Latch Springs

[Dan in Grand Rapids]

Hello Everyone,

I tried searching, but could not find anything. I am finally sick of my saddlebag latches not having working springs and would like to replace them. Has anyone done this? If so, where did you get the springs?

Thanks,

Dan

[Summit670]

I had to replace one that broke.  Got one at Ace Hardware.  They had a lot of different sizes/styles to choose from.  IIRC, it was a 99.9% match and it works fine.  Takes some patience and one or two dental pics to install.

[Dan in Grand Rapids]

Thanks for the reply. I will take it apart and stop by Ace today. I did not think they would have something like this. Good tip.

[RFH87_Connie]

I have heard in the past that a few people have used the spring from a ball-point pen...

[Summit670]

The spring which holds the latch shut hooks over a knub on the outside and the long mounting rivet appears to go thru the eye on the inside.  I didn't remove the rivet on mine, I made a C type end on that end of the spring and hooked it over the rivet.

It may be possible to bend the end of the rivet  and remove it, install the spring, then spread the end of the rivet again so it doesn't fall out.

[Dan in Grand Rapids]

Well, I have new springs installed from ACE. The springs are a bit different than the original. They are the same length, but are a bit wider. The important part is that they work and I am happy with the results. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Summit670]

My Ace Hardware had springs which look so similar I had a hard time seeing which one was the Ace spring when I was looking at it the other day.  I suppose each Ace may not carry the same springs.  Glad you are happy.