I don't know if it's been mentioned before, but using pennies or dimes work great for installing stubborn side stand springs. I place one end of the spring in a vise and then insert a coin (I use pennies) between each coil by flexing the spring. Sometimes I can get enough coins inserted to install the spring without a spring tool. Other times, the spring is expanded enough that it goes on almost effortlessly with the aid of a spring tool.
