Small Stainless Coil Springs

[arch1947]

Hi Folks,
I have made the whistle valve for LBSC's 3.5" Virginia and it seemed OK, unfortunately I decided I could make it just that little bit better, (seemed like a good idea at the time) and now it doesn't work so well. Problem is the valve ball is returned to the seat by a small compression spring and the one I have is not really suitable, nor, I suspect, stainless. I have tried the springs out of disposable lighters but the range is limited. Can anyone help with a source of really small, stainless springs short of winding them myself. I am looking an OD of about .125" or smaller and lengths of about .375" although this is not critical.

Cheers,

Arch

[drjohn]

Hi Arch

You'd be surprised just how easy it is to make your own ones - have a look at this site -

home.earthlink.net/~bazillion/compression.html

And then at least you'll be sure of what you've got.

I was most surprised the first time I wound some that there was virtually no spring-back or uncoiling when I cut the wire from the wound spring.

DJ

[Tel]

I've probably got a few 'undred yards of suitable wire in my collection, if you want a bit, or coiling a couple up should present no problem.

Might need an Export Licence to send 'em to Tassie tho'

[arch1947]

Hi Tel and DJ, Thanks for your quick response, I might have to revisit winding my own.
Thanks,

Arch

[durhambuilder]

The bathroom/kitchen hand soap dispensers often have stainless springs in them, always worth saving before they go in the bin

[mutley]

Give Gordon Smith a call. He designs a superb range of valves and also supplies the springs to suit. He may have one that will meet your requirements. His email address is on this board if you do a search.

Andy

[steamjohn248]

agree with Mutley Gordon Smith will be your man.

John