Creates a 2D spiral or 3D spring.
Access Methods
Button
Toolbar: Modeling tool set 
Open Shapes tool group (expanded) Helix Menu:
Draw
Helix
Summary
Use a helix as a sweep path for the SWEEP command to create springs, threads, and circular stairways.
Initially, the default base radius is set to 1. During a drawing session, the default value for the base radius is always the previously entered base radius value for any solid primitive or helix.
The default value for the top radius is always the value of the base radius.
The base radius and top radius cannot both be set to 0.
List of Prompts
The following prompts are displayed.
Number of turns = 3 (default)
Twist = CCW (default)
Specify center point of base: Specify a point
Specify base radius or [Diameter] <1.0000>: Specify a base radius, enter d to specify the diameter, or press Enter to specify the default base radius value
Specify top radius or [Diameter] <1.0000>: Specify a top radius, enter d to specify the diameter, or press Enter to specify the default top radius value
Specify helix height or [Axis endpoint/Turns/turn Height/tWist] <1.0000>: Specify a helix height, or enter an option
Diameter (Base)
Specifies the diameter of the base of the helix.
Specify diameter <2.0000>: Specify a diameter or press Enter to specify the default value
Initially, the default base diameter is set to 2. During a drawing session, the default value for the base diameter is always the previously entered base diameter value.
Diameter (Top)
Specifies the diameter of the top of the helix.
Specify diameter <2.0000>: Specify a diameter or press Enter to specify the default value
The default value for the top diameter is always the value of the base diameter.
Axis Endpoint
Specifies the endpoint location for the helix axis. The axis endpoint can be located anywhere in 3D space. The axis endpoint defines the length and orientation of the helix.
Specify axis endpoint: Specify a point
Turns
Specifies the number of turns (revolutions) for the helix. The number of turns for a helix cannot exceed 500.
Initially, the default value for the number of turns is three. During a drawing session, the default value for the number of turns is always the previously entered number of turns value.
Enter number of turns: Enter a number
Turn Height
Specifies the height of one complete turn within the helix.
The number of turns in the helix will automatically update accordingly when a turn height value is specified. If the number of turns for the helix has been specified, you cannot enter a value for the turn height.
Specify distance between turns <default>: Enter a number to specify the height for each turn in the helix
Twist
Specifies whether the helix is drawn in the clockwise (CW) or the counterclockwise (CCW) direction. The default value for the helix twist is CCW.
Enter twist direction of helix [CW/CCW] <CCW>: Specify a twist direction for the helix