[TheForge] OT - rust-proof spring needed

[Bruce Freeman]

I'm fixing my drain plug mechanism, which is rather like this:
http://www.hometips.com/repair-fix/bathtub-stoppers.html

It's the spring that's broken.  The existing one is 1.25 OD, 1/8"
wire, brass or bronze, and there's not much left of it.

I can get a pack of six SS springs more-or-less this size from
McMaster-Carr for about $15 + shipping, but would prefer to go cheaper
if possible, especially as I'd need to fit one of those to the
mechanism -- possible but not trivial.

I can wrap springs on my lathe if i can find an appropriate wire.  (A
coil of  SS wire of this size is >$15 from McMaster).

Anyone have any inspiration where I might get a spring or spring wire like this?

-- 
Bruce
NJ