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When a mechanism fails because a spring loses tension, collapses under load, or corrodes after a few months of use, the root cause is almost always an undersized or low-grade spring. Engineers, hobbyists, and repair technicians who need a dependable compression spring in a specific wire diameter and outer diameter will find this listing covers the widest practical range in a single place — wire diameters from 0.3 mm to 1 mm, outer diameters from 2 mm to 12 mm, all wound to a 1-meter length.
Each spring is wound from spring steel wire with a consistent helical pitch. Wire diameters span 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1 mm (approximately 0.012 in – 0.039 in). Outer diameters range from 2 mm to 12 mm (approximately 0.079 in – 0.472 in). The 1-meter (≈ 39.4 in) length allows you to cut to the exact free length your application requires.
Typical use cases include DIY pen mechanisms and retractable tool clips, small-appliance return springs for buttons and latches, RC model suspension and throttle return springs, precision instrument and sensor assemblies, and custom jig or fixture clamping springs where off-the-shelf lengths are unavailable.
| Spring Type | Helical Compression Spring |
|---|---|
| Material | Spring Steel |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.3 mm – 1 mm (0.012 in – 0.039 in) |
| Outer Diameter Range | 2 mm – 12 mm (0.079 in – 0.472 in) |
| Length per Piece | 1 Meter (≈ 39.4 in) |
| Wire Diameter Options | 0.3 mm / 0.4 mm / 0.5 mm / 0.6 mm / 0.7 mm / 0.8 mm / 1 mm |
| Outer Diameter Options | 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 3.5 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 10 / 12 mm |
| Quantity Options | 1 Pcs / 2 Pcs / 5 Pcs |
| Surface Finish | See variant options |
| Spring Rate | See variant options |
| End Type | See variant options |
| Coil Direction | See variant options |
Start with the outer diameter (OD): it must fit inside your bore or around your shaft with clearance. The inner diameter (ID) equals OD minus twice the wire diameter — ensure your guide rod is smaller than the ID. Then select the wire diameter based on the load you need: thicker wire (0.8–1 mm) produces a stiffer spring; thinner wire (0.3–0.4 mm) gives a lighter return force. If you are unsure, order a 1-piece sample of two or three candidates and test before committing to a larger quantity.
Yes. Use flush-cut wire cutters, end-cutting pliers, or a rotary tool with a cutting disc. Cut at a coil junction rather than mid-wire to leave a clean end. For applications requiring a flat ground end, lightly dress the cut end on a bench grinder or fine abrasive stone. The spring steel will retain its elastic properties after cutting as long as you do not overheat the wire during the process.
Spring rate depends on wire diameter, outer diameter, and the free length you cut to. Thicker wire diameters (0.8–1 mm) with smaller outer diameters produce the highest spring rates. Thinner wire (0.3–0.5 mm) with larger outer diameters yields softer, lower-rate springs. Because the spring rate also depends on the number of active coils (determined by your cut length), we recommend calculating the rate using the standard formula: k = (G × d⁴) / (8 × D³ × n), where G is the shear modulus of spring steel (≈ 79 GPa), d is wire diameter, D is mean coil diameter, and n is the number of active coils.
These springs are wound from spring steel, which offers good mechanical properties but has moderate corrosion resistance. For humid, wet, or outdoor environments, we recommend applying a light coat of machine oil or corrosion-inhibiting spray after installation. If your application requires inherent corrosion resistance (e.g., marine or food-contact environments), consider stainless steel springs instead. Contact us to confirm material options for your specific use case.
These springs are well-suited for: pen and retractable marker mechanisms, small appliance buttons and latches, RC car and aircraft throttle/suspension return springs, precision instrument assemblies (calipers, gauges, probes), DIY electronics enclosures and switch mechanisms, custom jigs and fixtures, and hobby robotics actuator return springs. They are not recommended for high-temperature environments above approximately 120 °C or for applications requiring certified load ratings.
Order 1 piece if you are prototyping or need a single replacement spring — one meter gives you enough length to cut multiple shorter springs for testing. Order 2 pieces if you need matched pairs (e.g., bilateral mechanisms or redundant assemblies). Order 5 pieces for small production runs, classroom or workshop stock, or when you want spares on hand to avoid reorder delays. The per-unit cost decreases with higher quantities, so the 5-piece option offers the best value for recurring use.
The inner diameter equals the outer diameter minus twice the wire diameter. For example: OD 4 mm with wire diameter 0.5 mm → ID = 4 − (2 × 0.5) = 3 mm. OD 6 mm with wire diameter 0.8 mm → ID = 6 − 1.6 = 4.4 mm. Use this formula to verify that your guide rod or shaft will fit inside the spring with adequate clearance (typically 0.1–0.3 mm clearance is recommended).
