No-Sag spring cutter

[slodat]

What do you all use to cut No-Sag (sinuous) springs and edge wire?

[scottymc]

Small pair of bolt cutters.

[kodydog]

I picked up a bench top bolt cutter at a yard sale. Comes in handy for cutting all types of stuff including springs, wire edge, metal tack strips, nails and of course bolts. Nice thing about being mounted to the bench is one hand is free to hold the object your cutting.

Similar to this,

http://www.amazon.com/Bench-Bolt-Cutter-Chains-Threaded/dp/B004IRYY08

After you cut the spring you need to bend the end in the opposite direction (not a fun job). I use a vise and vise grips. This keeps the spring from slipping out of the clip and keeps the end from hitting the wood below, which causes a taping noise every time someone sits on the chair.

[sofadoc]

After you cut the spring you need to bend the end in the opposite direction (not a fun job). I use a vise and vise grips. This keeps the spring from slipping out of the clip and keeps the end from hitting the wood below it which causes a taping noise every time someone sits on the chair.

Here's the tool for forming the bend on the end:
http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Upholstery_Accessories/Springs_and_Accessories/Osborne_404_Spring_End_Former/index.html

[kodydog]

Here's the tool for forming the bend on the end:
http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Upholstery_Accessories/Springs_and_Accessories/Osborne_404_Spring_End_Former/index.html

They make tools for just about everything. I'd like to see how it works. Is it easy to use? Do you still have to clamp the spring in a vise to hold it still?

[sofadoc]

They make tools for just about everything. I'd like to see how it works. Is it easy to use? Do you still have to clamp the spring in a vise to hold it still?

It's VERY easy to use. It mounts to any table where you have an open end for the spring. You hold the spring in one hand, and work the long handle with the other hand as you force  it around one of the 2 bolts. The long handle is hollow for the spring end to go onto.
If you do much spring repair, this tool is worth every penney.

If you don't have any boltcutters, you can improvise cutting no-sag springs by filing a notch in the spring, and bending the notch back and forth until it breaks.

[slodat]

I have the CS Osborne spring end former. It is a very useful tool. Well worth the $40 or so I paid for it. I have been using a cutoff wheel in a 4.5" angle grinder to cut springs and edge wire. The bench mount bolt cutter looks like a really good solution. I'm glad I asked the question. Thanks!

[Darren Henry]

If you do much spring repair, this tool is worth every penney.

I must have gotten  a defective one. I'm used to the big cast iron ones that look like a #5 junior button maker for size and construction. The handle is 18 or 24 " long (haven't seen one for a bit) and the spring gets placed into the "cleavage" between two protrusions on the bit that gets bolted to the bench and then the roller on the handle bends the spring as it passes over the outside.This osborne one (that I returned) kept breaking the ends off the spring. First I blamed the springs I had, but they bent fine with vise and vice grips. Then I tried some "reclaimed" springs. Same outcome. Also , after < 20 tries the hole in the end was starting to wear out.

Ironically, the boss and I were talking today that we need one for the shop. Does anyone have a source (preferable up here) for one or the large cast jobbies?

[sofadoc]

I've never had that problem with mine. After 20 years, the hole in the handle is just now starting to enlarge, but it still works fine.
I'd like to see the big cast iron one. Was it an Osborne?

[Darren Henry]

I can't remember who the manufacturer was. When I track one down, I'll let you know.

[slodat]

I'm very interested in one!

[sofadoc]

Here is a short video demo of the Osborne 404 spring end former. For clarity, I used a short piece of spring, and a piece of cardboard as a backdrop. Try not to fixate your eyes on my svelte physique. ;)

[kodydog]

Lots faster than the way I do it.

Thanks for the demo Sofa.

[Darren Henry]

Mine never worked like that. I guess it was a dud. We'll have to give another one a crack.

[tapissier]

I use a nail file,  sometimes a good old nail clipper!