Nuclear fuel spacers include a deflection-limited elastic rod contact. Spacers may additionally include a rigid contact without elastic functionality. A degree of deflection may be chosen based on plastic deformation threshold, maximum fuel rod movement, anticipated transverse loads related to fuel assembly, inspection, handling, transportation, operation, accidents, and/or any other operating characteristic. Spacers include deflection-limited elastic contacts and/or rigid contacts in several arrangements within the spacer and/or on a single fuel rod. Spacers are compatible with a simple fabrication method that forms rigid, deflection-limiting, and elastic components from a single substrate. Nuclear fuel spacers are useable with several fuel assembly types.