304 Stainless Steel Compression Springs — Precise Load Control in a Compact Form
When a loose fit, inconsistent return force, or corroded spring causes a mechanism to fail, the entire assembly pays the price. Engineers, hobbyists, and repair technicians who work with miniature devices, precision instruments, or compact mechanical assemblies need compression springs they can rely on — springs that hold their rated dimensions and resist environmental degradation over repeated cycles.
These 304 stainless steel compression springs feature a wire diameter of 0.4 mm and are available across a range of outer diameters (OD) from 3 mm to 10 mm (approx. 0.12 in to 0.39 in) and free lengths from 5 mm to 50 mm (approx. 0.20 in to 1.97 in). Each spring is formed from 304-grade stainless steel wire, wound to a consistent pitch with squared and ground ends for stable seating. Available in packs of 10 or 50 to suit both prototyping and production runs.
Typical applications include miniature electronic enclosures requiring button return force, small valve assemblies in fluid control systems, pen and stylus mechanisms needing consistent click-action compression springs, and precision jig fixtures where repeatable spring deflection is critical.
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Compatibility: Suitable for spring seats, bores, and housings designed for 0.4 mm wire diameter. Verify OD and free length against your housing bore and travel requirements before ordering.
✅ Key Features of These 304 Stainless Steel Compression Springs
🦾 304 Stainless Steel Construction
Formed from 304-grade stainless steel wire for reliable corrosion resistance in humid, mildly acidic, and outdoor environments — outlasting carbon steel alternatives in demanding conditions.
📏 0.4 mm Wire Diameter
Consistent 0.4 mm wire cross-section across all variants ensures predictable spring rate and load characteristics, critical for precision assemblies where force tolerance matters.
📐 Wide Size Range
OD options from 3 mm to 10 mm and free lengths from 5 mm to 50 mm give you the flexibility to match the exact spatial constraints of your design without custom tooling.
⚙️ Stable Seating Ends
Squared ends provide a flat bearing surface for consistent axial load transfer, reducing side-load and buckling risk in guided spring applications.
📦 Pack of 10 or 50
Choose a 10-piece pack for prototyping and repair, or a 50-piece pack for production and maintenance stock — both options available for every size combination.
🔁 Repeatable Deflection Cycle
Wound to consistent pitch and free length tolerances, these springs deliver repeatable compression and extension behavior across thousands of cycles in normal operating conditions.
📐 Technical Specifications — Compression Spring
| Material |
304 Stainless Steel |
| Wire Diameter |
0.4 mm |
| Outer Diameter (OD) |
3 mm – 10 mm (0.12 in – 0.39 in) |
| Free Length |
5 mm – 50 mm (0.20 in – 1.97 in) |
| End Type |
Squared ends |
| Spring Rate |
See variant options |
| Surface Finish |
Bright (natural stainless) |
| Pack Size |
10 pcs / 50 pcs |
| Operating Temperature |
See variant options |
| Coil Direction |
Right-hand wound (standard) |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right OD and free length for my application?
Measure the bore or housing your spring will sit in — the spring OD should be slightly smaller than the bore diameter to allow free movement without binding. The free length should exceed your required compressed length by at least the travel distance you need. Check the variant options table for the exact OD and free length combinations available.
What load or spring rate can I expect from a 0.4 mm wire diameter spring?
Spring rate depends on wire diameter, OD, and number of active coils. With a 0.4 mm wire diameter, these springs are designed for light-duty applications — typically suited for return forces in the range of a few grams to a few hundred grams depending on the specific OD and length. For precise load requirements, contact us to confirm.
Is 304 stainless steel suitable for outdoor or humid environments?
Yes. 304 stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance against moisture, mild acids, and atmospheric exposure. It is widely used in outdoor, marine-adjacent, and food-adjacent applications. For highly corrosive environments (e.g., saltwater immersion), 316 stainless steel would be a stronger choice.
Can these springs be used in electronic or PCB assemblies?
Yes. The small wire diameter (0.4 mm) and compact OD range (3–10 mm) make these springs well-suited for button contacts, battery terminals, connector pins, and other PCB-level spring applications where space is constrained and consistent contact force is needed.
What is the difference between the 10-piece and 50-piece packs?
Both packs contain identical springs — the only difference is quantity. The 10-piece pack is ideal for prototyping, repair, or low-volume use. The 50-piece pack offers a lower per-unit cost and is suited for production runs, maintenance kits, or stocking multiple sizes.
Are these springs suitable for use in pens, styluses, or click mechanisms?
Yes. The 0.4 mm wire diameter and short free length options (5–15 mm) are commonly used in pen click mechanisms, retractable styluses, and similar consumer product assemblies. Select the OD that fits your pen barrel bore and the free length that matches your required click travel.
How do I confirm the spring will fit before ordering?
Check three dimensions: (1) OD — must be smaller than your housing bore; (2) free length — must be longer than your compressed length by at least the required travel; (3) wire diameter — must clear any guide pin or mandrel used. If you are unsure, order a 10-piece sample pack of the closest size to test fit before committing to a 50-piece order.
🛒 Select your Wire Dia. × OD × Length and Pack Size above, then add to cart.