Reattach Spring to Rocker in IBM XT Keyboard?

[Hypersphere]

I have an IBM XT keyboard that has an unattached spring in one of the barrels. The spring is not attached to its post on the rocker assembly. I have tried positioning it and twisting the far end of the spring clockwise. However, even if the spring appears to be in place when I replace the keycap, I get a spring action but no click. Is it possible to replace the spring on the rocker without pulling the metal plates apart and removing the rocker-spring assemblies from the barrels? I could use some guidance on the proper way to reattach the spring to the rocker.

If I do need to do a complete disassembly/reassembly, does anyone have any spare XT spring-rocker assemblies to sell in case my problematic one is damaged and needs to be replaced?

Thanks.

Edit: Found the Ripster Chopstick method. Will give this a try. However, I think the spring might be damaged and so I could still use an extra XT spring or two. I have some springs for a Model M, but I think that they are somewhat shorter than the Model F springs in the XT.

[E TwentyNine]

The whole thing was before my time here, but pretty sure Sandy55 was the originator of that method.

You might try using an M spring.  It's not exactly the same length but it may work.

[Hypersphere]

The whole thing was before my time here, but pretty sure Sandy55 was the originator of that method.

You might try using an M spring.  It's not exactly the same length but it may work.

Thanks, E29! I used a modified chopstick method: a wooden matchstick, slightly whittled. Counterclockwise twisting plus downward pressure. Extracted the matchstick by holding the top of the spring with the edge of a pair of small needle nose pliers and gently pulling the matchstick upward. This seems to have reattached the spring, but the switch still doesn't sound quite right. I may end up completely disassembling the board anyway, and if the switch is still giving trouble, I will move it to a redundant spot such as the minus sign on the NumPad.

[fohat.digs]

It's not exactly the same length but it may work.

Springs can be stretched a bit with good results. I have salvaged springs with bad ends by clipping off the end and gently stretching back to original length. It is pretty hard to feel the difference, although it must be there.

[Hypersphere]

It's not exactly the same length but it may work.

Springs can be stretched a bit with good results. I have salvaged springs with bad ends by clipping off the end and gently stretching back to original length. It is pretty hard to feel the difference, although it must be there.

Thanks for the tip, as it were. It is good to know the various options for keeping these venerable boards alive and well!