C.S. Osbore No. 404 Spring End Former

C. S. Osborne No. 404 Spring End Former, Professional Zigzag Spring Forming Tool

Every professional upholsterer working with zigzag springs should have a C. S. Osborne No. 404 Spring End Former in their workshop.

Replacing a broken zigzag spring sounds straightforward: measure the old spring, cut a replacement to length and fit it into the furniture frame. However, cutting the spring removes the original formed end that allows it to sit correctly within its retaining clip.

The C. S. Osborne No. 404 Spring End Former solves this common upholstery problem by allowing the cut end to be bent and crimped into the required retaining shape.

This specialist upholstery tool helps professional upholsterers produce properly formed replacement springs for sofas, armchairs, chairs and other furniture using compatible zigzag spring systems.

It can also be used to open the ends of suitable coil springs.

Why Is a Spring End Former Essential?

Zigzag springs, also known as sinuous, serpentine or no-sag springs, are widely used in upholstered furniture.

The ends of these springs are specially formed so they sit securely within the retaining clips fixed to the furniture frame.

When a replacement spring is cut from a longer section or continuous roll, the original end profile is removed.

Simply cutting the spring to length leaves an unfinished wire end that may not fit or remain securely retained within the original fixing.

The Osborne No. 404 allows the upholsterer to recreate the required end profile, helping the new spring fit its intended clip correctly.

This is particularly important when repairing older sofas and chairs with unusual spring lengths or replacing springs from continuous rolls.

Features

• Forms zigzag spring ends: Recreates the necessary bend or crimp after cutting spring wire.
• Improves spring fitting: Helps produce an end profile suitable for compatible retaining clips.
• Useful for bespoke repairs: Particularly valuable when replacement springs require non-standard lengths.
• Professional upholstery tool: made for furniture manufacturers, restoration workshops and upholsterers.
• Coil spring applications: Can also open the ends of suitable coil springs.
• Secure mounting: Suitable for installation on a workbench or use in a vice.
• Mounting hardware included: Supplied with three bolts and nuts.
• Reduces unnecessary waste: Allows suitable spring wire to be cut and formed for individual furniture repairs.

The Problem with Cutting Zigzag Springs

A common challenge when repairing furniture is finding a replacement zigzag spring with exactly the same length and end configuration as the original.

Even when the correct wire gauge is available, the spring may need shortening to match the existing furniture frame.

Once shortened, the newly cut end no longer has the same formed retaining shape as the original.

Trying to recreate the bend using ordinary pliers can be difficult because upholstery spring steel is strong and resistant to bending.

An incorrectly formed end may:

• Fail to engage properly with the spring clip.
• Place uneven pressure on the retaining fitting.
• Create an insecure spring connection.
• Leave an exposed sharp wire end.
• Alter the effective fitted length of the spring.

The C. S. Osborne No. 404 is specifically designed to overcome this problem, allowing the upholsterer to form a suitable replacement end rather than relying on improvised bending methods.

How to Use the Osborne No. 404 Spring End Former

The tool should first be securely mounted to a suitable workbench or held firmly in a vice.

When replacing an existing furniture spring:

1. Remove and examine the damaged spring, noting its gauge, length and original end profile.
2. Measure and mark the replacement spring to the required length.
3. Secure and cut the spring using suitable heavy-duty spring-wire cutters.
4. Position the cut end within the Osborne No. 404.
5. Operate the forming tool to create the required retaining bend.
6. Compare the newly formed end against the original spring.
7. Check that the replacement fits correctly into its compatible spring clip before installation.

The completed spring must be correctly sized, tensioned and securely retained within the furniture frame.

Always wear suitable eye protection and keep hands clear of spring wire during cutting and forming.

Workbench Mounting and Specifications

The C. S. Osborne No. 404 is supplied with three bolts and nuts for securing the tool.

The manufacturer recommends mounting the former on the corner of a workbench or on a suitable 1" mounting block positioned no more than 5" from the bench edge.

The tool can also be secured in a suitable vice.

Manufacturer specifications:

• Model: C. S. Osborne No. 404
• Overall length: 13" (approximately 330mm)
• Width: 1/2" (approximately 12.7mm)
• Mounting holes: 5/16" diameter
• Mounting-hole spacing: 1 3/4"
• Supplied with three bolts and nuts

Secure mounting is important because forming spring steel requires considerable leverage.

Use it for 9 Gauge Zigzag Spring Repairs

The Osborne Spring End Former is particularly useful when working with compatible 9 Gauge Zigzag Upholstery Springs.

These springs are commonly used in sofa and chair seating, where correctly shaped ends are needed for secure installation.

When cutting replacement springs to length, the former helps recreate the necessary retaining bend before fitting the spring into the furniture frame.

It is also useful alongside suitable continuous zigzag spring rolls for workshops regularly producing replacement springs in different lengths.

Double Cone Springs and Coil Spring Applications

Although primarily associated with zigzag spring repairs, the C. S. Osborne No. 404 can also be used for opening the ends of suitable coil springs.

For traditional upholstery projects,

Double cone springs are normally installed in traditional hand-tied upholstery foundations, whereas zigzag springs are usually fitted into retaining clips.

These are different spring systems, so the end former's suitability should be assessed according to the specific coil spring and the work required.

Don't Forget the Spring Clips and Fixings

Reforming a replacement spring is only part of the repair.

The retaining clips must also be in good condition and suitable for the replacement spring's wire gauge and end configuration.

Damaged or loose clips can allow even a correctly formed spring to become insecure.

see Upholstery Spring Clips & Bracewire for suitable replacement spring-retaining clips, fixings and connecting materials.

When repairing furniture, inspect the complete spring system, including clips, bracewire and timber frame rails.

A Valuable Tool for Every Upholstery Workshop

For occasional furniture repairs or professional upholstery production, having the correct spring-forming equipment can make a considerable difference.

The Osborne No. 404 enables upholsterers to prepare suitable replacement springs rather than being restricted to factory-cut lengths.

It is particularly valuable when restoring older furniture, undertaking bespoke repairs or working with continuous zigzag spring wire.

A properly formed spring end is essential to a reliable spring installation, and the Osborne No. 404 gives upholsterers the specialist tool required to achieve it.

C. S. Osborne No. 404 Spring End Former, Essential Upholstery Tool

An essential workshop tool for professional upholsterers replacing or repairing zigzag, sinuous and serpentine furniture springs. When a spring is cut to fit a sofa or chair, its original formed end is lost. The Osborne No. 404 Spring End Former recreates the required bend, helping the replacement spring fit securely into its retaining clip.

Key Features:

• Reforms cut spring ends, recreates the original retaining bend.
• Secure spring fitting, helps prevent incorrectly formed ends slipping from compatible clips.
• tool, also works with suitable open-ended coil springs.
• Heavy-duty construction, made for professional upholstery workshops.
• Workbench or vice mounting, supplied with three bolts and nuts.

Related Springs & Fixings:

• 9 Gauge Zigzag Upholstery Springs, replacement sofa and chair springs.
• Double Cone Upholstery Springs, traditional coil spring range.
• Spring Clips & Bracewire, compatible spring fixings and connecting materials.