Anyone ever disassemble a distributor - need help

If its a straight slot, as far as I can tell it doesn't matter - at least on the magnetic pickup units. Some have angled slots - that's a different story then.

The spring clip. Make sure its not distorted. No I don't have any brilliant tricks. I find it is easier to install than take out. Can push it down with a flat faced punch. Move punch if it starts to ****.