Bicycle Mechanics - Quick Release Spring

I just got my bike back from LBS. They put a new cassette and chain on it. I had to remove the wheel to install my bike trailer coupler tonight and noticed the Quick Release Spring was gone on one side. That irks me because i know it was there the day before, since i just packed the hub.

Either way i am heading down in the morning to get another one, but what exactly is the function of this spring? It obviously doesn't do anything once the wheel is tight because it is smashed.

The springs, when you have both of them, hold the quick release open so the wheel will come out more easily.

The springs, when you have both of them, hold the quick release open so the wheel will come out more easily.

So they likely thought, hell i guess you don't really need that. Oh well, i will get another one.

I can't believe they left it off. I always replace them when I come across a wheel missing one just because it makes it easier to remove the wheel, and it is supposed to be there. I would certainly replace one if I dropped the original while working on a repair (They hit the ground and bounce to an unknown location, somewhere in my shop there are about two hundred of them)

I need to accumulate a few of those springs and also some other small pieces. I suppose the LBS is the best source for these as well as things like ball bearings etc. I am a newbie at working on my bike but i have worked on office equipment in my "other life" for many years.

I always have a "tackle box" full of misc., screws and springs, clips etc. I need one of these for my bikes. Oh well, i expect one must accumulate that over time.

Oh, yes. I have a big Rubbermaid container full of bike bits as well as a big Plano box full of little stuff.

on the other hand, some people (me) throw them away cause there's no reason to fret about them if you do lose them. same thing with those screw-in thingies for your tubes.

sd