Is there any rule of thumb about how far can stretch a spring before it is
"sprung". i.e. permanently deformed?

I have found almost the perfect spring for my camera stabilizer project but
it is only 4" long and rated for 42 lb at 3.5" and I need it to extend a bit
more than 6". I am worried that if it bottoms out once it will never come
back to its original initial tension.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com