Removing Spring-Loaded Pieces

[ricecake]

I saw the other thread in the SOC subforum about removing the batteries from display pieces, and I got to thinking. For the pieces that that have spring-loaded action features (like shooting missiles or fists), does leaving the projectile in the launcher cause degradation of the springs?

My initial thought would be "no", since loading a typical launcher causes the spring to be compressed. I could see it being an issue for springs that need to be extended, where over time the spring could become stretched out.

[tetsuryu]

I get the impression that leaving the projectile in for long periods would wear the spring out too.

I just play safe and don't keep them in.

[Mr. Ginrai]

If you leave the projectile in toys where the spring is compressed, it won't damage the springs but being compressed all that time will cause them to fire weaker than they did before.

If you have toys or vehicles that have spring action, it is best to try to store them in "extended" mode so that the spring action continues to work strongly. The vintage thundertank from thundercats is an example of this. It does not fit back in the box in extended mode, but it allows it to stay functioning.