Thanks, Ziemas. i ended up not using the springs. i'm surprised the pitlock website doesn't say specifically not to use them.

another question: i didn't have any grease at home, so i called the LBS and they said it's fine to use wd-40 to lube the skewer instead. is wd-40 an adequate substitute?

oh, i also found that the PIT socket fits perfectly on the gate of a standard carabiner key ring.