is because I sometimes slip and the wood will not mar the gu whereas gliding pliers or vise grips can gouge the gun and ruin an otherwise pristine frame.