how do I remove the spring from the tap spindle

I need to change the washer in this tap.
I need to remove the chrome shroud as I need to be able to fit a long socket over the spindle I can't just use a spanner as the hexagonal part of the spindle is in behind the tiles the issue is that the chrome shroud is held back by a spring that ican't remove. On other taps the spring is held onto the spindle by a nylon nut that just pulls off. In this case there appears to be a metal 'spring retainer' holding it in. It seems to be held on to the spindle by a couple of small threaded 'knobs' that almost appear like they would take a tiny allen key. Has anyone ever worked with this on their tap I don't have an allen key that small although I could buy one. I'm also a little bit worried about the bottom tap where the threaded Allen screws holding the spring retainer part are rusted. My allen key wouldn't fit in anyway as they are deformed by corrosion.
 

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Snip the spring and the spring will fly across the room. Then undo spindle tochange washer. Buy a new spindle or it was my tap I would bodgy the tap back on. I'd also change the O ring and grease 'er up.
 
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