What does this spring do on my mills?

[jcrc1]

I have 2 mills high tops. One of the mechanisms has a heavy DUTY looking spring attached behind the reels next to the wing nut attachments. It is a Heavy duty spring 2 inches long or so and is vertical. It is sort of like an anchor spring. My other Mills does NOT have this spring. What is the purpose of the spring??
I hope the picture uploaded ok.

JOhn

the big vertical spring to the right

[oldslotman]

That spring is used to kick the reels. There a a couple of different types of reel kickers. One type uses the spring that you have there and the other has a spring connected directly to it. It is attached just above the long springs that pull the payout slides back.