Straightening a leaf spring is easiest
when done on a special anvil made from a piece of railroad rail.
The oval hollow is made close to the
end so the knuckles will not hit the end of the anvil.
The edges must be rounded. The face of
the hammer must be slightly rounded as well.
The depth of the hollow is barely an
eighth inch if that.
When straightening a spring the sledge
blows are directed to one side and at an angle slightly away from center.
To the right of the hole as positioned here if right handed. Blows directed
to the left of the hole as positioned here if right handed would jar the
left hand very badly. Be extremely careful as rebounding hammer, missed
strokes, or hammer handle failure for example can cause injury, mutilation,
or death.
