Handbrake Shoes - refitting

Hi,
I am replacing the handbrake shoes on my Spider S3 but have got very sore hands attempting to replace the springs. Is there an easy, less painful way, a tool perhaps, that will help?

I have also noticed that one of the rear wheels does not actually engage when the handbrake is applied. The right hand side cable hits the diff and never tightens. Is it possible to shorten the cable or buy a shorter length?

Thank you