Abstract: A method and an article for assembling a compression die spring in a spring pocket formed in a die member includes a retainer having an outer edge that is larger in width than the diameter of the sidewall of the spring pocket in order to form an interference fit with the sidewall and, thereby, retains a spring, a portion of which is spanned by the member in the spring pocket. The retainer has four legs whose distal ends are on a circle whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the pocket sidewall. At least two of the legs are configured to straddle a turn of the spring to allow the retainer to be juxtaposed with the spring with all four legs extending outwardly from the spring to engage the pocket sidewall. In one embodiment, the outer edge of the retainer is turned in order to accommodate variations in diameter of the pocket sidewall.