Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out coil springs used for compression

Compression springs are helical with an open coil and consistent diameter - unless specified. Other diameter options include conical, convex, concave or a combination of these shapes. Simply put, compression springs resist compression. So, if you push down on them, and all the coils are touching, it bounces back into its original shape when you let go.

I recommend: Learn about compression springs styles with Lee Spring. Spring Engineers provide a close-up look at a general compression spring with more information available about designing compression springs and how to buy industrial springs. For design information about coil springs in the compression family, see Acxess Spring.

Find coil springs options for tension and/or extension

Tension or extension coil springs coil with initial tension that holds the coils together. They resist stretching, so when you pull it out - it returns to its original coiled position. They come with many different options for connecting to mechanisms.

I recommend: Click on the picture of tension springs at Supreme Spring Works for a close-up look at more tension springs. Before you purchase industrial springs from C & M Quality Precision, take a look at their view of standard extension springs with pictures of different ends used. Master Spring & Wire Form has a display of tension springs with the options to seek technical information.

Find industrial springs used for torsion

Torsion springs utilize a force that rotates or stores the rotational energy. They are available as single or double-bodied torsion springs. An example of where you find these springs would be in garage doors or automobile steering rods.

I recommend: For more pictures and specifications on the types of torsion springs available, see MSM. Hytech offers a variety of torsion spring types.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Choose a coil springs distributor who is available to assist (or has engineers to assist) you when choosing or designing springs.

Guide to Industrial Springs

Purchase industrial springs from online suppliers

By Ben Hahn, Freelance Writer

1. Browse online catalogs of multiple types of springs from various manufacturers before you purchase industrial springs to easily compare prices and product specifications.
2. Request a quote from a distributor before you purchase springs.
3. Find a custom springs manufacturer to help you design the springs you need for any application.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use online catalogs to weigh your options before you purchase springs

What makes the Internet such an efficient shopping tool is the ability to view and compare many products before you actually buy industrial springs. Find a manufacturer of industrial springs that offers a convenient online catalog of all of their spring products to help make a decision on the springs that are right for you.

I recommend: View all of the spring products from Sandvik online, or download their full catalog. Search the Katy Spring online catalog for their full selection of compression and extension springs.

Request a quote for industrial springs

To get an accurate idea of the cost for the springs you need for your project, find a supplier that will give you free online price requests.

I recommend: Ace Wire Spring & Form sells a full line of wire springs, including compression springs, torsion spring, extension springs, and coil springs. Visit their website for a price quote on any of their products. Smalley manufactures Wave Springs, which require less vertical space than standard coil springs. Request a quote for pricing information.

Find a manufacturer of custom industrial springs

Sometimes the standard spring products aren't enough to meet your business requirements. For springs of custom sizes or made of non-standard materials, buy springs from a supplier that engineers and manufactures custom springs.

I recommend: Michigan Steel Spring specializes in custom products designed with your input and developed by their engineers. See their website for a list of industrial springs and other products they manufacture. Choose the material and finish for your spring. Request custom springs from Diamond Wire Spring. Visit their website to fill out a worksheet to request custom designed compression, extension, or torsion springs.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you want custom industrial springs but don't want to have to contact an engineer for all the design work, look for a software program to help you design your own springs. There are multiple software programs out there to help you design your own springs so you can bring the specifications to a manufacturer to create.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

See if your manufacturer of industrial springs has the tools necessary to perform the installation

A coil spring compressor is a common tool used to install or replace coil springs. It makes the job easier and safer. If you do not want to invest in this tool, find out if your local parts or auto repair shop will rent it.

I recommend: YouTube provides a video detailing tools needed to install coil springs on an automobile. Bosstools gives a close-up view of a coil spring compressor that makes for easy install and removal of coil springs. For information discussing how the spring compressor works, see automedia.com. While the title of this site, Super Chevy, is the basics of installing coil springs, the writer also discusses the use of appropriate tools for the job.

Find suppliers of industrial springs that provide installation instructions or assistance

Purchase industrial springs recommended in your owner's manual or by the manufacturer. Use a compression tool to maintain the spring's pressure through the installation, so the stored energy within the coil spring remains until you are ready. Once the spring is in place, release the compression, and you are ready to go.

I recommend: For a video explaining how to remount coil springs on an automobile, go to YouTube. Another account of how to replace coil springs is available at eHow. How I Replaced Deadly Garage Door Torsion Springs gives a detailed account of how to replace torsion springs on a garage door.

Follow maintenance information about coil springs

Springs incorrectly installed or worn are a hazard no matter where they are in use. Frequently inspect springs to ensure proper working order. If you hear any squeaking or chattering when using a spring, consider lubricating or replacing them for optimum performance. In addition, you may notice loose strips of worn cable hanging, and that is a definite sign of needed repairs.

I recommend: Direct Industry Catalog demonstrates specific installation and maintenance tips. Home Remodeling Tips offers maintenance tips usable for a variety of spring maintenance.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider safety first. If you are installing coil springs without a compression tool, you put yourself at risk for major physical injury.

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Working turns

The number of working turns in an industrial spring are the number of times the spring wraps or coils around. To count how many working turns a spring has, trace it with your finger and, every time you complete a revolution around the spring, count one working turn.

I recommend: BestBedGuide gives a definition of working turns. While the spring application is different, the concept is the same.

Hair springs

Hair springs are also known as spiral springs. They resemble nothing more than a closely wound spiral of metal. Their coils don't touch, but lay close together. Hair springs may be used in anything from industrial balances to small medical instruments.

I recommend: Sandvik illustrates hair springs and describes their operating characteristics.

Coil springs

Coil compression springs are the most common type of spring. They're shaped as if wire had been wrapped around a cylinder, and are used in everything from automotive applications to mattresses and ball point pens.

I recommend: Tooling University defines the common coil spring and the coil compression spring.

Torsion springs

The best example of a torsion spring can be found in a simple clothespin. Torsion springs resist twisting, torquing and winding forces and can be used to hold objects in place or to store and release angular energy.

I recommend: Century Spring Corp. offers illustrations along with its explanation of how torsion springs work.

Wave springs

Both coil springs and wave springs are compression springs. They compress down into a smaller space, offering resistance as they go when pressure is applied. Wave springs look much the same as a coil spring, except instead of tracing an unbroken spiral of wire around an imaginary cylinder, wave springs more closely resemble mesh webbing wrapped around an imaginary cylinder shape.

I recommend: Smalley Steel Ring Co. details the difference between wave springs and coil springs.

Extension springs

Extension springs are tightly coiled springs designed to resist stretching. When you stretch an extension spring, it attempts to retract back into the original coil. This type of spring is sometimes used to suspend loads.

I recommend: ThomasNet explains how extension springs work, and details a drawbar spring, which is both an extension and compression spring at the same time.