The load applied to extension springs stretches its tightly wound coils apart and spreads them open. Tension springs resist the pulling force that is placed upon them and this creates a sling back effect when the force is removed, causing it to return to its original shape.
Although a tension and compression spring are both helical coiled springs, the difference in their functionality and purpose can be significant. In essence, tension springs are designed to bring components together, whilst compression springs are made to keep components apart.

