easy way to test spring strength??

[J-Bar]

Let's say you have several replacement Ruger vaquero hammer springs loose in a drawer...some are 17 lb. some 18, some 19, some are the factory original 22 or 23 lb jobs.

And further say that you are not a gunsmith but a tinkerer with 5 thumbs on each hand, and no specialized tools.

Is there an easy way to figure out the strength of each spring?

Thanks!!

 

[brickeyee]

You need to measure the force required to compress them or stretch them a known amount and compare it to a known spring.

There are rules of thumb for designing springs, but they are often not accurate enough to tell what weight a spring is 'rated' for a final application.

You need a lot of VERY accurate information on the steel and heat treat to even design them close to what you want.

 

[fecmech]

Coil springs vary strength by diameter of the wire, number of coils per inch and overall length of the spring. If you have a dial caliper you can measure wire dia. if you can't readily see the difference. Counting coils per inch might be your best bet.

 

[brickeyee]

Coil springs vary strength by diameter of the wire, number of coils per inch and overall length of the spring.

And temper an type of steel used to make thespring

 

[Jim Watson]

Assuming the replacements are the same brand, put them on your powder scale.
More spring steel in the spring, more sprong in the spring. If of the same design.