Steering Column Repair: Installing c-clip on telescopic coulumn, imageshack, bearings

Question
My girlfriend just replaced her ignition switch on her `79 coupe de ville.  She isn't able to re-install the c-clip for the lock plate.  What's the trick to holding the telescoping shaft while compressing the spring with a regular parts store compressor?  I read an answer to a similar question but couldn't understand what was being described.  Supposedly, the trick is to use a 5/16x 18 by 1" in the telescopic shaft.  What am I not seeing here?
Thank you so much  

Answer
Hello Carl,
I have a picture of the tool needed to replace the clip on the lock-plate. It's fairly reasonable (under $20) but it can save you a lot of time, not to mention headaches too if you happen to destroy the bearings and spring on the shaft. The lockplate is not necessary per say, but you definitely need some type of same thickness washer to properly tension the spring and bearing.

Here is a picture of the tool

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1249/toolwj6.jpg

<a href="http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1249/toolwj6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1249/toolwj6.th.jpg" border="0" /></a>

I hope that hekps.
Have a great day!
-Jay