spring steel

[hortonstn]

where is a good source for small pieces of spring steel for patch boxes
and other small projects
thanks
paul

[bgf]

Hacksaw blades and similar work well -- even have a hole in the end for a screw.  They work pretty easily hot and adjust a small bit if you anneal them (heat and cool slowly without quenching).  See Ken Guy's Banana Patchbox Spring tutorial, for how to harden and temper when you get them in the shape you want.  Here it is: http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=2613.0.  

[Curtis]

HORTONSTN,

I have some metal banding material that works great for small springs.  I could send some your direction.

Curtis

[LRB]

   You really don't need to harden and temper the integral lid/spring catch. It doesn't have to move far enough to warrant a heat treat. Same as a catch and spring for a wood box cover. Plain cold rolled steel will work fine as is. It just needs a little overbend before it is permanently anchored.

[bgf]

   You really don't need to harden and temper the integral lid/spring catch. It doesn't have to move far enough to warrant a heat treat. Same as a catch and spring for a wood box cover. Plain cold rolled steel will work fine as is. It just needs a little overbend before it is permanently anchored.

Just to be clear -- you are talking about the cut nail on the "Tennessee" style box, right?   I only ask because the catch spring in the patchbox (with pushrod) will not work well long in my experience if it isn't hardened and tempered, esp. assuming it has been annealed so that you can file, etc. after shaping hot -- it just doesn't "spring back" the same amount every time.

[camerl2009]

4140 sheet make's good springs  ive made mag springs for a few mags from it

[LRB]

  Yes, the push rod types are better if heat treated  because most are set up with more contact surface in the latch faces and have to have a lower fulcrum point for the rod to work against.

[hortonstn]

thank you all for your input, now i know what i need
paul

[Swampwalker]

The metal-tined yard rakes have sping-steel tines.  I've got a handfull that I've used over the years for misc. small springs.

[jim meili]

Sawsall blades make great small springs. if you have a friend in the construction business have him save all the old blades. 1095 is my favorite and can be procured at a knifemakers supply.
Jim

[Keb]

where is a good source for small pieces of spring steel for patch boxes
and other small projects
thanks
paul

I read your post a couple times and think most misunderstood your questio9n or either I did.
I am assuming you mean sheet steel to fashion patch boxes from not make springs.
Any old sheet metal from a car fender is a good source of sheet steel.
Old metal desks, cabinets, $#*!, anything you can cut with tin snips or a hack saw is good. You may even get a patch box door out of the computer you're reading this post on.

[hortonstn]

i was looking for types of spring steel for springs
paul

[Dphariss]

where is a good source for small pieces of spring steel for patch boxes
and other small projects
thanks
paul

You can order blue tempered spring/shim stock in various thicknesses from MSC then cut it with shears. I generally use piano wire from hobby shops either as is or I forge it flat and re harden.

Dan

[Leatherbelly]

   Metal lawn rakes as Swampwalker says make great sear springs and are easily acquired.Cheap cheap. They should work good as a lid flipper also. Rake will still work too if you cut a couple of tines out ,LOL!