Every industrial or building project takes a lot of equipment and machinery to get the job done. From steel plate and bar to cranes and tractors. One of the most used pieces of equipment though, which is often overlooked by those of us not in the building world, is overlooked. The spring is an amazingly versatile tool, without which most projects would never survive.

Below are just a few spring types and what they are commonly used for-

Compression Springs: A compression spring is an open-coil helical spring that offers resistance to a compressive force applied axially. Compression springs are usually coiled as a constant diameter cylinder. Other common forms of compression springs--such as conical, tapered, concave, convex or various combinations of these--are used as required by the application. While square, rectangular, or special-section wire may have to be specified, round wire is predominant in compression springs because it is readily available and adaptable to standard coiler tooling.

Extension Springs: An extension spring is designed to resist a pulling force. As the extension spring is being pulled outward, the resistance to the initial tension increases. It is the initial tension that determines the load capacity of the extension spring.

Torsion Springs: A Torsion spring is connected to other components. When these components exert force onto the spring, the spring tries to push the components back to their original position. Torsion Springs are found in many everyday products. They are used in automobile suspensions, garage door assemblies, clothes pins, and mousetraps.

Belleville Washer: The Belleville washer gets its name because it is a type of spring that looks like a washer. A Belleville washer has a conical shape, which is what gives it a spring’s characteristics. Belleville washers are most typically used as springs and in applications that apply a pre-load or flexible quality to a bolted joint. Belleville washers are commonly used because they can be stacked to meet different load flexibility requirements.

Wire forms: Wire forms are most commonly used as clips, clamps and retainers. A wire form is generally made from round wire and can then be bent and shaped to have certain angles and lines. Wire forms are utilized in most every major industry - aerospace, automotive, gaming, electronics, construction and more. The most significant aspect of wire form production is that wire forms are highly customizable. Wire forms can be made into virtually any shape or size.

When choosing a spring manufacturer and supplier it is important to understand their manufacturing capabilities and knowledge of the industry. It is prudent to call the manufacturer and speak with their sales representatives. How the company treats you on the phone is generally a good indication of how you will be treated should you decide to do business with them. When talking the manufacturer make sure to ask as many questions as possible. Some basic questions to ask are the manufacturers lead time, whether or not they have any sort of guarantee, if they are recognized by any governing organizations, will they send you a quote of your order. A manufacturer of quality spring products will be happy to answer any questions you have. It is important to feel comfortable with whatever supplier or manufacturer you choose, because your projects are important.