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Electronics => Repair => Topic started by: rea5245 on August 08, 2021, 05:53:27 pm

Title: What is this type of spring called?
Post by: rea5245 on August 08, 2021, 05:53:27 pm
I'm working on restoring a Heathkit H9 terminal. There's something the instructions refer to as a "tension spring" that looks like a springy piece of metal, that slips into a groove and holds the bezel in place.

Googling for "tension spring" gives me a very different type of product. What is the right name for this?

Thank you.
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Title: Re: What is this type of spring called?
Post by: BrokenYugo on August 08, 2021, 06:05:39 pm
It's a sort of flat spring, you'll probably have to make them if you need any.
Title: Re: What is this type of spring called?
Post by: jpanhalt on August 08, 2021, 06:22:19 pm
Might be called a wave spring: https://www.mcmaster.com/springs/linear-wave-springs/ (https://www.mcmaster.com/springs/linear-wave-springs/)

You can cut from that or from a disk spring: https://www.mcmaster.com/springs/corrosion-resistant-curved-disc-springs/ (https://www.mcmaster.com/springs/corrosion-resistant-curved-disc-springs/)
Title: Re: What is this type of spring called?
Post by: Gyro on August 08, 2021, 07:05:53 pm
It's a small example of a 'leaf spring' isn't it?

P.S. You might be able to cut sections from an old clock spring.
Title: Re: What is this type of spring called?
Post by: Tony_G on August 09, 2021, 12:17:53 am
Not sure if this helps but over on the HPAK group people often suggest using a piece cut from a feeler gauge as a replacement spring in buttons. This might be easier to acquire for your repair.
Title: Re: What is this type of spring called?
Post by: Nusa on August 09, 2021, 07:46:16 am
In metal picture framing, they're called "spring clips" and are used in the same manner. Easiest way to get a few is probably just to buy a cheap picture frame at your nearest discount store. You likely need to cut them if you want them that short, but I suspect the longer version will work ok too.

Alternately, you could use anything slightly compressible to serve the same purpose...you just need a fit snug enough to not rattle when you're done. Cardboard, cork, window gasket, etc.
Title: Re: What is this type of spring called?
Post by: tkamiya on August 10, 2021, 01:39:15 am
I have lots of leaf springs for framing.  I'll be glad to share some for the OP.  However, those springs do not hold tight tension.  I'm afraid they'll come lose and cause secondary problems.
Title: Re: What is this type of spring called?
Post by: m3vuv on August 10, 2021, 10:01:00 am
what a fucking dumb question !,its not rocket science to work out you will have to make your own replacemts is by god!!
Title: Re: What is this type of spring called?
Post by: Nusa on August 10, 2021, 10:37:20 am
Quote from: m3vuv on August 10, 2021, 10:01:00 am
what a fucking dumb question !,its not rocket science to work out you will have to make your own replacemts is by god!!

Having a bad day? You know the old adage about if you can't say something nice...

You might want to read this: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/forum-rules-please-read/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/forum-rules-please-read/)
Title: Re: What is this type of spring called?
Post by: tkamiya on August 10, 2021, 12:29:12 pm
More I look at it, I don't think it's critical what you use.  It's just a shim.  Even a rectangular cut cardboard might work....