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Reference.org
Spring plunger
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<p>A spring plunger or detent spring is a <a href="/facts/Spring-loaded/jknGXzTq">spring-loaded</a> mechanical part used for indexing, positioning, and securing of objects, as well as for making objects possible to disassemble in normal use without loosing parts. The spring force keeps the pin in position during normal use. </p><p>Typically, it is a machine part consisting of a hollow <a href="/facts/Cylinder/0wQPPr3k">cylinder</a> with an internal <a href="/facts/Compression_spring/jknGXzTq">compression spring</a> acting on a <a href="/facts/Dowel/3QzE6W6M">pin</a>. The pin may, for example, be shaped as a rod with either a cylindrical or rounded tip (broadly categorized as a <i>spring plunger</i>), or a spring-loaded ball (<a href="/facts/Ball_detent/MqDcU1rn">ball plunger</a>) if the spring acts against a ball. </p>