drum brake springs

I dread working on drum brakes,, I have never figured out the right tool or technique for getting the long springs off and on without busting my knuckles.
I did see a thread on removing the clutch pedal return spring by extending the spring then inserting washers in the coils,, would that work on drum springs,, what would happen if I stepped on the brake pedal with the drums off to extend the springs then had someone insert washers in the coils,, would the shoe assembly over-extend,, break - bend something?
thanks