Springs appear throughout daily life because they function inside pens and automotive suspension systems as well as numerous other mechanical components. The basic mechanical devices function as important components throughout manufacturing sectors and the automotive industry as well as aerospace and electronics applications. All mechanical springs cannot be viewed as basic units of equivalence. This article explains the functionality and selection process of three fundamental mechanical springs namely compression, tension, and torsion.

Why Understanding Spring Types Matters

Choosing the right spring type is critical for optimal performance, durability, and safety. A spring that’s too stiff, too weak, or made for the wrong application can result in mechanical failure or even injury.

The knowledge of fundamental spring variations enables you to pick good decisions for designing approaches and maintenance tasks and custom project development.

Overview of Spring Types

Let’s start with a quick comparison table:

1. Compression Springs: The Pushback King

Compression springs represent the primary category of springs that people use in various applications. They’re designed to compress under load and push back to return to their original shape.

Key Characteristics:

 • Open, helical design

 • Made from round wire or flat wire

 • Load applied along the spring axis

Applications:

 • Ballpoint pens

 • Car suspension systems

 • Industrial valves

 • Mattresses

Advantages:

 • Simple design

 • High load resistance

 • Easily customizable in terms of size and stiffness

When to Use:

Choose compression springs when you need a spring to push back against a force or absorb shock.

2. Tension Springs: Built for the Pull

Tension springs, also called extension springs, work by stretching instead of squeezing. They’re designed to pull back when you try to stretch them. These springs have tightly packed coils and usually have hooks, loops, or rings on each end so they can be attached to other parts.

Key Characteristics:

 • Tightly wound coils

 • Ends designed for secure attachment

 • Designed to operate with tension load

Applications:

 • Trampolines

 • Garage door mechanisms

 • Exercise machines

 • Farm machinery

Advantages:

 • Compact design

 • Strong resistance to pulling force

 • Highly customizable end hooks

When to Use:

Go for tension springs when your application needs to pull back or return to its original position after being stretched.

3. Torsion Springs: Twisting Under Pressure

Torsion springs work differently from both compression and tension springs. Instead of linear movement, they store rotational energy. The spring arms twist to exert torque in the opposite direction.

Key Characteristics:

 • Coiled design with legs/arms

 • Designed to resist angular forces

 • Rotation generates the restoring force

Applications:

 • Clothespins

 • Hinges (e.g., car doors)

 • Mousetraps

 • Cameras and latches

Advantages:

 • Handles angular movement

 • Offers precise torque control

 • Durable under repetitive twisting motion

When to Use:

Use torsion springs when something needs to twist or turn, like rotating or pivoting parts.

How to Choose the Right Spring for Your Project

When selecting between compression, tension, and torsion springs, consider the following:

1. Direction of Force

 • Use compression for pushing back

 • Use tension for pulling back

 • Use torsion for rotational or twisting movement

2. Space and Design Constraints

 • Compression springs are more compact when loaded

 • Tension springs need mounting points on both ends

 • Torsion springs require space to rotate

3. Load Requirements

 • Determine how much force your spring needs to handle

 • Use spring rate (stiffness) to match performance

4. Material and Environment

 • Stainless steel for corrosion resistance

 • Music wire for high strength

 • Phosphor bronze or beryllium copper for electrical conductivity

5. Cycle Life and Durability

 • If your spring will cycle repeatedly, choose materials and designs built to last

Bonus Tips: Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Springs

 • Off-the-shelf springs: Cost-effective and available in standard sizes

 • Custom springs: Perfect for specialized applications

 • If your project has limited space or needs a certain amount of force, a custom-made spring might be a better choice.

Common Spring Failures (and How to Prevent Them)

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Spring Made Simple

Springs may look simple, but choosing the right type—compression, tension, or torsion—can make or break your application. By understanding how each spring functions, their advantages, and where they're commonly used, you can select the best option for performance, durability, and efficiency.

Whether you're prototyping a product, upgrading machinery, or solving an engineering problem, always consider the force direction, environment, and load requirements before picking your spring.