Trick for re-installing 1911 thumb safety?

I just installed a short trigger on my 1911 to accommodate stubby fingers, which I've been wanting to do for years, and boy did it ever make a difference, especially in rapid fire. Don't know why I procrastinated on this modification.

Now I would like to know if there is a proper procedure for re-installing a 1911 thumb safety, i.e., whilst controlling the plunger tube spring-rod from hell?

My apparently inept method was, with the hammer in the cocked position, to depress the plunger rod with a flattened rod (stolen butter knife, cut and filed, positioned beneath the thumb safety), and sort of fumble the thumb safety back in. I've found it all goes back together better when I install the sear spring and hold it in place with the mainspring housing. But still, about 3 of 4 times, thumbs in the way, the thumb safety slips in but not correctly (will not flip up), or the flattened rod (ex-butter knife) slips off the plunger, causing the plunger spring assembly to fly off into the 5th dimension, followed by certain utterances.

I have another pistol I want to do the same for and thought I might ask for help as the thumb safety seems possessed by demons. The hand fitting and polishing of new trigger went well, but the business of adjusting the left and middle arms of the sear spring was so frustrating because of my fumbling with the thumb safety every time I needed to make a little bend in the spring. Arrrggghhhh. I have one plunger spring assembly in the nether world of reloading room; probably will find it in a year or two.

I have a dog-eared copy of Jerry Khunhausen's manual. Thanks, dipnet

An expired credit card is about the right thickness & won't scratch the finish

CC works fine.. I use a Widget


https://www.midwayusa.com/product/581547/pachmayr-widget-assembly-tool-1911-polymer-blue?cm_mmc=se_service-_-OrderConfirmation-_-OrderConfirmation-_-ProductLink

I don't put the spring/plunger back until I have finished adjusting sear spring. When happy with adjustment I pull the safety out just enough to slide the spring and plunger underneath. I put it in place with a jewelers screwdriver. When I get close I start putting pressure on the safety and when the plunger gets past it clicks into place. I have also used my very thin pocket knife to do the same thing in the field.

Len

If you do this a lot Brownells makes a tool which is a small tube with a grip handle the tube stays on the rounded end of the plunger.  You could make one out of a piece of small diameter tubing if you can find the tubing.  Worth the money if you do it a lot.

A WD-40 straw works for pressing the plunger. Doesn't slip off.

The spring itself is supposed to have a slight kink in it. This holds it into the plunger tube by friction so that it doesn't go flying off into space. Make sure your spring is kinked in the middle, if it's not, order a new one.

or simply take a set of wire cutters and slightly crimp the middle of the spring.. I have a small set that I use on all my plunger springs

Wow,
Thanks much for the useful suggestions. I fear not the thumb safety. dipnet

I used a credit card for a while but they wear out fast. This thing is awesome for it. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/handgun-tools/takedown-tools/armorer-tool-prod26727.aspx

Compatriots:
received another short trigger and installed it on my Rock River; easy with suggestions this time around. Thanks big time, dipnet