Attention! Input results shown will be +/- 10% from middle value. Hint: The closer your min and max inputs are, the more accurate your results will be!

Attention! Input results shown will be +/- 10% from middle value. Hint: The closer your min and max inputs are, the more accurate your results will be!

Attention! Input results shown will be +/- 10% from middle value. Hint: The closer your min and max inputs are, the more accurate your results will be!

Attention! Input results shown will be +/- 10% from middle value. Hint: The closer your min and max inputs are, the more accurate your results will be!

What Are Tension Springs?

Tension springs are another name for extension springs. Extension springs have no pitch in between the coils and have a function opposite to that of compression springs. While compression springs are meant to be compressed extension or tension springs are meant to be extended or pulled.

The load applied to extension springs stretches its tightly wound coils apart and spreads them open. Tension springs resist the pulling force that is placed upon them and this creates a sling back effect when the force is removed, causing it to return to its original shape. This function makes them ideal for lifting heavy objects and assisting in the lifting or dispersing of certain loads.

Depending on where the tension spring will be placed, its length, thickness, shape and hook types can vary. Tension springs usually have hooks on the ends to facilitate the function of being extended. The most common hook types are machine and cross-over hooks, but some may even have no hooks.

what are tension springs

A spring’s hooks are its weakest part, so when a heavy load is placed and pulls the tension spring apart, the hooks can bend out and, eventually, break off. To prevent the hooks from breaking, many opt for using no hooks. When a tension spring has no hooks, you can screw bolts into the ends and use these as fasteners.

tension spring hook types

Tension springs are used in many applications including upholstery, car parts, trampolines, pliers and other tooling and machinery parts. Therefore, whether you are creating a device that requires a spring or trying to replace a few extension springs in your machine, you can find what you need at The Spring Store. Search our tension spring catalog and buy the tension spring you need in just a few clicks.