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232 Making Things Move

FIGURE 7-43 Anatomy of a compression spring

Compression springs are used as shock absorbers, return springs for solenoids,
projectile launchers, belt tensioners, and return springs for jack-in-the-box latches (see
Figure 7-44). It’s easiest to work with compression springs that have ground ends or
that are designed to sit flat. It’s also a good idea to either surround the spring with a
housing or mount it on a shaft to prevent it from buckling out to the side.

Tension/Extension Springs
Tension springs (also called extension springs) are the opposite of compression springs,
but we can use most of the same vocabulary to describe them. These springs start out