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Common Uses for Extension Springs

We’ve all seen extension springs before, even if we didn’t know exactly what they were called. These are coiled wire springs with two ends on them to make it easy to attach them to another part, which is what allows them to add resistance to a heavier force for purposes of adjusting tension.

What are extension springs used for? Common mechanical extension spring uses include:

• Garage doors: Garage doors may be one of the most well-known extension spring applications. These are the springs that attach to the sides of your door that come into play when you attempt to raise or lower the door, helping to mitigate some of the strength needed to lift or close a door that may weigh hundreds of pounds. Take note of the distinction between torsion springs, another common type of garage door spring that work from above the door, and extension springs, which work from the sides.

• Automotive: You may not find extension springs as much in modern cars, as they were a key component of your vehicle’s carburetor. However, there are still a number of automotive extension spring uses both on the inside and the exterior of your car.

• Trampolines: Trampolines are another very popular use of extension springs. You can see them in action as you or your family members jump up and down since extension springs enable the trampoline to bounce. In fact, every trampoline may have hundreds of extension springs. The more extension springs a trampoline has, the more flexible, or “bouncy” it is.

• Toys: In the past, many more toys utilized extension springs for shooting actions, but both the tiny springs themselves and the projectiles they fired were considered unsafe for children. You will still find extension springs in many toys, particularly toys that have fast motion or throwing actions, especially toys for older kids. Some very safe and popular toys that use extension springs include windup toys and pinball machines.

• Pliers: The vise-grip type of pliers that not only grip but can be locked into position to keep the grip tight use extension springs, which are employed to hold the grip in place.

• Washing machines: A washing machine is probably one of the last things you might think of when it comes to mechanical extension spring applications, but in fact, they are a critical part of the machinery. When you activate your washing machine, the drum spin at high speed to agitate the clothes and enact the washing process. Without extension springs to hold the drum in place, that spinning drum would bang against the sides of the machine, bouncing it all over the room and making a lot of noise as you do your laundry.

• Medical devices: For centuries, the medical world has relied on springs to function. You can be sure that includes extension springs. You can find extension springs in stretchers, surgical lights and more.

• Farm equipment: Just as many automobiles use extension springs, farm vehicles use them, as well. However, they are especially useful for farm vehicles because these machines are so heavy and require so much pulling strength. You’ll find them in combine harvesters, tractors and more, in applications ranging from transporting goods to plowing fields and everything in between.

• Baby carriages: If you appreciate the gentle bouncing that rocks your child to sleep as you wheel them around town, you just might have a suspension facilitated by extension springs to thank.

• Fence gates: Enjoy the way your front gate bounces back and snaps shut after you go through it without you having to do anything? That’s extension springs at work.

For All Your Business’ Extension Spring Needs, Contact IDC Spring

If your industry applications require the use of extension springs, you should be getting your extension springs from the experts. IDC Spring has been manufacturing top-quality springs of all kinds for more than 40 years. From galvanized springs to torsion springs and of course, extension springs, we have the product you need in a variety of sizes to suit your specific applications.

Let us help you find the right extension springs for your business. We treat every one of our clients like a valued partner and consider your success to be our success. We’re happy to discuss the easiest and most efficient way to put our extension springs to work for you. To find out more, just get in touch. You can contact us online right now or call us at 1-888-798-0199 to get started.