Springs

[SavannahLion]

I didn't put this in B/S/T because I want to try to figure out what I need before ordering them.

Try as I might, I just can't figure out how to look for and size up springs. For example, the coil compression springs inside of arcade buttons.

Spent about an hour Googling for places that sell coil springs that are not automotive and I'm just coming up with bupkiss. A place like Master Spring would be perfect if I didn't have to order 500+ springs and if I knew how to order (no catalogue of standard springs).

Tried eBay to see if I can get an idea of how they're specified and I keep getting back automotive crap.

I have a pretty good idea of O.D. and length (obvious), but what am I looking for in wire gauge and er... pounds per something or another? eg how stiff the spring is?

In the past, there used to be a store Reno that had a really nice selection of springs ranging from tiny pen springs to giant springs on trains. I went there often and sized up springs based on the O.D. and length and played with them until I found one that compressed to my liking. Unfortunately that store was long gone five years ago and I've never really found another source. Never needed to until just recently.

Anyone know of an online store that sells stock springs... like a Digikey of the spring world?

[TheShanMan]

Try going to an Ace Hardware. That's the place I always turn to for hardware I don't expect to find at Lowe's or Home Depot. In fact I just went there a few days ago for springs for coin reject buttons and they had the perfect replacement. They also had a million other springs.

[RichSorr]

Try going to an Ace Hardware. That's the place I always turn to for hardware I don't expect to find at Lowe's or Home Depot. In fact I just went there a few days ago for springs for coin reject buttons and they had the perfect replacement. They also had a million other springs.

As much as I hate that place they always have something I can't find at home depot or lowes. Perfect timing for this thread. i have a Bromley Whirlwin game at my location and have been using thick springs from lowes on the coin mechs so players can't hold the mech lined up with the bonus. They break after a few weeks, guess I'll check out Ace