Tension springs, also known as extension springs, are specialized types of springs designed to operate under tension. Unlike compression springs, which resist being squashed, tension springs are meant to be stretched or pulled. This fundamental difference allows tension springs to perform functions opposite to those of compression springs.
Tension springs have tightly wound coils with no pitch between them, which means there’s no gap or space between the coils when the spring is at rest. When a load is applied to a tension spring, it stretches the coils apart, creating resistance against the pulling force. This resistance generates a “sling back” effect, causing the spring to return to its original shape once the force is removed. This ability to return to its original shape makes tension springs ideal for applications that require lifting heavy objects or maintaining consistent tension in a system.
