To measure coil springs, you typically measure their free length using calipers, taking care not to compress the spring during measurement.
Here's a breakdown of the process, focusing on measuring free length, which is a common and important measurement:
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Gather your tools: You'll need a caliper (digital is preferable for accuracy).
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Prepare the spring: Ensure the spring is clean and free of any debris that could affect the measurement.
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Position the spring: Place the spring vertically.
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Use the Caliper:
- Open the caliper.
- Gently close the caliper until it barely touches the ends of the spring. The goal is to measure the free length without compressing the spring.
- Avoid applying too much pressure. Applying excessive pressure will compress the spring and result in an inaccurate reading.
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Read the Measurement: Read the measurement displayed on the caliper. The video example provided shows a spring measuring two inches and ninety thousandths (2.090 inches).
Important Considerations:
- Spring Rate: While the above focuses on free length, understanding the spring rate (the force required to compress the spring a certain distance) is also crucial in many applications. Determining the spring rate requires specialized equipment.
- Other Measurements: Besides free length, you might also measure:
- Outer Diameter (OD)
- Inner Diameter (ID)
- Wire Diameter
- Number of Coils
