This item is made almost entirely of plastic and isn't really 'sprung' at all, even when new. If you intend to use it with a belt and aren't concerned about tactical concerns, it may be acceptable (though it will still be less secure than other tek-loks). If you're looking at it for IWB or boot carry, or in fact clipped to anything else, forget it, it simply isn't secure enough and is in no way a replacement for a standard metal boot/belt clip. It's also quite bulky and cumbersome. Very disappointing. Mine came without the rubber washers.