An improved method of assembling conventional scales, including bathroom scales, is provided by employing an improved spring for connecting the upper housing to the bottom pan. The upper housing may now be connected to the bottom pan with a simple downward force imposed on the improved spring thereby hooking the bottom of the spring to the bottom pan and mateably engaging the tapered top of the spring in an extruded hole in the upper housing. The improved spring is tapered at the top end to mateably engage the extruded hole in the upper housing and includes only one hook on the bottom end for engagement with the bottom pan. The improved spring enables easier and faster assembly of conventional scales thereby reducing labor and production costs.