Quick 'n' easy coil springs

I've hand wound coils from solder on a number of builds. Today I came up with this idea.

I used a 8G self tapping screw for this one, you can whatever size that gives the correct diameter for your spring.

Turn the screw to wind the solder into the threads, leave a bit of solder as a pigtail on the end.

Do as many coils as you need for your spring.

Once you're happy with the length, undo the screw from the coil. This can be a bit fiddley but if you grap the pigtail
with fine pliers it should undo. You could also try some WD 40 or other lube, I didn't bother.



Here's the spring after removing the screw. Lay the spring horizontally on the desk & use a sharp blade to trim the ends.
That way you get a better end cut so the spring will stand up better. You can always tweak the ends anyway to get it right.




And here they are installed on the cross member. If they are too short, carefully pull on them to lengthen. Now I need to make some shocks.

Nice quick method, and using my favorite versatile material ... solder.

I made shocks from styrene tube for the 40s ford group build if you have a look through.

Snake wrote:Nice quick method, and using my favorite versatile material ... solder.

I made shocks from styrene tube for the 40s ford group build if you have a look through.

Ditto from me, paper clip wire inserted into tube. The ends don't matter in this application.

Excellent idea. I am all over this one. Thanks Chris.

Nice one Chris, I like that idea. It would work well for 1:20 F1 cars. (The older ones)

Skid wrote:Nice one Chris, I like that idea. It would work well for 1:20 F1 cars. (The older ones)

About the only limitation I can think of is that the solder 'springs' aren't suitable for load bearing. Not really an issue in our applications
where the shocks/dampers or even the control arms can carry the load.

I am thinking a craft wire could be used to change the diameter of the coil also.

Awesome tip Mr W, thank you Sir...

Andy...

Great tip, thanks for sharing.