I ended up making another out of spring steel, came out just like the mild steel spring. I heat treated it and tempered it. It is harder for sure, and still snaps into place. Should work out fine.

A day without laughter is a day wasted- Charlie Chaplin
When wrestling a grizzly bear, you have to keep at it until the bear gets tired, not when you get tired.
1948 Chevy 2-Ton