Apologies if this has been discussed recently - I did a search and didn't find anything to directly answer my question, so I'll ask.
I'm trying to build a device that will allow me to measure the spring weight (force) of a 1911 recoil spring, whether new or used.
The purpose of this is twofold :
1) Determine the spring weight of several loose springs that I have (no labels or packaging), and
2) Measure a spring's weight after several hundred rounds to observe how it loses its characteristics over time.
Years ago I saw a rig that a guy built which consisted of a rod which ran through a loose spring. The moving end was secured to the rod by a nut and washer, and the fixed end was supported in a bracket held by a vise.
The rod was pulled vertically downwards with a gauge capable of measuring in the suitable pull range (like a trigger pull gauge only much higher values). It may have been a fish weigh scale.
I can build such a device, but I seem to recall that the critical point was that the spring had to be compressed to a very specific length (every time) in order for the spring force reading to be both valid and consistently accurate.
Logically, I would expect that this distance would be the minimum length to which the spring compresses during firing.
Please advise if known :
a) are there "plans" for such a device that a person can make at home ? If not, a description other than that above ?
b) is such a device available commercially ?
c) even more importantly, what is the critical length to which the spring must be compressed ?
d) other comments ?
Thanks very much in advance - much appreciated.
Z
I'm trying to build a device that will allow me to measure the spring weight (force) of a 1911 recoil spring, whether new or used.
The purpose of this is twofold :
1) Determine the spring weight of several loose springs that I have (no labels or packaging), and
2) Measure a spring's weight after several hundred rounds to observe how it loses its characteristics over time.
Years ago I saw a rig that a guy built which consisted of a rod which ran through a loose spring. The moving end was secured to the rod by a nut and washer, and the fixed end was supported in a bracket held by a vise.
The rod was pulled vertically downwards with a gauge capable of measuring in the suitable pull range (like a trigger pull gauge only much higher values). It may have been a fish weigh scale.
I can build such a device, but I seem to recall that the critical point was that the spring had to be compressed to a very specific length (every time) in order for the spring force reading to be both valid and consistently accurate.
Logically, I would expect that this distance would be the minimum length to which the spring compresses during firing.
Please advise if known :
a) are there "plans" for such a device that a person can make at home ? If not, a description other than that above ?
b) is such a device available commercially ?
c) even more importantly, what is the critical length to which the spring must be compressed ?
d) other comments ?
Thanks very much in advance - much appreciated.
Z
