In the phonograph fraternity, the byword on removing and replacing
the powerful mainsprings inside barrels is -- DON'T!

Unless you have the know-how and a few specialized tools (easy to make),
you are better off sending your spring (inside its barrel) to a special-
its who can remove, clean, re-grease, and re-install it (or replace with
a new one if yours has gotten too brittle).  The phono shops mentioned
earlier can do it or recommend someone.

Fooling with a mainspring can leave you mighty glad your piano is a
player, and glad you didn't waste money on a MIDI recording system, if
you catch my drift.

Having said that, one of my phono books, I forget which, does explain in
detail how to do it.  It includes using bands to tighten around the coil
in lieu of the barrel, and wearing heavy gardening gloves and eye
protection.

As with any other operation, the choice is yours, but inform yourself
first.  There are lots of restoration operations in music box and player
work where an amateur can trash a fine instrument.  Mainsprings work can
trash you back.  Die Hoelle Rache kocht in der Springwerk!

Mike Knudsen

 [ "Hell's revenge simmers within the spring-work!"  Probably uttered
 [ by a sadder-but-wiser clockmaker in the Black Forest!  -- Robbie