K-Line Spring Truck Help

 Small tweezers or a small flat bladed screwdriver wedged into the spring should work. When you get the new springs. Try doing the assembly with everything inside a large clear plastic bag. When and if a spring flys. Hopefully it will stay within the bag. 

Ooh fantastic idea on the clear bag!!  I will definitely do that.   I was attempting to use small tweezers and a hobby knife too, but was failing at that.  I'll be more persistent. 

Plastic bag is a good idea; in ancient days (before "big plastic bags" existed), we used a long-ish piece of thread through each spring, with the thread casually attached to something, so the spring could be retrieved. The thread was then slipped or cut out after the spring was inserted. 

Also in the Old Times I did this operation on HO trucks. It's even more fun that doing it in O-scale.

Most any O-scale "truck springs" will do the job for you; check eBay and the like.

As D500 mentioned a string works great. I've found that dental floss (non flavored) works even better. Just cut a piece about 12" long and work through the open ends of the spring. Then pinch the floss close to the spring, bending the spring a bit and work the spring in between the bolster and truck side frame. Once you get the spring in between use a small flat screw driver to work the spring in place over the nubs. Takes a bit of practice and patience and maybe a glass of wine or 2 but it will work. Then if the spring does decide to fly off the dental floss makes it easier to find. I've used this method many times converting Atlas freight car trucks from 3 rail to 2 rail wheels.

Mark

I also use the dental floss method

Excellent information, guys, thank you so much!  I will definitely be using the methods you suggested!

I did manage to find some springs on ebay as recommended by Z500, but no screws yet.  I think getting the right one of those will be exceptionally important. 

Are the screws that hold the truck on the hopper known for shearing off? I bought a Kline Hopper on the forum earlier in the year and it came with one screw sheared off also

Mine broke in shipping as well.  Since its a shoulder screw, I would guess that its inherent to how its used.  Since there isn't any support right there at the joint where it narrows down to the threaded part, it makes it likely to snap there, imo.