New vs. old center stand springs

[nwguy]

I bought a used centerstand for my 99 Bassa. Not knowing the Ebay seller was going to include springs with it, I bought 2 new springs from Harper's. I cleaned up the old springs and they seem to be of significantly better quality. The gauge of the wire is visibly narrower on the new springs. There are more coils on the old springs. In anticipation of installing them via the penny/coin method, I tried bending/bowing the springs like you would to put a coin in between the coils. The old springs are much harder to bend. I'll need tools to do that vs. being able to do it bare handed with the new springs. I'm inclined to reinstall the old springs and maybe keep the others as spares. Thoughts?

The new ones have the light surface rust in these pics:

[nwguy]

I ended up installing the old springs. No need for coins, ratchet straps or special tools. Tie the centerstand in the up position. Hang a spring off the stationary grooved peg. Put a long, skinny flat screwdriver blade in the other end of the spring. Place the screwdriver blade against the peg on the center stand. Pry the screwdriver blade up and the hook end of that spring just slides right down onto the grooved peg. Worked the first time I tried it. Easy.

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

If you're not opposed to buying a tool, Motion Pro 08-0127 Heavy Duty Spring Hook. I bought one years ago and get occasional use out of it both removing and installing springs, on exhaust, side stand, and center stands. Used it to install the Hepco & Becker center stand on my V7 850 and it made it relatively easy to install the spring without injury with the stand clamped in a bench vise.