Of course i can bend it into shape.

But do i really need the small springs on both sides?

Every time i take the wheel off i notice they're back to looking like crap

This is it : https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/images/pr...g-IMG14276.jpg

when you go to the bike shop they will have many..

largely the convenience for speeding wheel changes..

The springs keep the skewer centered so it's easier to slip back into dropouts. If you look at the inside of the ends of the skewer, you'll see that there is a recess in there, JUST FOR that spring. So, IMO, if you're bending springs, you're doing it wrong. (I think I've bent 1-2 springs in 11 years.)

Yeah.......about that doing it wrong.

Couldnt imagine id be putting on a wheel wrong...it seems so trivial

You do know that the pointed/skinny part of the spring points towards the MIDDLE of the skewer, not the other way around, right?

So you will point both of the skinny parts of the springs to each other when the skewer is properly on the axle.

If the wide end is pointed towards the middle, then you will bend springs.

Yes, i learned that after doing it wrong a few times.

Even after i straightened it back out and did it "correctly", i still bent it.

I have to study that sheldon brown site.....

Don't be overly concerned about the springs; after the wheel is mounted they have no function. Having said that, they do make getting the wheel mounted a little easier, but that's all they do.

Don't worry, be happy, and use the springs. They help push skewer away to facilitate taking the wheels off.

Okay ill put them back on.

Appears ive ran into another issue....my left brake wont move, its just hugging the rim.

Tension screws do nothing for that side.

Thinking of selling this, dont think im ready for the mechanics

Easy fix, you can use a spanner to grab the springs and set the brake.

A what?

The British and other imported people call wrenches "spanners". Damn those imports! Speak English like all American are supposed to! Oh wait, don't the Brits speak English too? Oh god, my head hurts now!

lol....

I googled and saw it.

Ive never heard of a wrench being referred to as a spanner...

Guess i learned something new today.