Springs and magnets

How do springs work? I can't seem to figure them out through experimenting either. Also, I understand how to use magnets to deflect rockets, but is there any way to not deflect your own rockets? What are the best settings for magnets for blocking rockets?

Springs are like any other block - but the strut connecting them to their source is a spring instead of a normal strut, and seem to be able to take a terrain impact much better than most other parts.  The 'floppiness' of the connection can be configured, so it can behave like a rope, if you prefer, or like a very stiff connection.

As for magnets, you just need to configure them properly.  Turn them off with the fire key (if not Mouse 0, then output the repel button) or put them behind the guns.  I don't find them to be too useful as a defense, not quite.