I learned about coil springs, the hard way, in recoil starters for
lawn mowers and outboard motors, much the same as the clock spring
motors in music boxes.

If you do take one apart, make sure that the spring is fully run down
so as to remove as much tension from it as possible.  Use heavy gloves,
such as welding gloves, and an apron as well as a face shield, and
above all BE CAREFUL and think about every action before you do it.

I don't have so many friends that I can afford to have any injured
or killed from a careless action.

Jim Cook