How to make a Slinky

A Naval engineer named Richard James developed the ‘slinky’ while conducting tension experiments and a spring fell off a table and began to ‘walk’.  James’ wife  called the spring a Slinky  derived from the Swedish word for ‘stealthy, sleek, and sinuous’.  The toy is manufactured by the original equipment in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

Coated high carbon wire is fed into a machine which flattens and curls the wire.  Each end of the wire is crimped for safety.The company which makes the Slinky, POOF-Slinky, Inc. has not provided additional information.  The company website, http://www.poof-slinky.com/, provides  timeline, history, vintage ads, and additional general information and resources regarding the manufacture of the Slinky.  The Slinky is a durable toy because it is made from tempered steel heated at high temperatures over long periods. Each toy is tested for acceptable performance. Slinkys are also coated to resist corrosion and discoloration. Extensive use under extreme conditions can result in a loss of standard shape and reduction in performance. Children should be instructed on how to use the toy safely. Avoid bending or stretching. The toy can be harful if used improperly such as to choke or restrict a limb or an extremity. Under some conditions the side of the steel length can cut material or injure if used in a sawing motion. The toy should be put away after use in case an individual not seeing the toy should trip.

References include:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slinky

http://www.americanprofile.com/spotlights/article/3395.html

Home of the Slinky by Margaret Dornaus

http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/slinky.htm

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_gx5205/is_/ai_n19124673

Slinky Toy - How Products are Made,  Volume 3 (1995)  by Mary McNulty

http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/a-classic-toy-by-accident-20667.html

http://www.poof-slinky.com/Slinky-Museum/Timeline/

http://www.poof-slinky.com/Slinky-Museum/Slinky-History/