Do I need a special tool to attach the kickstand spring?

Have a friend hold bike up for you with the kickstand in,attach spring to kicks stand, and with a pair of needlenose pliers stretch the spring to attach to the loop on the frame

You need a special tool that has a hook at the end and is bent in the middle (T 10034). This will easily position a lock spring into door lock mechanism. I'd suggest you buy a set of 1/4" Torx bits so you can work with VW fasteners. They are affordable and available at any auto parts or go to Sears. You attach this bits to a 1/4" socket and a 1/4" ratchet for tight fitting bolts.

Remember, it will be difficult installing a new lock mechanism without the spring tool.

Take the bolt out of the kickstand, attach the spring, then use the kick stand for leverage to stretch the spring, and re-install the bolt...

Watchmakers use special tool to release spring bars, but it is possible to release them in home conditions. Place your watch on flat surface face down. Using pocket knife insert the blade between band and the watch lug where the spring bar (pin) end is and using lever action push spring bar end inwards. This should release the band from the watch. If all this does not work, then your watch band is attached with friction fitted pins and you will need watchmakers help, as without special pin removing tool it is not possible to remove friction fitted pins.

Rate me, plz.

This is a question I've seen a lot of times. These springs are not easy to get back on. The way I do it is with brute force. Hook the frame end of the spring onto the frame where it goes. Then I use a large pair of wire cutters, ****, side cutting pliers or whatever you call them to grab the spring and pull like heck to get it back on. The reason for using the wire cutting pliers? You aren't going to cut the spring, it's too tough for that but they won't slip off and hit you in the mouth either. Since I haven't worked on a Sportster for quite a while (I mostly work on Big Twins), there may be a way for you to take the kickstand off, connect the spring at both ends, and then lever the kickstand back into position. You might be able to do this if you keep the kickstand in it's "out" position. Good Luck!!

Raise and safely support the vehicle.
Remove the tire/wheel assembly.
Remove any brackets or sway bar endlinks that may be attached to the strut.
Remove upper strut mount bolts (NOT THE BIG ONE IN THE CENTER) Should be three bolts.
Remove two strut to knuckle bolts and remove the strut.
Using an external spring compressor tool compress the spring. FOLLOW THE TOOL MANUFACTURES INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. COIL SPRINGS HOLD A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF POTENTIAL ENERGY AND CAN CAUSE VERY SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE IF THE TOOL IS USED INCORRECTLY.
Remove the top nut of the strut.
Remove the spring noting how the strut mount and other parts are oriented.
Remove the spring compressor.
Compress the new spring and install the new spring with the strut mount and other parts in the same orientation as it was removed.
Reinstall the top nut.
The rest is opposite of removal.