What is this type of spring called?

[debodun]

It's about 2 inches long.

 

[Devi]

What is it attached to?

 

[debodun]

It's attached to a metal strip used for supporting a chair seat cushion.

 

[Pepper]

Have never seen a chair like this. Is it built that way for some special purpose?

 

[Devi]

Ah, thanks. Unfortunately, I don't know, but hopefully someone else here will.

 

[Paco Dennis]

CoPilot analyzed the pic...

This appears to be a tension spring. It is characterized by its helical shape and its attachment at both ends to different components. Tension springs work by expanding to resist an applied force. In the image, the spring is coiled and attached between two metal components, with one end connected to a flat, rectangular metal piece and the other end to a hook-like component. The rusty or aged appearance suggests it has been in use for some time.

 

[debodun]

Have never seen a chair like this. Is it built that way for some special purpose?

It's a platform rocking chair. In the original photo, it's tipped up on its back. Here pics of it from other angles.

 

[Pepper]

Why did you strip it down, was it not functioning properly?

 

[Gary O']

This appears to be a tension spring.

Yup

 

[debodun]

Why did you strip it down, was it not functioning properly?

I don't understand what you mean by strip it down. I just removed the two cushions to show the frame. It is functioning perfectly well and is a very comfortable chair. I just don't have room for it in my new house and wanted to sell it. I advertised it on Marketplace and NextDoor, but have had no interest. I asked about it in Facebook antique group and one wag said "Burn it!" Another replied to put it curbside for free.

 

[Remy]

Was that chair stuffed with straw or horse hair? Looks old.

 

[papa tiger]

Remove it, go to a Hardware store and put a new one in its place cause tis junk you got there most likely.

 

[OldFeller]

I had a spring like that once. I called it, Herman. But thats because had a special connection. Wherever I went, he was sure to follow.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

That could look lovely nicely refinished.

 

[debodun]

That could look lovely nicely refinished.

Unfortunately, it seems people these days don't want to have to work at restoring anything. They want things ready to use as is.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Unfortunately, it seems people these days don't want to have to work at restoring anything. They want things ready to use as is.

If I lived closer to you, I’d pay what you wanted for it and refinish it. I’d make a few modifications to it.