Springy Thing

Spring is well and truly in the air and that means loads of jobs in and around the house and garden. Already today we have stained the deck, twice over and restored it almost back to its original condition. Amazing how the snow and ice of winter lifted so much of the original stain.
Found several old bits and pieces stored in the shed too and made a collection for recycling. Among the items was this Springy Thing which is a small part of something else. Any idea what it is?