Better to make a gap by moving the spring tip away from the closed point up or down. I try to not mess with opening and then trying to close the loop and losing the loop shape. If you notice most replacement springs are bent that way for that reason.
X 2
This !!
Don't spread and open the eye loop.
Twist the end of the loop away and to the side one way or the other.
To close, just twist the end back into place.
It's very difficult to completely close the loop by compressing the eye with
a vise and achieve a complete closure.
I use huge, mombo channel lock pliers and a long, heavy duty screw driver
to twist/pry the eye loop back into a closed position.
walleyed