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If you’ve ever fixed a sagging gate, replaced a garage door spring, or tuned up a piece of garden equipment, you know how vital the right coil or spring can be. These small, often overlooked hardware accessories control motion, absorb shock, and store energy. Pick the wrong spring and a project that should have taken an hour becomes a headache that costs time and money. Think of springs as the heart of many mechanical systems — when they work, everything moves smoothly; when they fail, the whole mechanism struggles.
Springs come in a variety of shapes and behaviours, and knowing which type you need is half the battle. Below are the most common springs used in household, automotive, and construction projects, explained in plain language so you can shop with confidence.
Compression springs are probably the ones you’re most familiar with: they compress under load and push back when released. You’ll see them in shock absorbers, valve assemblies, and mattresses. They’re measured by wire diameter, outer diameter, free length, and load at a given travel, usually described in pounds of force per inch.
Extension or tension springs stretch under load and return to their original length when released. Garage door springs and some toys use tension springs. These are typically sized by free length, maximum extension, and hook style, and they’re rated for a pull force in pounds.
Torsion springs store rotational energy and are common in doors, clips, and hinges. They’re specified by leg length, coil diameter, and torque per degree or per revolution. If you’re replacing a garage or gate mechanism, torsion springs are often the critical part to match precisely.
Constant force or clock springs deliver near-constant torque over a range of motion — handy in retractable reels and measuring tapes. Coiled springs may also be used decoratively or in thermostats. These specialist springs often demand specific materials and tight tolerances, so buying from a specialist supplier is usually best.
Material choice governs corrosion resistance, fatigue life, and strength. Choosing the wrong metal is like choosing rubber tires for a snowy road — you might get somewhere, but not without trouble. Below are the most common materials and when to pick each.
Stainless steel is the go-to for outdoor and corrosive environments. It resists rust and lasts longer under weather exposure, so think stainless for gates, outdoor furniture, and marine use. Stainless springs often cost a bit more, but they save you from frequent replacements and rust-related failures.
High-carbon spring steels are used when you need strength and fatigue resistance at a lower price. They’re often coated with zinc, black oxide, or other finishes to slow corrosion. For indoor tools and machinery that aren’t exposed to the elements, carbon steel is a cost-effective choice.
Reading spring specifications can feel like decoding a secret language, but once you know the key terms, you’ll shop smarter. Below are the essential measurements you’ll encounter, with tips for what really matters in practice.
The wire diameter, often in fractions of an inch, tells you how thick the spring wire is — thicker wire usually means stronger spring and higher load capacity. Coil diameter (also in inches) tells you the size of the spring’s loops and affects how the spring fits into assemblies.
Free length is the spring’s length at rest, measured in inches. Solid height is the compressed length when coils are touching. Make sure the solid height won’t interfere with your assembly — compressing a spring beyond its solid height can permanently damage it.
Load is the force required to compress or extend a spring a certain distance, usually expressed in pounds at a given travel. Rate (stiffness) is pounds per inch. Cycle life estimates how many compress/extend cycles the spring can endure before fatigue — critical for high-use parts like door springs.
The UK market offers a range of retailers, from general DIY chains to specialist spring manufacturers. Below are well-known stores and platforms where you can find coils and springs, with quick tips on what each does best.
Screwfix is a handy option for fast access to common compression and extension springs, coupled with helpful product specs and in-store pick-up. If you need a quick replacement for garden tools, fencing, or gate hardware, Screwfix often stocks practical sizes and finishes at competitive prices.
B&Q carries a good selection of household springs, garden gate components, and small hardware assortments. It’s a solid choice for DIYers working on home projects, with clear labels and the convenience of local stores for hands-on shopping and visual comparison.
Wickes is another general building merchant that stocks springs suitable for home and garden projects, especially for door and window hardware. Their range pairs well with other building materials, so if you’re renovating and need springs alongside timber or fasteners, Wickes simplifies a one-stop trip.
Toolstation combines trade-level supplies with retail convenience. You’ll find a reasonably wide spring range and useful technical data online. Toolstation’s pricing and availability often suit tradespeople who need multiple items in standard sizes on short notice.
RS Components is the place to go when precision matters. Their catalog includes industrial-grade springs, detailed CAD drawings, and performance data — perfect for engineers and serious DIYers who need exact matches for machinery or prototypes. RS also offers a broader range of specialist materials and finishes.
Specialist spring shops in the UK — like The Spring Shop and other independent manufacturers — are ideal for custom orders and hard-to-find sizes. They can manufacture to spec and advise on material and heat treatment, which is invaluable when you’re working on vintage equipment or bespoke builds.
Online marketplaces offer vast selection and competitive pricing, including bulk packs and obscure sizes. While Amazon and eBay are great for variety, check seller ratings and specification sheets carefully. Marketplace springs are convenient for small projects, but for critical applications rely on reputable sellers with clear spec data.
Price doesn’t always tell the full story. A cheap spring may save money now but cost you in replacements or failures later. Use these quick checks to compare value across suppliers.
A specification that lists the steel grade and heat treatment is a good sign you’re dealing with a reputable product. If the listing just says “metal spring” without detail, be cautious. Properly heat-treated wire dramatically improves fatigue life, especially in high-cycle applications.
Manufacturers who include batch numbers, tolerances, and load-deflection curves are usually trustworthy. Those technical documents let you compare real-world performance rather than relying on vague descriptions.
If you’re buying in quantity for a repair or production run, order a single spring first. Test it in your application for fit and durability before spending on a larger batch. It’s like taking a car for a test drive before signing on the dotted line.
Installing springs can be safe and straightforward if you respect stored energy. Springs under load can release force suddenly and cause injury — treat them with the same caution you'd give a compressed gas cylinder or heavy power tool.
Always wear eye protection and gloves when working with springs. Use proper spring compressors and retainers for large compression/torsion springs, and never improvise with makeshift tools. When replacing garage or gate springs, consider hiring a pro — some springs store hundreds of pounds of force and can be dangerous if mishandled.
Use pliers, hook tools, and spring compressors rated for the job. For winding torsion springs, use winding bars of the correct diameter and length to maintain control. The right tool reduces slippage and gives you better precision, just like using a torque wrench instead of guessing tightening force.
Proper maintenance extends service life and keeps systems running reliably. Springs don’t last forever — here's how to make them last as long as possible and how to spot failure signs early.
Replace springs that show visible rust, permanent set (where the spring no longer returns to its free length), unusual noise, or reduced performance. If a spring is fatigued and used in a safety-critical application, replace it immediately to avoid sudden failure.
Store unused springs in a dry place away from corrosive chemicals. For long-term storage, keep them in sealed containers with desiccant packets and avoid stacking heavy items on coiled stock to prevent deformation. Proper storage keeps materials in prime condition, just like storing a fine instrument in a case.
Sometimes off-the-shelf won’t cut it. Custom springs are worth the extra cost when tolerances are tight, loads are unusual, or the part is critical to safety or functionality. Here’s when to opt for bespoke manufacturing and how to specify your needs.
Choose custom springs if you can’t find the exact wire diameter, coil count, or material you need. Customization is also wise if your application requires extended cycle life, unusual torque, or space-limited designs. A custom spring can eliminate compromises that lead to premature failure.
Provide clear specs: wire diameter in inches, outer coil diameter in inches, free length in inches, required load (in pounds) at a specific travel, expected cycles, and the environment (humidity, salt exposure). Include drawings if possible — the clearer your spec, the closer the result will be to what you need.
Buying coils and springs in the UK doesn’t have to be a puzzle. Start by identifying the spring type and material you need, use the right measurements in inches, and compare suppliers not just by price but by technical data and reputation. For common household and garden jobs, national chains like Screwfix, B&Q, Wickes, and Toolstation offer convenience and decent selection. For precision or custom needs, turn to RS Components, specialist spring shops, or reputable online marketplaces with clear specs. With a little prep — measuring in inches, checking wire and coil diameters, and testing a sample — you’ll choose a spring that keeps your project moving smoothly and safely.
