I'm trying to take my kickstand off to do some grinding, but quickly learning it's not happening without removing that spring. Which, it turns out, is easier said than done. Every method I tried felt like it would shortly turn the spring into a missile, so I didn't push it.

Are there any smart ways to do this? Or just pliers/screwdriver and hope for no mass destruction. Thanks.

 

punch the bolt out holding the stand on...with the stand up...this is when the spring has the least tension on it.

 

Well for sure whatever you do, start with the kickstand in the up position. I would just get a pair of vice grips, clamp it on and pull it one way, just like brake springs.

 

you could also attach some heavy duty but small line thru the coils and secure the spring to the oppisite side of the bike that way it wont travel far or travel in the general direction of your face

 

And drape a shop rag over the spring. The rag will at least slow it down if it gets away from you.

But here's a neat trick. Put the stand down, and the coils will be separated. Wedge a dime (or whatever coin fits) into the slot between each coil. Then put the stand up. The coins will keep the spring from fulled retracting, making it much easier to pull off (and put back on again).

Good luck.

 

Here's what's worked for me in the past:

• Remove the kickstand nut/bolt first
• Grab the loosened kickstand with both hands and wiggle it out of it's mounting position
• keeping a firm hold on the kickstand, slowly release the spring tension

To put the kickstand back on, just reverse the process:

• Hook both ends of the spring up, while the kickstand is still free
• grab kickstand with both hands and lever it into position on it's mounting tab
• wiggle it around until the bolt holes line up and you're good to go.

It's not a bad idea to wrap a rag on the spring as SA suggested. Also, this may be "geeky", but I always wear eye protection when I'm messing around with stuff like this.

 

Easiest and probably safest way is to buy a spring hook. It will save a lot of effort and frustration. I struggled without one before, but much easier with one. I got the DRC spring hook for what thats worth.

 

Thanks for the responses. I actually fiddled with the bolt removal method, but didn't want to get it off only to realize I couldn't get it back on. Good to know it will work.

That spring hook looks ideal, might just have to go that route. Oh well, the kickstand project is put aside for now since my water pump gasket is shooting liquid at me!

 

shooting water? how did that happen?

 

Before I had a skid plate, I somehow hit a rock hard enough to bend one of the front frame wings into the water pump housing. This broke the seal, and caused a slow leak from the area. I got a new gasket and installed it, but apparently didn't prep the area enough or torque the bolts correctly, since I literally had a 1" geyser shooting out of the top after my test ride. New gasket time again!