Every step of a trampoline installation is important as they ensure the safety of jumpers. When it comes to the springs, they are usually the step where people tend to run into issues, frequently wondering how to put springs on a trampoline?
You can put springs on a trampoline using a supplied trampoline spring tool, but if that is not available, you can consider alternatives such as a plier or caulking gun. They do require some physical strength, so be sure to have a partner to help you out when assembling the springs of your trampoline.
Most trampolines come with a spring tool, but you might have misplaced them or lent it to someone else. In this case, you will need something else that can do the job.
In this article, I will be covering all you need to know about fixing springs onto your trampoline.
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Ways to install trampoline springs
Well as mentioned earlier, you should ideally use a trampoline spring tool as that will be the easiest way.
Before you start though, you should consider wearing safety gloves to prevent getting pinched by the springs. It can be very painful!
Anyways, if the tool is not available, there are some alternative methods that can help you out which I will show you later on.
First, let’s see how you can install trampoline springs with the right tool.
How to use a trampoline spring tool?
When you unpack your trampoline, you would most likely find a pack of tools that includes the spring tool and perhaps a screwdriver and whatnot.
If this is your first trampoline, I highly recommend that you keep the spring tool well, probably in your toolbox, as it can come in very handy later on. Oh, and the instruction manual too, although you can sometimes find that online on the manufacturer’s site.
There will likely be times when you need to disassemble your trampoline, whether it is because you want to store it for the winter, move it somewhere else, or maybe preparing to discard it.
It is a simple device, basically a T-shaped tool that has a rubber grip and a metal hook on its end.
Here is what it looks like. You can also click on the image to purchase one if you need to.
In order to install the springs of your trampoline, you first need to place the jumping mat over the frame.
It is good to be aware of the number of holes on the top rail of the frame where the springs will go so that you do not miss out any.
Secure all of the springs to the trampoline’s mat.
Then, starting at 12 o’clock, hook the spring to the frame, then 6, 3, and 9 with the trampoline spring tool.
This is a great way of balancing the spring and mat tensions.
I recommend that you then hook the springs spaced apart, rather than one right next to the other as there will not be as much tension.
Carry on in this manner until all of the springs have been installed. Do not miss out any as a missing spring can cause some serious injuries!
Here is a rough guideline of the sequence I use. You don’t have to follow it to a T. The basic rule is that I try to put one opposite of itself to spread the tension around.
After installation, be sure to test it out the check if the bounce is right and if there are any trampoline squeaking sounds. If it does not pass the test, you should get it returned.
Trampoline spring tool alternative
In the event that you do not have the trampoline spring tool with you, there are some alternatives that you can use.
You probably have all of this stuff lying around your place somewhere or you could easily borrow one from a neighbor.
Here are 7 alternatives to the trampoline spring tool and how you can use them.
How to install trampoline springs without a spring tool?
1. Another trampoline spring
Ok, this might not be applicable to you if you are a first-time owner, but you can still this tip in the future.
If you know someone throwing out their old trampoline or you are getting rid of yours, keep a few of those springs with you.
They are the best alternatives to a trampoline spring tool with its ready-made hook on one end.
Check out this video on how you can make use of it:
2. Pliers
I am personally not a fan of using pliers as it can get quite hard to get the springs to latch on or to remove them.
However, because of the way they are designed, they provide a strong grip which it can help you pull the springs into position.
The problem is, you do need a fair amount of physical effort and if your grip is loose, the spring can easily snap back and give you a nasty puncture or injury.
3. Screwdriver
You can use a screwdriver or any other similar shaped tools to help you out here.
The idea is that you hook the springs onto the frame first and then slide the other end onto the jumping mat.
Since the screwdriver has a spot for you to pivot, you don’t really need a lot of strength to perform this.
Check out this video and see how easy it can be done.
4. Caulk gun
This is a pretty smart way to install the springs without a tool, and you will need a sturdy caulk gun. If yours is made of plastic, I wouldn’t recommend trying out this method.
Basically, you are making use of the caulk gun’s pumping action to stretch the spring so that it can easily slide into the hole on the frame.
The only problem I see is that you cannot use it to take the springs out.
3 other alternatives
You can try to use these objects, but I personally think that they are too difficult to use. Attempt at your own risk!
- Rope
- Crowbar
- Homemade tool
How to use a spring tool to replace damaged springs?
Your trampoline springs are likely to be worn out or even break after a period of time of use. That’s when you need to replace them unless you want to invest in a new trampoline, which is not a bad idea actually.
When replacing a spring, start by hooking the end of the spring to the most enclosed hook on the trampoline mat’s D-ring.
Pull the hook on the opposite end of the spring to connect with the slot or hole on the trampoline frame with a spring tool.
Remove each damaged spring and replace it with a new one, rather than removing all the old springs at once and then installing new ones, to make this operation much easier.
How to put the last springs on a trampoline?
I think it is quite common for people to have this question before they try out putting a trampoline together by themselves.
To be honest, I have fixed up quite a number of trampolines before and I don’t really encounter this issue.
It seems that when most of the springs are in place, the last ones will be even tougher to stretch out and hook onto the frame.
You can put the last springs on a trampoline easily with a trampoline spring tool. If you do not have one, the best alternative is to use either a screwdriver or caulk gun.
Methods are discussed above.
Where to buy trampoline spring tool
I don’t really see this accessory as something you can easily get from your local supplies shop, to be honest.
The easiest way to get one is to buy it online.
Most of them are pretty much the same, but I personally would stick to branded ones (as in, well-known manufacturers) to be assured of quality.
In terms of pricing, they do not differ by much, so I’m pretty down to pay a bit more for one that will last me a lifetime.
How to make a trampoline spring tool?
Not willing to spend on a tool that should have come with your trampoline set? Or maybe you are a handy guy or girl who wants to fashion their own spring tool?
I can’t tell you how I would fix one up, but I did see a suggestion online about using a piece of wood and using a bent nail.
I find that it is unlikely to work unless you have the tools and equipment to put together something really strong, cos if not, the nail would just straighten itself out when you try to stretch the spring.
I did find a video of someone making their own. He has the right equipment to do it.
