When it comes to sourcing components for manufacturing, cheap springs can seem like a cost-effective solution. They’re tiny, inexpensive, and often overlooked—until they fail. And when they do, the consequences can be costly: machine downtime, product recalls, safety hazards, and damage to your brand’s reputation.

Here’s why cutting corners with cheap springs is a gamble that rarely pays off.

1. Failure Rates Go Up. Fast.

Cheap springs are usually mass-produced with looser tolerances and less rigorous quality control. That might save a few cents per unit, but it significantly increases the chance of failure under load, over time, or in harsh environments. If a cheap spring snaps, deforms, or fatigues early, it can take your whole system down with it.

2. Downtime Gets Expensive—Fast.

Let’s say a $0.15 cheap spring fails in a $100,000 piece of equipment. That failure could halt production for hours or days. Factor in lost productivity, emergency repairs, overnight shipping for replacement parts, and the cost of technician labor, and you’re easily looking at thousands of dollars—all triggered by a component that cost less than your morning coffee.

3. Safety Risks Increase

In critical applications—think automotive, aerospace, or medical devices—spring failure isn’t just inconvenient; it’s dangerous. Cheap springs made with low-quality materials or poor heat treatment can lead to unexpected breaks, putting users at risk and exposing your company to liability claims or compliance violations.

4. Inconsistent Performance Wrecks Precision

For applications requiring tight tolerances, precision motion, or repeatable performance (like CNC machinery or robotics), cheap springs are a ticking time bomb. Subpar springs can introduce variability that’s nearly impossible to troubleshoot until something goes wrong.

5. Replacement Costs Pile Up

It’s not just the cost of fixing one issue—it’s the ripple effect. Cheap springs might need to be replaced multiple times over the lifespan of a product, leading to more maintenance, more part orders, and more downtime. Higher-quality springs often cost more up front but last significantly longer.

6. Your Brand Reputation Takes a Hit

Customers might not know that a cheap spring failed—but they’ll remember the product that stopped working. OEMs and manufacturers that consistently deliver reliable products build trust. Those who cut corners with cheap springs can find themselves fighting warranty claims, negative reviews, and lost business.

How to Avoid the Trap

• Work with a reputable spring manufacturer. Look for experience, certifications, and a strong track record in your industry.
• Specify materials and tolerances clearly. Don’t leave it up to the lowest bidder—know what your application requires.
• Request prototypes and testing. Good suppliers will support you with engineering input and validation before production.

At Jackson Spring, we’ve seen firsthand how investing in quality components pays dividends over time. When reliability matters—and it always does—cheap springs just aren’t worth the risk.

Want to avoid the headaches caused by cheap springs? Contact Jackson Spring to discuss your next project. We’ll make sure your springs are the strongest link in your system.