bending a new hook on a spring

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by Ether

I assumed the other spring is for a washer with a lighter (smaller) or heavier (larger) tub.

This is correct. However, the question is a very good one.

The washers that used these springs have not been produced for several years now. The older washer design had several variations, using at least a dozen different motors of varying speed and power ratings. Because the range of weights of those motors, different suspension spring forces were required.

More recent washer designs (since ~2010) use smaller, more efficient motors, and their suspension systems are completely different. They also hold more laundry, and consume less water and energy, compared to the older designs.

Originally Posted by gblake

On the other hand, that ductility might mean that the metal you bend won't stay bent.

Having used these springs in several experimental situations, and bent their straight segments into various configurations, I can confirm that this is also correct.