Brake drum spring replacement

[searay270]

Could someone share with me the "trick" or proper technique to use to replace the dampening spring back into the groove in the outer surface of a brake drum without taking half your hand off?

 

[JohnZ]

Two ways to do it - either way, you need a helper if the drum is off the car, one-person job if it's on the car. You can just pull the (connected) spring over the drum like a rubber band, or disconnect the ends and "wrap" it around the drum with two "hook" tools and connect the ends together. In either case, wear gloves - don't ask me how I know this

The rubber band method is easiest, and it helps to have a helper with another pair of hands (and gloves) to hold the spring in its starting position while you stretch it the rest of the way.