Spring Stock

Started by jgp12000, February 14, 2026, 09:25:56 PM

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jgp12000

February 14, 2026, 09:25:56 PM
I have never made a bail spring or to be more specific a bail trip spring maybe in the near future.

Where to get spring stock,does ACE have anything usable.Any tips on bending or
Diameter of stock bail spring vs. bail trip spring appears smaller?






Brewcrafter

#1
February 14, 2026, 11:12:54 PM
Here might be a good place to start:
https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=13530.0
Many of the Ohana have had to custom up some springs in a pinch, so I am sure lots of helpful tips will follow shortly.  I am pretty confident your local Ace/True Value etc. will have suitable material, and as far as winding find a tool of suitable diameter (dowel, pencil, screwdriver, socket, socket extension, the list goes on and on). - john

foakes

#2
February 15, 2026, 05:07:51 AM
What reel/reels do you need bail springs for, James?

Best, Fred
The Official, Un-Authorized Service and Restoration Center for quality vintage spinning reels.

D-A-M Quick, Penn, Mitchell, and ABU/Zebco Cardinals

--

You don't work for your tools — your tools have to work for you...
Set up your shop and workspace accordingly and efficiently.

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oc1

#3
February 15, 2026, 05:19:21 AM Last Edit: February 15, 2026, 05:21:29 AM by oc1
Quote from: jgp12000 on February 14, 2026, 09:25:56 PMWhere to get spring stock,does ACE have anything usable.Any tips on bending or
Diameter of stock bail spring vs. bail trip spring appears smaller?

We have a local tackle shop that caters to the offshore trolling guys.  They have stainless wire with a wide range of diameters.  I bought an assortment.  It comes in handy for springs and a myriad of other uses.

A pair of jeweler pliers with tapered round jaws comes in handy for springs.

Midway Tommy

#4
February 15, 2026, 06:37:06 AM
John's link has some really good info. If you use the tap method make sure the tap you use is smaller diameter than the spring you need, as the coil will expand a little after it's been wound. I've made a few using that method and it works fine if you can't find an appropriate bail spring that fits your reel. Just make sure the bends are in the correct locations around the coil.
Love those open face spinning reels! (Especially ABU & ABU/Zebco Cardinals)

Tommy D (ORCA), NE



Favorite Activity? ............... In our boat fishing
RELAXING w/ MY BEST FRIEND (My wife Bonnie)

jgp12000

#5
February 15, 2026, 03:25:22 PM
Fred/Tommy,
no reel in particular,but I was looking at some trip levers on ebay missing the spring.John,I will look at the link you provided.I have some SS safety wire left over from my C130 days,good bail spring size,but too large diameter for trip spring I suppose.I have spare bail springs for most all my vintage spinners.

See this link is what got me going down this rabbit hole:

https://alantani.com/index.php/topic,40799.0.html
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