How to Compress a Spring to Release a Spring Pin

Springs come in a variety of shapes, sizes and strength and are used in myriad settings. Spring pins are comprised of two main parts: the spring pin, which essentially is a metal rod that is slipped vertically into a hole and the shaft, and a second larger rod that runs horizontally through a hole in the object being secured. The shaft is attached to a spring and is either pulled from the spring side or pushed from the opposite side. When the spring pin is inserted it pulls the interior spring taught, making it impossible for it to accidentally slip.

Instructions

1. Examine the pin. Depending on the size, you may only need to use your fingers. For large pins, or those with hundreds of pounds of pressure, you may need some tools.

2. Push the opposite side of the shaft (in a small spring pin) until the pin becomes loose enough to pull out. This process can be simple, as in flipping the pin out of its slot on a pet cage, or more complicated, as in manually compressing the spring/shaft with your fingers.

3. Pull on a large industrial-sized spring pin (or midsized one) to compress it. You cannot do this manually, so you will need tools to remove the pin and allow it to compress. Use a hammer to remove the pin. If you can pull the pin enough to slip something small, like a wrench, behind it that will make it easier to hammer out the pin. Under no circumstances should you put your hand there, since the pressure can cause your hand to be pinched between the pin and the slot. Wood may also be crushed, so use metal instead. Medium-sized pins are not as dangerous as industrial-strength ones, but they can still hold a lot of pressure. Always be careful when releasing the pin.