Sear Spring Install Help?

[LanceS4803]

Trying to reinstall the sear and spring/spacer. These parts are not going back in place!
Can't figure out how to get the legs of the spring closer together to get them to fit back in the confined space. I've tried using a slave pin from the left side. Just can't get the spring leveraged into place in order to slide the pin in. (I've seen photos of other springs with much longer legs.)
Is the spacer even necessary?
Anyone have any tips?

How it is now:



How it should be:

[KRP]

Slip the pin through the sear, spacer, spring, and one side of the trigger bracket. Slip the rear if the trigger into place and use a screwdriver/pick/etc. to adjust the action leg of the spring so it will compress as you align the pin with the receiver.

[LanceS4803]

Wow, fast reply!
I've tried. That top leg just doesn't bend down.
Do they make a spring with longer legs (there is plenty of room), or thinner material?

[olddav]

I used a pair of pliers. One set of jaws on the spring the other on the bolt release. Not all that easy and it did require some effort but it did I work. Good luck.

PS I also installed the pin from the other side of the sear.