Liner Spring Length

T

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Apr 1, 2004
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I prefer a relatively long liner spring, rather than a short one. Not only is a longer spring easier to disengage, it bears more force longitudinally than does a shorter spring. And as long as the liner spring is recessed, accidental disengagement shouldn't be a problem. In fact, it's probably less of a problem than with shorter liner springs that are not recessed.
 
By liner spring length, do you mean the distance from the bend in the liner to the lock surface? Well, a longer liner is easier to disengage, because you've got a longer lever to increase the force you apply. But that also means that any force component at the lock face that's perpendicular to the liner is also amplified. This makes it easier for forces at the tang to disengage the lock.

Also, a longer liner is also more prone to bending and flexing along its length - you can prove this by trying to break two pencils, one of which is longer than the other. Long columns flex more than short ones. Apply a compressive force to two supports of equal girth and unequal length, and the longer one is more likely to fail. In the same way, a longer liner is more likely to flex (and therefore fail) than a shorter liner.

Of course, there are limits in both directions, and I personally feel that the ideal liner is one whose length (along it's spring-bent portion) allows the smallest possible latitudinal force against the liner.
 
Yes, I'm talking about the length from the begining of the bend to the top.

Like I stated, if the liner is recessed, then I don't believe accidental disengagement is an issue.

A longer liner means less forces orthogonal to the liner, hence the lever arm length as it applies to torque is offset by the force vector being at a differing angle.
 
Yes, if all other things are equal a longer liner means less force is exerted orthogonally, but it also means that less force is required to disengage the liner as well. I feel, however, that the angle of the tang ramp and the lock face are a larger factor in eliminating forces orthogonal to the liner.

There is also the issue of strength - like I stated before, longer liners are weaker than shorter liners - much weaker, depending on the difference in length.
 
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