Ken,
I wish I lived around the corner too. I have a proper spring compressor I could have lent to you, or just done it for you. There's an art to positioning one of those things. SAFETY is always the first concern - not a speedy job.
Stitches on Christmas Eve..............I'll bet you won't forget this holiday!!!!
Anyway, I hope you're ok. (hands or head?)
Verne
Ken......in the future, please ask for help for A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G that you're not sure of. We're here to help if we can.