Compression Springs in A2 Stainless Steel — Precise Wire Diameters, Wide OD Range
Engineers, makers, and repair technicians who need reliable spring force in compact assemblies often struggle to find compression springs that combine exact wire tolerances with genuine corrosion resistance. These A2 stainless steel compression springs are stocked in an extensive matrix of wire diameters and outer diameters, giving you the precise spring rate you need without custom tooling or minimum order quantities.
Each spring is formed from A2 (304) stainless steel wire with diameters ranging from 0.3 mm to 2.2 mm (approx. 0.012″–0.087″) and outer diameters from 2 mm to 20 mm (approx. 0.079″–0.787″). Available cut lengths are 1000 mm and 2000 mm (approx. 39.4″ and 78.7″), with select sizes also offered at 1500 mm. Ends are typically closed and ground to ensure flat seating.
These compression springs suit a broad range of applications: precision instrument mechanisms requiring consistent return force, DIY automation and robotics projects where compact spring-loaded actuators are needed, and industrial maintenance tasks such as valve spring replacement or jig-and-fixture clamping. Long-tail use cases include 3D-printer extruder tensioners, RC vehicle suspension tuning, and custom pen or stylus mechanisms.
🔩 Compatible with standard spring seats, guide pins, and bores sized to match the selected outer diameter. Verify free length and spring rate against your application before ordering.
✅ Key Features of These A2 Stainless Steel Compression Springs
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A2 (304) Stainless Steel Construction — Inherent resistance to oxidation and mild corrosion makes these springs suitable for humid, outdoor, and light chemical environments without surface coatings.
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Wide Size Matrix — Wire diameters from 0.3 mm to 2.2 mm paired with outer diameters from 2 mm to 20 mm cover a broad spectrum of spring rates and load requirements in a single product family.
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Long Stock Lengths — 1000 mm and 2000 mm lengths (1500 mm for select sizes) allow you to cut to the exact free length your design requires, eliminating waste from over-specified short springs.
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Closed and Ground Ends — Flat end coils provide stable seating against spring pockets and guide pins, reducing lateral buckling and improving load linearity.
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Consistent Wire Tolerances — Precision-drawn stainless wire ensures repeatable spring rates across the full length, critical for instrumentation, automation, and calibrated assemblies.
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Cut-to-Length Flexibility — Long coil stock lets engineers prototype multiple free lengths from a single order, accelerating design iteration for robotics, fixtures, and consumer product development.
📐 Technical Specifications — Compression Springs
| Material |
A2 Stainless Steel (304) |
| Wire Diameter Range |
0.3 mm – 2.2 mm (0.012″ – 0.087″) |
| Outer Diameter Range |
2 mm – 20 mm (0.079″ – 0.787″) |
| Available Lengths |
1000 mm / 1500 mm / 2000 mm |
| End Type |
Closed and Ground (typical) |
| Spring Type |
Compression |
| Finish |
Natural stainless (no coating) |
| Spring Rate |
See variant options |
| Free Length |
See variant options (cut from stock length) |
| Number of Active Coils |
See variant options |
| Maximum Load |
See variant options |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right wire diameter and outer diameter for my application?
Start with the space constraints of your assembly: the outer diameter must fit inside your spring pocket or around your guide pin with clearance. Then select the wire diameter based on the load you need — thicker wire produces a stiffer spring. If you are unsure, order two or three adjacent sizes to prototype and measure deflection under your target load before committing to a final specification.
Can I cut these springs to a shorter free length?
Yes. The long coil stock format is specifically designed for cut-to-length use. Use a rotary cutting tool or spring cutter to achieve a clean, square cut. After cutting, lightly dress the end coil with a bench grinder if a flat seating surface is required. Avoid cutting with side-cutting pliers, as this can distort the end coil geometry.
Are these springs suitable for outdoor or humid environments?
A2 (304) stainless steel offers good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water, and mild chemical exposure. It is well suited for outdoor DIY projects, garden equipment, and marine-adjacent applications where occasional moisture contact is expected. For continuous saltwater immersion or strong acid/alkali environments, A4 (316) stainless steel would be a more appropriate choice.
What is the difference between A2 stainless steel and standard carbon steel springs?
Carbon steel springs typically offer higher tensile strength and lower cost, but they are susceptible to rust without protective coatings. A2 stainless steel springs sacrifice a small amount of maximum load capacity in exchange for inherent corrosion resistance and a clean appearance — no plating or paint that can chip or wear away. For most precision DIY and light industrial applications, A2 stainless is the more durable long-term choice.
How do I calculate the spring rate from the wire and outer diameter?
Spring rate (k) can be estimated using the formula: k = (G × d⁴) / (8 × D³ × Na), where G is the shear modulus of stainless steel (approximately 69 GPa), d is the wire diameter, D is the mean coil diameter (outer diameter minus wire diameter), and Na is the number of active coils. For a quick estimate, use an online spring rate calculator and input your selected wire diameter, outer diameter, and the number of active coils in your cut length.
Are these springs compatible with standard guide pins and spring pockets?
Yes, provided you select the correct outer diameter. As a general rule, the guide pin diameter should be approximately 1–2 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the spring (inner diameter = outer diameter minus twice the wire diameter), and the spring pocket bore should be approximately 0.5–1 mm larger than the outer diameter. This ensures free movement without binding or excessive lateral play.
What quantity do I receive per order?
Each order is for one length of coil spring stock in the wire diameter and length you select (1000 mm, 1500 mm, or 2000 mm). You cut this to the number of individual springs your project requires. If you need multiple pieces at a specific free length, calculate the total coil length needed (free length × number of pieces, plus allowance for cutting waste) and order accordingly.
🛒 Select your Wire Dia x Outer Dia and Length above, then add to cart.
