Spring steel
Spring steel is a name given to a wide range of steels used widely in the manufacture of springs, prominently in Automotive and Industrial suspension applications. These steels are generally low-alloy, medium-carbon steel or high-carbon steel with a very high yield strength. This allows objects made of spring steel to return to their original shape despite significant deflection or twisting.
Grades
Many grades of steel can be hardened and tempered to suit application as a spring, however some steels exhibit more desirable characteristics for spring applications.
Applications
Applications include piano wire such as ASTM A228 (0.80–0.95% carbon), which is also known as music wire,spring clamps, antennas, springs, and vehicle coil springs, leaf springs, and s-tines.
Spring steel is also commonly used in the manufacture of metal swords used for stage combat due to its resistance to snapping or shattering.
Spring steel is one of the most popular materials used in the fabrication of lockpicks due to its pliability and resilience.