Kitchen fan

[dilligaf]

Have just taken an old extraxtur fan down to clean. Its the type when you pull the cord the motir starts and the horizontal louvres open. Not even sure of the manufacturer.
The problem is that the small spring inside which shuts the louvres when the fan is turned off was lost during cleaning.
Does anyone know where a replacement spring can be obtained? It's about one and a half inches long with a hook on one end and loop on the other.
Thanks in anticipation.

[stanleyman]

You could try an elastic band or just let the backdraft close it. They tend to be smaller these days with no moving louvres.

[Clanad]

As well, at least here in the U.S., the DIY stores have selections of springs. They are usually located in the hardware section and requires the assistance of one of the "associates" to find the right one... the most important information you'll need is the length of the spring when the louveres are closed...

[dilligaf]

Thought of an elastic band stanleyman but the fan is in a kitchen and I didn't think it would last long with heat and steam.
Also thanks to Clanad. Unfortunatly our DIY in north London only has blister packs of best selliing items. Anything out of the ordinary, forget it !

Solved the problem late last night. Had an old VCR in the shed waiting for disposal. Dismantled it , found a spring and with the help of a couple of pairs of pliers and a bit of bad language managed to get almost a perfect fit. Works better than the old one.

Again thank you both for your suggestions, they were very much appreciated.