I recently lost the tension spring for my ashford traditional wheel. They are $3 to replace. Probably a very inconvenient special order for my local spinning and weaving supply, or I could order from a big online outfit and pay a huge amount for shipping. It is a relatively small cost for the spring, but a huge inconvenience.
My friend told me to use a hair tie -like a pony tail holder. She said she prefers them because they are just a little more sensitive than the tension springs. I was also missing the plastic monofilament stuff that tithe spring attaches tie. I used monofilament fishing line to replace it.
So, my wheel is up and spinning again, without spending a penny!
thought I would pass this one!