10 replies to this topic

[hako37]

Hello, I have been moding nerf guns in Germany for a while and I have had no luck finding spring to put in the guns. My solution was to buy them online, but I have no idea of what the sizes for the springs are along with a new catch spring. EBay’s spring seem to be too high in price so if anyone has a simple way of measuring spring and were to get them that would be great.

[CRS260]

From what I've seen, many people obtain their springs from cannibalizing other objects instead of buying them directly. Things like ball point pens, cheap toys, and other Nerf guns would be a good source for tiny springs. Larger springs are mostly bought or obtained from other Nerf guns. McMaster-Carr is a great source for any mechanical supplies or tools you need, but I don't know if they ship to Germany.

For your catch spring, I would find two other similarly sized springs and combine all three together onto the catch plate instead of looking for a single, stronger spring. Just make sure they are all around the same length and diameter; it doesn't need to be very precise to work correctly.

What blaster are you working on; that would help us figure out what springs you need.

[VACC]

If you perform a forum search for the nerf blaster you intend to modify, you will be able to find the springs commonly used in said modification.

[Borgadin]

If you perform a forum search for the nerf blaster you intend to modify, you will be able to find the springs commonly used in said modification.

I believe he means the dimensions and specs of the springs and not the types of springs(which can indeed be found in the threads)

[pjotrkuh]

Indeed I too have problems finding replacement/aditional springs, in our hardware stores and online hardware stores springs aren't easy to obtain, Luckily(?) Nerf is becoming much more available here, and so is offbrand products, I even use "sauce" pump springs as powerstock springs.....

But Hako, I don't know how old you are, but I assume you have a creditcard of some sorts, you can try contacting spring manufacturers and give them the measurements of the springs you need, only you'd have to change the gauge of the wire to obtain a stronger spring, they might have some springs in stock wich could come in close......

[Y-Brik]

I'm 90% sure McMaster ships worldwide, so there's your primary source. Cannibalizing other objecs (Nerf or not) is another option, but here's the kicker- go to a few local hardware stores, look in the aisles with all the screws, washers, and other metal doodads, and see if there are springs there!

[Borgadin]

I'm 90% sure McMaster ships worldwide, so there's your primary source.

I´ve looked through the help section and haven´t found anything on shipping destinations.

Cannibalizing other objecs (Nerf or not) is another option, but here's the kicker- go to a few local hardware stores, look in the aisles with all the screws, washers, and other metal doodads, and see if there are springs there!

I for one have already looked through most hardware store chains in this country (I´m from Germany too)and have yet to find any decent springs which even fit over a NF plunger rod let alone any which might fit a Raider or any other of the recent reverse plunger guns.It is also a very bad idea to experiment with springs on a 100+ dollar blaster(price of Blaster(+>$10 from a seller that ships internationally)+shipping(>$30)+Customs fee+19%taxes) (if you want something isn´t a NF Mav or that doesn´t have Recon internals)so the Specifications(strength+wire thickness) and Dimensions(length+width) of of springs would greatly help trying to find a local supplier which would be cheaper(less shipping cost+no extra customs fees),easier to obtain and faster.
Thank You for Your Time
Borgadin
Edit: Link to a German modding Forum --> Nerf Modding.de <--

Edited by Borgadin, 28 September 2010 - 05:11 PM.

[SgNerf]

I've been reading this thread and i'm getting rather puzzled with all the requests on blasters spring sizes and dimensions.

I'm abit curious why you guys don't simply open up your blasters, take out the stock springs and just physically measure them with a pair of measurement calipers? Like these...



Or if you don't have a measurement caliper, simply bring along the stock springs to the spring manufacturers in your area and let them measure them accurately, then they can show you all the different spring loads from their inventory that match your spring dimensions.

At least that's how i get the various fitted aftermarket springs for all my modded blasters.

Edited by SgNerf, 29 September 2010 - 09:09 AM.

[Cyphre]

The reason anyone asks is for a variety of reasons, above and beyond simple dimensions. Hardware stores that carry such things are also quite rare, as I myself am within driving distance of a Home Depot, Lowes, OSH, and Ace Hardware and none of which carry springs even remotely close.

So it falls back upon ordering from McMaster, as no other retailer who ships has been noted to sell springs of correct sizes or strengths (though you yourself know of a place within your vicinity, or that ships to you, SgNerf). However, as very few people own calipers, or a measuring device that can accurately check the width of a spring (as it is not at all flat, were you to try using a tape measure), it is infinitely helpful if ANYONE has ALREADY DONE SO who can simply post the dimensions, or otherwise absolute limits of fitment in a standard blaster. The other factor involved is the stiffness of the spring, in which no one automatically knows what the stock blaster spring strength is without having previously tested others that have fit. One could easily accidently order a spring that was either two weak, or far too strong for it to be usable.

And in regards to such questions being confined to individuals who have 'never handled' any particular blaster they are asking about, one must first wonder how many modders out there, rookie or veteran, take apart the blaster they intend to mod and leave it apart for the full extent of a period by which to acquire new parts. I, for one, have little intent to leave random parts lying around to possibly be lost or forgotten.

[taerKitty]

However, as very few people own calipers, or a measuring device that can accurately check the width of a spring

$2: http://www.harborfre...liper-7914.html

If you don't have the right tools, you're not going to do well.

The other factor involved is the stiffness of the spring, in which no one automatically knows what the stock blaster spring strength is without having previously tested others that have fit.

This is where McMaster wins again. While their 'spring constant' is not easy to convert to 'real load' (at least for uninitiated laymen like me), we in the NIC tend to use one of two or three springs: [k25], [k26] and (now) K14. These will likely rip apart a cheap knock-off TTG, but, otherwise, if it fits, it will work to some reasonable degree.

one must first wonder how many modders out there, rookie or veteran, take apart the blaster they intend to mod and leave it apart for the full extent of a period by which to acquire new parts.

For me, it's because I don't have a lot of time to mod. While I have a Dremel, I also have noise constraints, so I can't use it freely. This means I can't utilize said time as efficiently as I would like. Additionally, I respect the instructions for the various adhesives I use - if I use some solvent weld or epoxy, that's a day done.

I, for one, have little intent to leave random parts lying around to possibly be lost or forgotten.

I use ziplocks.

Seriously, Nerfmodding can teach you a lot more about shop work than simply what spring goes where. From this hobby, you can (and should) learn safe practices around tools and materials, shop discipline, planning and design, in addition to simply how to use tool X.

Don't rush through it. Take your time, try to learn. And do your own homework. Or, if you refuse to, at least ask nicely, instead of sounding like an obstinate teenager.

Edited by taerKitty, 30 September 2010 - 08:19 AM.

[VACC]

how many modders out there, rookie or veteran, take apart the blaster they intend to mod and leave it apart for the full extent of a period by which to acquire new parts.

You reallize they do go back together, right? Look, if you're unwilling to put in the time to take apart your nerf gun, measure a part, and put it back together, you're in the wrong place. We are not here to spoon feed you information that you can easily obtain for yourself. If that's what you're looking for, keep looking.