Leftie Torsion, Extension and Compression Springs

Compression Springs

Left handed compression springs are not as common but can be necessary in some cases. One of these cases is when two springs are intertwined inside each other in order to improve force, reduce the solid height and still maintain elasticity. Other cases are when there is a need for a pair of both right-handed and left-handed springs, such is the case in some more modern car model suspensions. Previous car models would use two right-hand wound compression springs until car manufacturers discovered that by adding in a right hand and left-hand compression spring suspension they could create better stability in turns and other more abrasive road conditions.

Direction of wind: To determine a coil spring's wind direction you must use the front coil. First, position the front coil so that the tip of the wire is at 12 o'clock. Then, check the direction in which the wire turns to make the first coil. If it goes clockwise, it's a right-hand spring, if it coils counter-clockwise, the spring is left-handed.

Extension springs

Extension springs tend to have hooks that can be a weak point when dealing with great loads. It is because the hooks are the weakest point that they tend to break, despite the extension spring body having the capacity to withstand it. It is because of this that many people choose to use bolts attached to the ends of the extension spring, instead of hooks.

In order for the bolts to properly twist into the spring’s inner diameter, the direction of wind must match accordingly. This meaning, that left-handed bolts must be twisted into left-handed springs and vice versa.

Direction of wind: Use the front coil to determine the extension spring’s wind direction. Position the front coil so that the tip of the wire is at 12 o’clock. Next, check the direction in which the wire begins to turn to form the first coil. If it goes clockwise, it’s a right hand spring, if it coils counter-clockwise, the spring is left handed

Torsion springs

Torsion spring applications usually require more precision when it comes to the legs and the direction of wind. Oddly enough though, torsion springs are more commonly left-handed, especially here at Acxess Spring. Our Online Spring Creator calculator which allows you to immediately design and quote custom springs, including torsion springs, actually has the default setting set for left-handed springs. It is only per a customer’s specific request that the torsion spring is designed with a right-hand wind.

Direction of wind: To know the direction of wind of a torsion spring, you must know how you will position the front and back legs. Then determine which one of the legs will be deflecting (if not both) and the direction in which you want them to deflect. The back leg of a right-hand wound torsion spring will torque clockwise and the front leg vice versa. When it comes to a left-hand torsion spring, the back leg will travel counterclockwise while the front leg will travel clockwise.