Retractable Awnings: Be Wary Of the Spring Mechanism!

I actually ship these things all across the country and am aware of how they work. That didn't stop me from almost breaking my leg with one I got as scrap. A retractable awning, or TENSION shade, is wound up with a coiled spring. If you release the spring, the arms will extend with great force. I was about to pull the aluminum arms off one Saturday morning (before a full cup of coffee) and decided the fabric need to be cut for me to get at the goodies. BIG MISTAKE! If you do dismantle one of these, make sure it is already open or bound on each end with ties of some kind or the spring will release when you take off certain parts. This one just missed my leg after I cut the last of the fabric and BAM! it shot out and hit my neighbour's garage. If I had been in front of it I would have a broken shin, it is very fast and powerful! Just thought I'd share in case this helps keep someone else safe.

Happy Safe Scrapping Everyone!

Glad you could learn and share this lesson without getting hurt. Reminds me of "pop goes the weasel."

this would have made a great video lol but good your not hurt and good stuff for all the newbs not to die

been there done that

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Originally Posted by pawpaw

been there done that

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Broke your leg or almost did?

I found that out the hard way also! Fortunately I wasn't hurt. Thanks for the reminder AA

I actually left one of these at the curb last night. They are a PITA to fit in my van and the support bar had rust on it so I knew it wasn't AL. Got out, took a look at the rust, and remembered the last one. So I just said forget it!