We produce custom springs and wireforms. We do not stock standard parts.
We produce custom springs and wireforms. We do not stock standard parts.
August 30th is National Slinky Day, a day that honors one of the most iconic toys ever created. What many people don’t realize is that the Slinky was never meant to be a toy at all. It was the result of a naval engineer’s failed attempt to develop a mechanical spring—and it ended up sparking not just a cultural phenomenon, but also highlighting the incredible potential of spring technology.
At Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we celebrate this day by recognizing how far spring innovation has come. From playful coils on staircases to precision components in medical devices, trailer suspensions, electrical switchgear, and agricultural equipment, springs have become essential to modern life—and we’re proud to be part of that story.
In 1943, naval engineer Richard James was experimenting with tension springs to stabilize equipment aboard ships. During one test, a spring fell off a table and, to his surprise, “walked” down to the floor. That small moment of curiosity and motion led to the creation of the Slinky—launched just two years later and quickly becoming a national favorite.
What began as a toy was based on the same mechanical principles that power thousands of devices and machines today. And those principles are the foundation of the work we do at Ace Wire Spring & Form Co.
While the Slinky may have introduced many people to spring mechanics, its core function—storing and releasing energy—has endless applications in the real world.
At Ace Wire, we manufacture compression, extension, torsion springs, and custom wire forms that serve critical roles across a variety of industries.
In medical manufacturing, our springs are used in syringe plungers, IV systems, surgical tools, and more. These components require exceptional precision and cleanliness, as even the smallest inconsistency can impact performance or safety.
In the trailer and transportation industry, we produce durable springs for trailer suspensions that must absorb shock, resist fatigue, and perform reliably in demanding road and load conditions.
In the power generation sector, particularly within electrical switchgear systems, springs play a key role in controlling contact pressure, maintaining electrical connectivity, and supporting thermal performance. They’re designed to handle long-term use in environments where failure is not an option.
In agriculture, our springs and wire forms are built to survive the rigors of planting, harvesting, and equipment movement—ensuring functionality in machinery like balers, cultivators, and gate systems through every season.
Founded in 1932, Ace Wire Spring & Form Co. is rooted in Pittsburgh’s deep industrial history. We’ve grown with the region and evolved with the technology, but our mission remains the same: to deliver dependable, high-quality springs and wire forms tailored to our customers’ exact needs.
With in-house engineering support, advanced CNC coiling and forming machines, and a reputation for responsive service, we provide manufacturing solutions that meet the needs of businesses across the country—from startups to OEMs.
National Slinky Day may bring smiles and nostalgia, but it also serves as a reminder of what’s possible when creativity meets engineering. Springs may be small, but their impact is massive—from toys and tools to life-saving equipment and power systems.
At Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., we’re proud to carry on the legacy of spring innovation right here in Pittsburgh. This August 30th, we celebrate not just a happy accident—but the industry it helped shape.
"Where it’s always SPRINGTIME!"
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