When researching some of the different types of springs, you may come across garter springs. Gartner springs are designed to store mechanical energy — just like all other springs. They consist of a coiled piece of metal that, when compression, exerts a radial force. Garter springs, however, feature a unique design that distinguishes them from other types of springs. To learn more about garter springs and how they work, keep reading.
Overview of Garter Springs
A garter spring is a type of circular, endless spring. Garter springs still consist of a coiled piece of metal. The difference is that garter springs are endless, whereas traditional springs have two ends. Most garter springs are looped. In other words, the coiled piece of metal is looped together into the shape of a ring.
While they consist of a coiled piece of metal, garter springs are typically encapsulated in a piece of rubber. The rubber is designed to house the garter spring. With this rubber exterior, garter springs are oftentimes used in sealing applications. They act as gaskets for machines and equipment. Oil seals, for example, often consist of a garter spring.
How Garter Springs Work
Garter springs aren’t much different than traditional springs. As previously mentioned, they still consist of a coiled piece of metal. Some of them are made of stainless steel, whereas others are made of carbon steel. Garter springs are unique, though, because of their endless design. The coiled piece of metal is looped together, after which it’s placed inside of rubber. All garter springs consist of a piece of coiled metal within a piece of rubber.
For sealing applications, garter springs may be used. They can protect machines and equipment from leaking by exerting radial pressure. Oil- and fluid-filled passages are typically pressurized. Pressure is what moves oil and fluid through the passages of machines and equipment. With a garter seal, these passages won’t leak. As pressure inside of the passages increases, the garter spring will exert an opposite and radial force. This radial force will create a strong seal that prevents the oil or fluid from leaking out of the passages with which the garter springs are used.
In Conclusion
Garter springs aren’t ordinary springs. They are endless and looped springs encased in a piece of rubber. Most garter springs are used in sealing applications. They can seal oil- and fluid-filled passages by exerting a radial force when compressed.