Small springs

[Anonymous]

I am constructing pantographs for my HO RR. I have been unsuccessful in locating a source of very small extension springs needed to apply upward force to the pantograph. Any ideas where I might find these items?

[Anonymous]

Ink pens. FRED

[cacole]

If you have a hobby shop in your area that specializes in model aircraft, check there. I haven't seen it recently, but Micro Mark used to sell a tool that could be used to wind your own miniature springs. I guess they didn't sell enough of them because it has not been in their catalog for quite some time now. Ink pen springs won't work because they are compression springs, not extension.

[Anonymous]

There are little springs inside those disposable Bic lighters I've been trying to think of a use for.

[FJ and G]

old watches used to have tiny springs in them.

BTW, what's the difference between an extension spring and a compression spring?

Would a compression spring be like the leaf springs in my Jeep wrangler and extension springs be like the springs that wrap around shocks in most cars?

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FJ and G

old watches used to have tiny springs in them.

BTW, what's the difference between an extension spring and a compression spring?

Would a compression spring be like the leaf springs in my Jeep wrangler and extension springs be like the springs that wrap around shocks in most cars?

Extension springs are those that work by being extended; the coil spring on a screen/strom door is an example of coil extension spring. Automatic choke (remember carburetors?) are another. Rubber bands are another.

Compression springs are those that work by being compress, the springs in ball point pens are an example, automotive suspension is another.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by whimsy17

I am constructing pantographs for my HO RR. I have been unsuccessful in locating a source of very small extension springs needed to apply upward force to the pantograph. Any ideas where I might find these items?

rubber band ?

[Anonymous]

Actually, if you bend hooks on ink pen spings they magically become extension springs. You think they only work one way? FRED

[Anonymous]

Hi, whimsy!
I have some springs, diameter of coils 3 mm (I think 1 inch is 24.3 mm; ink pen springs are approx. 5 mm in diameter and besides being compression ones, much stronger than what I have), 7 mm long, not fully compressed but definitely working like extension springs (fully compressed they are 4 mm long). If you think you could use them, give me your address and I'll send them to you (for free, of course). I have 8 of these. My email: [e-mail]
Best regards,
Oliver

[Anonymous]

Sorry, 1 inch is 25.4 mm. Shame on me!
Oliver