Spring Coil Direction: Does it Matter?

Do springs have to be left-hand wound or right-hand wound? Does spring coil direction even matter when it comes to precision springs? The short answer is, yes, the coil direction of your spring does make a difference. It won’t change the performance or lifespan of a spring, but it will determine if it will be able to be installed in specific types of products or applications.

What’s the Difference Between Right and Left Hand Springs?

Back to basics. The coil direction of a spring is simply the direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) it is wound. But isn’t that relative to how you are looking at the spring? Yes, it is. The easiest way to determine if a spring is left-hand wound or right-hand wound, you have to look at in a specific way.

For compression and extension springs: Pick up your spring and look into it. If the end of the spring wire in the 9 o’clock position then the spring is left-hand wound. If it’s in the 3 o’clock position, the spring is right-hand wound.

For torsion springs: Pick up the spring and look into it. If the wire is jutting out at the 9 o’clock position then the spring is left-hand wound. If it’s jutting out in the 3 o’clock position, the spring is right-hand wound.

Why Spring Coil Direction Matters

A spring’s coil direction matter for different reasons depending on the type of spring you are working with (along with what application it is being used in).

For compression and extension springs: coil direction will be important if the springs will be used in conjunction with a part that has threads and will be screwed onto those threads. You want the spring’s coil direction to match the threads so that the parts can be used together.

For torsion springs: the wind and coil direction of a torsion spring must always cause both ends to move inwards towards each other. The coil’s diameter should tighten as a result.

Need Left-Hand or Right-Hand Springs?

Whether you need right or left-hand springs, Yost Superior is the place to get them. We can customize your springs to help them fit any product or application. Request a free quote from us today.