Has anyone just cut off the 3rd flat section of the portafilter spring to reduce the pressure holding the basket to a more reasonable level? I want to be able to remove the basket to clean and also to swap in multiple baskets when making repeat coffees.
Thanks for any advice on the easiest/best way to accomplish this.
Modification of portafilter spring
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Niko
I don't know of anyone doing this with real success other than the spring wears itself in with more use. I have about 8 Spaz portafilters and they all range in how hard they are to remove the baskets. The ones I use the most can be removed with bare hands, no problem whatsoever (I'm not a gorilla), the ones I don't use often are very hard to remove so I replaced the PF spring with a La Marzocco version, they all seem to fit. You can buy one for under $2 @ EPNW or other places that sell parts. The LM spring makes it really easy to remove with bare hands, in fact so easy a child can remove it.
You can try bending, cutting or whatever you want to do to your spring now, you can easily get a replacement spring if you don't like the outcome. I myself, and maybe some others will recommend that you get a Marzocco spring.
You can try bending, cutting or whatever you want to do to your spring now, you can easily get a replacement spring if you don't like the outcome. I myself, and maybe some others will recommend that you get a Marzocco spring.
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woodchuck
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Walter
I also ordered replacement springs from Espresso Parts (as described above by Tom and recommended by Chas). This really cheap and easy fix dramatically changes things for the better; you can easily pull the baskets in and out but they are held in firmly so you don't have to worry when dumping the puck.
I don't understand why the portafilters don't come with lighter springs like these in the first place?
I don't understand why the portafilters don't come with lighter springs like these in the first place?