I have an antique office chair, all refinished. But I can't find a replacement
spring for the rocker mechanism. It is very simple, just an extension
spring about 5 inches long and 1 1/4 inch in diameter. At least that is
the one I have in there now. But it isn't nearly heavy enough. When
you start to tip back it goes all the way with just a little force.
I have looked and looked and can't find anything any heavier. Does any
body know where I can find something like that?
Thanks,
Bill
"BillGill" wrote:
>I have an antique office chair, all refinished. But I can't find a
>replacement
> spring for the rocker mechanism. It is very simple, just an
> extension
> spring about 5 inches long and 1 1/4 inch in diameter. At least
> that is
> the one I have in there now. But it isn't nearly heavy enough.
> When
> you start to tip back it goes all the way with just a little force.
> I have looked and looked and can't find anything any heavier. Does
> any
> body know where I can find something like that?
======================================
First you are going to need some physical information.
1) Spring ID & OD. (This will also give you the wire diameter)
2) Free length.
3) Extended length.
4) Number of turns.
5) End terminations.
6) Any physical space limitations such as max/min spring diameter,
min/max working length.
Armed with this information, you can start with an office furniture
hardware supplier or plan "B" would be to contact a spring distributor
or maniufacturer.
It's been a long time since I designed springs and I've forgotten how
to determine spring constants (K), but you need to know that spring
measurements are all interdependant so they need to be accurate.
If you have a digital camera, take some pictures which may be useful
to the supplier.
Good luck.
Lew
"BillGill" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I have an antique office chair, all refinished. But I can't find a
>replacement
> spring for the rocker mechanism. It is very simple, just an extension
> spring about 5 inches long and 1 1/4 inch in diameter. At least that is
> the one I have in there now. But it isn't nearly heavy enough. When
> you start to tip back it goes all the way with just a little force.
> I have looked and looked and can't find anything any heavier. Does any
> body know where I can find something like that?
>
I used to have a spring catalog around here. I am sure there are many on
line. You know the length and diameter of the spring. Is there anyway that
you could mount a larger spring in its place?
Anyway, when I was building some things tht needed springs, I just consulted
the catalog. There is an incredible variety of strengths and sizes. Or
call a spring supply house and talk to somebody. Or ask on line.
Remember, you are not looking for a chair part. You are looking for a
spring. Consult the spring guys.
If you have trouble finding your spring via a spring company, here are
links that may help:
Leggett & Pratt (I think Pratt has been dropped) is a manufacturer of
furniture hardware.
http://search.aol.com/aol/search?query=leggett+%26+Pratt&s_it=keyword_rollover
On this link http://www.leggett.com/ I'm not sure if you would go
to the residential or commercial furniture link
.... note their listing of companies on the Web. http://www.leggett.com/links.htm
One of these companies should have what you need.
I often deal with Omega Motion for hardware/components for upholstery/
furniture products, similar to what you are looking for http://www.omega-motion.com/
If Omega has your item, you can call customer service at 662-869-1060
ext 36 (Missy) or ext 38.
This link might help: http://www.homefurniturecomponents.com/
Sonny
"BillGill" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I have an antique office chair, all refinished. But I can't find a
>replacement
> spring for the rocker mechanism. It is very simple, just an extension
> spring about 5 inches long and 1 1/4 inch in diameter. At least that is
> the one I have in there now. But it isn't nearly heavy enough. When
> you start to tip back it goes all the way with just a little force.
> I have looked and looked and can't find anything any heavier. Does any
> body know where I can find something like that?
>
> Thanks,
> Bill
Personally, I'd ask this question in rec.crafts.metalworking as there are
some spring guys there and/or spring manufacturing guys there.
Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com
Production Tapping: http://Production-Tapping-Equipment.com/
Flagship Site: http://www.Drill-N-Tap.com
VIDEOS: http://www.youtube.com/user/AutoDrill
V8013-R
On Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:19:37 -0600, the infamous BillGill
<[email protected]> scrawled the following:
>I have an antique office chair, all refinished. But I can't find a replacement
>spring for the rocker mechanism. It is very simple, just an extension
>spring about 5 inches long and 1 1/4 inch in diameter. At least that is
>the one I have in there now. But it isn't nearly heavy enough. When
>you start to tip back it goes all the way with just a little force.
>I have looked and looked and can't find anything any heavier. Does any
>body know where I can find something like that?
Call the spring shop nearest you to see if they do this type. If so,
take the chair and spring down and have them find one which works.
The ones I recall on my grandfather's old office chairs were thick
suckahs, maybe 3/16-1/4" steel, a couple inches in diameter, and a few
inches long, tapered. Trick lookin' to a kid. But they were all
compression springs, not extension. I've never seen the style you
described.
Or call these guys. Give them the brand/age of the chair you want to
repair. They might have one in stock. http://www.centuryspring.com/
--
It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare;
it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.
-- Seneca
BillGill wrote:
> I have an antique office chair, all refinished. But I can't find a
> replacement
> spring for the rocker mechanism. It is very simple, just an extension
> spring about 5 inches long and 1 1/4 inch in diameter. At least that is
> the one I have in there now. But it isn't nearly heavy enough. When
> you start to tip back it goes all the way with just a little force.
> I have looked and looked and can't find anything any heavier. Does any
> body know where I can find something like that?
>
> Thanks,
> Bill
Have you tried McMaster-Carr?
http://www.mcmaster.com
--
Free bad advice available here.
To reply, eat the taco.
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