Testing the Spring

I slipped past the back screen door to get some fresh air on the porch planks. Over by the wicker planter, a heavy wooden spring clothespin was lying flat. I wanted to see just how much bite that steel coil had in it. I planted my left boot against the bottom wooden tail, hooked both arms over the top lever, and threw my weight down. The wire spring groaned, then the notched jaws opened wide with a satisfying gap. I kicked a flat cardboard plant marker right between the teeth and let go. Snap! It clamped down like a vise, standing straight upright on its own. That's some serious holding power.