Replacement Tape Measure Spring

[asallwey]

Anybody every look/find replacement springs?
I have a 16' Starrett, which they no longer support, and it needs a new spring. I've run several Google searches and haven't come up with any source for a spring -- for any tape measure! Blades galore, but no springs. I just thought it would be nice to fix this one, don't need to buy another as I have several other sizes.

 

[The Cobbler]

not likely . but if it is for posterity , I would gut another tape for parts

 

[rlitman]

Most springs fail due to corrosion (and lack of lubrication), and they usually fail near the end. Its usually possible to fix a spring that's only shortened by a few inches by annealing the end.

 

[asallwey]

My spring broke in 1 spot. When I opened it I found a dozen or so partial cracks that were about 1/2 through. Corrosion was the culprit. I've always wiped my tape when used in dirt+ and even oiled it. This tape is made with the spring in a plastic holder with only the tabbed end sticking out to engage the tape. So unless immersed, oil on the tape would never get to the spring.

Just a FYI. I've mess with old clocks and know they use a similar spring, so I looked for one that would meet similar specs. My spring is ~102" x 5/8" x 0.005" for reference. I did find a couple of clock springs that were similar: one 96" the other 1.5", both 5/8" wide, but both were 0.018" thick. They would probably rewind so fast it would burn my fingers! Plus the cost was $25 & $30 on the two. But they were made for a different purpose.

I also check with McMaster-Carr, a big seller of all things industrial & mechanical, but their longest springs were about 1/2 the length I needed.

What I find interesting is that new tapes are readily available for many, but no springs. If one can open the case to replace the blade, the spring is just a module to stick in.

There is no redeeming value to this unit, it's going in the trash. It is just frustrating that so much is going the 'use and dispose of when dirty' route.

End of trivia rant!

 

[tarbellb]

Gut a similar 16 footer from cheapest source?

Agreed, frustrating, interesting that even the all mighty McMaster doesnt have a solution.