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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Giorgio on Sat, 21 January 2017, 07:29:18

Title: cut a spring
Post by: Giorgio on Sat, 21 January 2017, 07:29:18: Hello, I need to cut the first millimeter or so of a cherry spring, to make it shorter. The wires are very close to each other at the extremities, what tool would you use? A kind of cutting plier, with a flat side?
Title: Re: cut a spring
Post by: majstor on Sun, 29 January 2017, 16:30:50: It should be sanded .
http://blueroofdesigns.com/2009/07/29/what-are-these-dremel-thingies-for/
Title: Re: cut a spring
Post by: OfTheWild on Sun, 29 January 2017, 16:53:45: I would just use some flush cutters. $4.47 if you dont already have some, these are a must for this hobby: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FZPDG1K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1
Title: Re: cut a spring
Post by: Giorgio on Mon, 30 January 2017, 01:54:36: Quote from: OfTheWild on Sun, 29 January 2017, 16:53:45
I would just use some flush cutters. $4.47 if you dont already have some, these are a must for this hobby: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FZPDG1K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1

thanks! I'll buy it.
Title: Re: cut a spring
Post by: Giorgio on Mon, 30 January 2017, 01:55:18: Quote from: majstor on Sun, 29 January 2017, 16:30:50
It should be sanded .
http://blueroofdesigns.com/2009/07/29/what-are-these-dremel-thingies-for/

It seems quite difficult to obtain a cut with repeatable precision!
Title: Re: cut a spring
Post by: DamnDan on Mon, 30 January 2017, 02:57:06: Make a jig, this way in either way you choose (flush cutters or dremel) you will get precise cuts every time.
E.g - drill a hole in piece of wood deep enough to fit the spring up to cutting point.
Title: Re: cut a spring
Post by: majstor on Mon, 30 January 2017, 12:16:18: Take a metal tube in which you'll put a spring .The second part close to the desired length with something. Or take the rod on which you'll put the spring. I think you should Dremel or something.
Title: Re: cut a spring
Post by: OfTheWild on Mon, 30 January 2017, 17:01:48: I like DamnDan's recommendation for a jig. Especially with inconsistencies in the number of 'dead' coils on each end of the spring. I would definitely take a little from each end to make sure you dont change the spring rate from 'active' coils... unless thats your intention.
Title: Re: cut a spring
Post by: Leslieann on Mon, 30 January 2017, 19:21:47: Sanding leads to heat, which will change the springs rating (it will soften it) and very inconsistently at that.