# Springs - Simples Machines?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/springs-simples-machines/339460>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [January 11, 2006, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/springs-simples-machines/339460 "2006-01-11T07:47:24Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 2

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\
**Post date:** [January 11, 2006, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/springs-simples-machines/339460/21 "2006-01-11T19:00:23Z")

</div>

I have read more than once that _all_ the simple machines listed in the OP are merely variations on the humble lever.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![spingears](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@spingears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spingears)\
**Post date:** [January 11, 2006, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/springs-simples-machines/339460/22 "2006-01-11T22:43:07Z")

</div>

> [@Patty O'Furniture](#):
>
> I don’t think a spring performs work. A spring stores and releases potential energy.

Strictly speaking:  
Work is performed on a spring when it is stretched or compressed.  
The spring performs the same, but negative, amount of work when it returns to its original state against a restraining force.  
A spring is NOT one of the simple machines defined by physics or mechanics.

[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/springs-simples-machines/339460.md?page=1)