Stubborn brake springs!

Hi everyone, I'm trying to put new shoes on the front brakes of my series III swb (they're actually the larger 11" brakes from a lwb, with two wheel cylinders, as was apparently standard for later s3's).
I did the rear brakes a while ago with no hassle, but these are much more difficult. I just can't quite get everything into position, and I think half the poblem is that the springs pull so hard that I'm worried I might lose a finger or something if I get them trapped.
Anyway, has anyone ever tried using a proper brake spring tool? And if so are they any good? Are there any better or worse types?
Cheers.

I just use a big screwdriver,hook spring over its shaft t hen strech and slip spring hook off the end onto the backplate pin.

That's pretty much what I did on the rear ones but they were a lot easier. Anyway I guess I'll give it another go tomorrow and see what happens.
Thanks mate.

Put the springs on the shoes/backplate then pull the shoes over the cylinders.

hi mate i have used a brake spring tool in the past and they do make the job a lot more easier

grow a set of bollocks and pull man!!!!