The ratchet has the same mechanism as the Baby Williams. You have to break a small pin to get it open and then its a nightmare to get back together, even after you do make a new pin.
But if your spring is weak and needs replacement, it the only way.
I suggest getting a cardboard flat, and placing that in the middle of a large table and work there.
On the good side, when you do lose the little ball, old fashioned bicycle fork bearings are the same size. And they come about 8 or 10 of them in the little clip that holds them.
DAMHIKT ;)
yours Scott
PS so Papaw, you on a personal crusade against smileys or what? Plain askii like this was 1989 ?