When deciding on the right spring for your garage door, it is important to first consider what type of door you have. If you have a standard torsion spring system, you should measure the length, thickness, and inside diameter of the garage door springs.
There are also model and serial numbers for specific springs, and measuring your existing springs can help you find an exact match.
If you have an extension spring system, you need to measure the diameter and length of the springs, and take careful note of the cable drum sizes, tension, and safety cables included.
It is also important to consider the type of application. Different springs require different amounts of force to open and close different door types (one-piece, sectional, and high lift doors). Additionally, factors like climate, door weight, number of open/close cycles, frequency of use, and age of the door should also be taken into account when choosing a spring.
Finally, compare all your measurements to the manufacturer’s specs to ensure the spring you get matches your specific application. A reputable garage door installer or dealer can also provide invaluable assistance in helping you find the right spring for your door.
What are the different types of garage door torsion springs?
There are two main types of garage door torsion springs: standard torsion springs and EZ-Set torsion springs. Standard torsion springs are typically located along the wall above the garage door and hold the majority of the door’s weight.
They do not require additional parts and are traditionally sized to fit the height and width of a single panel door. EZ-Set torsion springs are typically located on the header wall above the garage door and provide support for a counterbalance system inside the garage door.
These springs are slightly more complicated and require additional parts such as hubs, center bearings and end bearing plates to be installed correctly. Both types of torsion springs provide enough lift to open and close a single garage door.
Are all garage door torsion springs the same?
No, not all garage door torsion springs are the same. Different types of torsion springs are used for various garage door sizes and weights, and the size of the spring required depends on the type of garage door you have.
There are also left-wound and right-wound torsion springs, and the direction of your door’s torsion spring will determine whether you have a left-wound or right-wound spring. Additionally, many torsion springs come with different levels of tension, which is important for the door’s performance and safely installing and operating your garage door properly.
In some cases, it may also be necessary to use two different size springs. It’s important that you identify and confirm the type of torsion spring you are purchasing before making a purchase, as the correct spring size and tension is essential to properly functioning and safe garage door operation.
Can I use a bigger torsion spring on my garage door?
Yes, you can use a bigger torsion spring on your garage door. However, you should exercise caution before making any changes to the size or tension of your door’s torsion spring. To ensure your safety, and the correct tension, it’s best to contact a professional garage door technician who can check the specifications of your current torsion spring, inform you on any dangers, and help you determine the correct size and tension for the bigger torsion spring installation.
Garage door torsion springs are a dangerous component, as they are responsible for a large part of the lifting and counterbalance functions of the door. Any slight miscalculation or overloading of the bigger torsion spring could result in serious physical injury or structural damage to your property.
It’s also important to know that using a bigger torsion spring could affect the longevity and effectiveness of your garage door motor, as well as its other components. As the bigger torsion spring puts more strain on the motor to open and close the heavier door, it could quickly break or become damaged and need a costly replacement.
For all these reasons, it’s always best to consult with a professional garage door technician before making any changes to the size or tension of your torsion spring.
What tension spring do I need for my garage door?
When selecting a tension spring for your garage door, there are several factors to consider. The size and weight of your garage door will determine the type and size of spring you need. Different models and brands may require different spring sizes and types.
Measure the garage door width, track radius, and door weight to determine the correct spring size and type.
Also take into account the number of springs required to open and close the door. If your garage door is over 8 feet wide, the door will require two springs. If your door is under 8 feet wide, then one spring is needed.
Additionally, check the tension and balance of the springs when replacing a spring or after any significant alteration of the garage door system.
Lastly, always make sure to use the right grade of springs for your application. Be sure to consult with a professional or the manufacturer when selecting the right model and grade of spring. Otherwise, improper tension could cause damage or worse, injury.
Properly installing your garage door tension spring is critical to the performance and longevity of your garage door.
Why does my garage door have two different size torsion springs?
Garage door torsion springs are important and serve an essential purpose in opening and closing the door. The two different sizes of springs in a typical residential garage door system holds and releases the energy needed to open and close the door.
The size of the springs is determined by the weight of the garage door and type of garage door system. Larger and heavier doors require heavier and stronger springs, so two (or more) differently sized springs are necessary in order to safely operate and provide enough power to lift and lower the door.
The shape of the spring also changes from size to size, typically, the larger the garage door, the wider the spring must be to ensure proper strength and tension. All of these components work together to make sure the door can be opened and closed easily and safely.
How do you tell a left torsion spring from a right?
The easiest way to tell a left torsion spring from a right torsion spring is by determining which direction the springs wind. A left torsion spring winds in an anti-clockwise position while a right torsion spring winds in a clockwise position when viewing the spring from the end.
Additionally, you may be able to tell left and right torsion springs apart based on their orientation. A left torsion spring is designed to be wound in a counterclockwise direction when facing the direction of the load, while a right torsion spring is designed to be wound in a clockwise direction when facing the direction of the load.
Generally, a left torsion spring will have a concave end and a convex end, while a right torsion spring will have a convex end and a concave end.
What do the numbers on a torsion spring mean?
The numbers on a torsion spring generally refer to the physical properties of the spring itself, such as the material type, wire diameter, outer diameter, body length, total coils, and rate. The material type will tell you what the spring is made of and can range from stainless steel to music wire.
The wire diameter is the diameter of the wire used to make the spring and can range from 0.006” to 0.312” typically. The outer diameter is the outside diameter of the spring when it is compressed or extended.
The body length is the length of the spring in its relaxed state, before it is extended or compressed. The total coils are the number of turns or coils in the spring when in its relaxed state and can range from 3-32.
Finally, the rate of the spring is the force or torque required to compress the spring a certain percentage of its length, also known as the spring constant. Understanding the information represented by the numbers on a torsion spring can be key to selecting the correct type of spring for your application.
How do I know what garage door spring I need?
If you are unsure of what type of garage door spring you need, the best way to determine the type you need is to start by understanding the basics of garage door springs. In most cases, there are two main types of springs: torsion springs and extension springs.
Torsion springs are usually located above the opening of the garage door, while extension springs are located on the sides.
To further narrow down what type of springs your garage door has, it can be helpful to examine the type of track that the door slides along. Springs usually attach to the track via a winding cone. Torsion springs have a metal tube that forms a cone as the springs are wound onto it.
Extension springs have hooks at one end that attach to the track. The other end of the spring is usually attached to a cable or other pull device. So if you see metal cones located above the door, it is probably a torsion spring system.
If you see hooks near the sides of the garage door, it is likely an extension spring system.
Once you have identified the type of spring system, you will then need to measure the length and diameter of the spring. Measure the overall length of the spring from the far end of the wire on one end to the other.
For torsion springs, you should also measure the inside diameter of the spring. This can be done by measuring the inside diameter of the metal tube that forms the spring’s cone. For extension springs, measure the length of the spring’s wire, as well as its diameter.
Once you have measured the size of your springs, you can then order a suitable replacement. Be sure to get exact measurements and order the same type of spring that you have in order to ensure the garage door works properly.
What type of spring is a garage door spring?
Most garage door springs are either torsion springs or extension springs. Torsion springs are mounted above the door and typically have greater lifting power and require more maintenance than extension springs.
Torsion springs are wound up and mounted on a steel shaft above the garage door. They are the most common springs found in residential garages, used to help lift the heavier garage doors. Extension springs are mounted on both sides of the door track, stretching as the door closes and providing balance and support to the door.
Extension springs are generally easier to install and don’t require as much maintenance.
Are torsion springs better than extension springs?
It depends on your specific application. Generally speaking, torsion springs are often better suited than extension springs for applications where there is limited space available to install a spring.
Torsion springs are typically wound in a circular shape, allowing them to be coiled in smaller spaces than an extension spring would require.
Additionally, torsion springs can be used to store more energy than extension springs due to the lesser number of coils and larger wire diameter used in their construction. This makes torsion springs ideal for applications where higher force output is needed, such as in certain types of door hinges, locks and automated doors.
However, extension springs can sometimes provide a simpler option with less variation in tension as the number of deflects increases. Extension springs can also be adjusted fairly easily with appropriate fixtures.
Therefore, it really comes down to the specific application and needs of the project to determine which spring is the better option.
How much does it cost to replace garage door springs?
The cost to replace garage door springs varies depending on the type and size of springs needed, as well as the type, make and model of the door. The most common types of springs are torsion and extension, and are typically priced between $99 and $200 for a single spring and $200 to $400 for a pair.
In some cases, more specialized springs may be needed and these can range from $400 to $1,000 or more. Additionally, there may also be additional labor and/or hardware costs to be considered. It is recommended to consult a garage door professional to ensure you get the right size and type of springs and the best price.
Can I replace just one garage door spring?
No, you should never attempt to replace a single garage door spring. The two springs are manufactured and balanced to support the weight of your door, and the springs are a crucial part of the lifting system.
If one spring is replaced and not the other, the imbalance creates dangerous tension and puts extra wear on the motor, cable and other parts of the system. Besides that, installing a single spring is physically impossible.
Due to the force created by the torsion spring, it’s only possible to replace the springs when both are removed from the bar. If you try to replace only one spring, it’s likely that you’ll end up with a bigger repair bill than you would have had if you had replaced both springs.
So the best option is to always replace both springs with the same make and model.
How do I know if my torsion spring is left or right wing?
You can determine whether your torsion spring is left or right wing by looking at the angle of the coils. Right wing springs will have coils that angle to the right, and left wing coils will angle to the left.
It’s important to note that the direction of the angle is determined when looking down at the spring from the side, not from the top. Additionally, if you have an existing torsion spring in place, you can count the number of coils that make up the spring.
A right wing spring will typically have an odd number of coils, while a left wing spring will have an even number.
How is torsion measured?
Torsion is typically measured in units of torque, which is the rotational equivalent of force. The SI unit for torque is the newton meter (Nm). Torsion is also commonly measured in terms of the angle of the twist, typically in degrees or radians.
To measure this angle of twist, a torsional pendulum is often used. This pendulum is composed of a free rotating shaft that is attached to a rigid base. When a torque is applied to the rotor, the axis of rotation of the rotor twists.
This twist is then converted into a measurable angle using a pointer connected to the shaft. This pointer can then be read on a scale connected to the rigid base, providing a measure of the torsion applied to the rotator.