How to Measure Springs

These are the most common types of springs, and the measurements/speciifations needed to match a customer’s part with a stock item. These dimensions are also necessary for us to make a custom part if a stock size is not available.

  • Carbon Steel
  • Stainless Steel
  • MBHD (“plain” carbon)
  • 300 Series (301/302/304/313)
  • Music Wire (for precision parts)
  • 17-7 PH
  • 1074/1075 (for disc springs)

Note that we can make a part from a physical sample, but sometimes the customer may not be willing to send it, or it may be broken. While we like to have the sample for a custom order, we can accurately manufacture the spring if we have as much dimensional data as possible.

Types of Springs & Relevant Dimensions

COIL SPRINGS

Utility Extension Springs
  • Outside Diameter (O.D.)
  • Wire Diameter (W.D.)
  • Overall Length (O.A.L.) (Measured Outside the Hooks/Loops)
  • Spring Rate (if known) in lbs/in or N/mm
Precision Extension Springs
  • Outside Diameter (O.D.)
  • Wire Diameter (W.D.)
  • Free Length (F.L.) (Measured Inside the Hooks/Loops)
  • Spring Rate (if known) in lbs/in or N/mm
Compression Springs
  • Outside Diameter (O.D.)
  • Inside Diameter (I.D.) (needed if spring goes over a shaft)
  • Wire Diameter (W.D.)
  • Free Length (F.L.)
  • Number of Coils (Active or Total)
  • Type of Ends (Open, Closed Only, or Closed & Ground
  • Spring Rate (if known) in lbs/in or N/mm
Torsion Springs
  • Outside Diameter (O.D.)
  • Inside Diameter (I.D.) (needed if spring goes over a shaft)
  • Wire Diameter (W.D.)
  • Body Length
  • Leg Length
  • Number of Coils
  • Degree of Angle
  • Spring Rate (if known) in lbs/in or N/mm

DISC SPRINGS

Belleville/Conical Disc Springs

Outside Diameter (O.D.)
Inside Diameter (I.D.)
Thickness (t)
Overall (Free) Height (H)
Desired Loat at Working Height (if known) in lbs

Wave Springs

Outside Diameter (O.D.)
Inside Diameter (I.D.)
Thickness (t)
Overall (Free) Height (H)
Number of Waves (Usually 3)
Desired Loat at Working Height (if known) in lbs or N

Curved Springs

Outside Diameter (O.D.)
Inside Diameter (I.D.)
Thickness (t)
Overall (Free) Height (H)
Desired Loat at Working Height (if known) in lbs or N

Contact Us

For more information, or if you need any help quoting custom parts, please call 918-583-0171 or send an email to tech@gardnerspring.com.

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