How to get the spring handle off?

[clemsonfor]

I ordered a new opening handle for my High valley stove. The old one the treads got stripped and it would not tighted correctly. Anyway, have a replacement, but cant get the spring handle off the old rod.

Any suggestions on how to get it off, or do those things not come off one on?

 

[Hogwildz]

One way tightens the spring, the other loosens. Try a pair of vice grips or pliers on the end at the base, and another just where the spring handle is widening and "open" the spring around the rod and try to slide it off while opened or unsprung I should say. Might work.