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A garter spring is a metal spring used to reinforce a rubber seal around pipe joints or rotating shafts. Originally made from tanned leather, they are now sold as straight springs and can be cut to size. Choosing the right size involves considering factors such as material, joint diameter, and pressure. Garter springs can be attached in various ways and removed using a special tool.
A garter spring is a coiled metal spring whose ends can be snapped together to form a loop. It is used to reinforce a rubber seal around pipe joints or a rotating shaft. As one of their most common uses is to secure gaskets around oil pipes, they are also known as oil springs.
A garter spring is typically mounted inside a rubber gasket. With pipes that carry liquids, the garter spring ensures a tight seal even if the size of the pipe changes slightly due to the pressure and temperature of the liquids passing through it. When used around a rotating shaft such as an axle, they help hold lubricants for the shaft. Their expandability helps them maintain an airtight seal even under pressure.
Originally, oil seals were made from tanned leather, which was flexible enough to cope with pressure changes in the oil lines. Many companies that now produce seals were tanneries. Garter springs, along with rubber and lubricants for man-made joints, came into use as automobiles and other machines were developed that required stronger seals that could withstand higher speeds and temperatures.
Choosing the right size of garter spring involves consideration of many different factors. The material, the diameter of the joint, and the amount of pressure the garter spring will be under can all be put into a mathematical equation to find the spring force needed. Paying attention to the calculations ensures that the ends of the garter spring do not fall apart under stress.
While some garter springs can be purchased pre-cut, they are often sold simply as straight springs. These springs are sold as stock in various weights. When a garter spring is needed, a mechanic can simply cut the length they need and screw the ends together.
Depending on the style, the garter springs are attached in a variety of ways. The two ends of the spring can be slipped over each other and screwed together. They can also be welded together or secured with a separate screw.
The garter springs are removed using a special tool. A garter spring removal tool is a kind of tube that slips over the tube or joint under the garter spring. Expands the spring so that new seals can be slid under it without having to undo the spring. Once expanded, the underlying gaskets can be replaced or removed and the pipe or fitting can be unscrewed.
