Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs come in two types: torsion springs and extension springs. Both types of springs counterbalance the weight of the garage door.
Torsion springs are mounted on a bar or shaft directly above the garage door. These springs wind and unwind as the door closes and opens.
Extension springs are mounted above the horizontal tracks. These springs stretch and contract as the garage door closes and opens.
Torsion Springs
- » Introduction to Torsion Springs
- » Residential Torsion Spring Prices
- » Commercial & Industrial Torsion Spring Prices
- » Torsion Spring FAQs
- » Ordering Information
- » Replace Garage Door Torsion Springs
- » Torsion Spring Tutorials
- » Richard Kinch's Page
Learn more about torsion springs:
Purchase torsion springs:
Learn how to replace your torsion springs:
Extension Springs
- » Introduction to Extension Springs
- » Residential Extension Spring Prices
- » Commercial & Industrial Extension Spring Prices
- » Ordering Information
- » Replace Garage Door Extension Springs
Learn more about extension springs:
Purchase extension springs:
Learn how to replace your extension springs:
Torsion Springs
Introduction to Garage Door Torsion Springs
CAUTION! Replacing torsion springs is dangerous because the springs are under tension. If you do not use the right tools and follow safe procedures, you could lose fingers, limbs or even your life. You could also damage property. We want your business, but not at the expense of your well being. Doing the job right is your responsibility. If you have any doubts about your ability to perform the work safely, we recommend you hire a professionalto repair your garage door.
Torsion springs have four primary characteristics: 1. Length, 2. Inside diameter 3. Wire size, and 4. Wind.
These dimensions determine the torque, or lift - how much weight the spring will lift, and cycle life - how many times the garage door will open and close before the spring breaks.
Lift. The lift shown for each torsion spring is the amount of door weight each spring will lift. For example, a garage door that weighs 180 pounds will usually use two springs that have 90 pounds of lift each.
Lifts are given for doors with cable drums such as WD-4X or 400-8. These are 4" in diameter with a 13" outside circumference on the main flat portion of the drums where the cables ride.
If your drums are not 13" around the flat portion, or if your garage door is an unusual height, get the circumference and the manufacturer's number off the drums, and we will help you find the springs you need.
Cycle Life. In "Find My Spring" you will find cycle life ratings for 6'6", 7', 7'6" and 8' high garage doors. Notice that the cycle life rating varies for 12" and 15" radius tracks. This is because grage doors with 15" radius tracks open 3" higher, requiring an extra quarter turn on the springs, which, in turn, increases the torque and lift.
Torsion springs are designed to be wound whenthe door is closed, and unwound, except for about o ne turn, when the garage door is open.
Torsion Spring Hardware. In one end of the spring is the stationary cone, which is usually attached to a spring anchor bracket. In the other end is the winding cone, which is wound with winding bars. This cone is secured to a hollow shaft, usually 1" in diameter. Many garage door springs are color-coded, but there is no real consistency among manufacturers and distributors. Winding cones are often painted to designate wind - red for right wind and black for left wind.
Secured to each end of the shaft is a cable drum, and hooked into the cable drum is the top end of the cable.
This cable runs from the cable drum to the bottom fixture on the bottom of the garage door.
Garage doors rise from the vertical tracks up into the horizontal tracks. As the door rises the torsion springs unwind and the weight of the door is transferred to the horizontal tracks. When the garage door is fully open only about one turn remains on the springs.
Every garage door has horizontal tracks that are curved where they meet the vcertical tracks. This curve follows either a 12" radius or a 15" radius. Garage doors work more smoothly with 15" radius tracks, but 12" radius tracks were designed to allow doors to fit into lower openings. As a result a 7-foot high door opens the full 7' with 15" tracks but only 6'9" with 12" tracks. In addition, torsion springs on garage doors with 15" radius tracks are wound 1/4 turn more than springs on doors with 12" tracks. This is because the springs are wound an extra 1/4 turn to lift the garage door 3" higher. This extra spring tension usually results in an extra four pounds of lift for every 100 pounds of lift.
The choice of springs used on a garage door is based on the door weight and height, the cycle requirements, the track radius, and the cable drums. With the proper torsion springs and proper tension a garage door is said to balance - the door opens and closes easily; it stays down, half way or open when operated manually.
Find My Spring Database&trade and Price Lists
This database includes prices, lifts and cycles for garage door torsion springs with 1 3/4", 2" and 2 1/4" inside diameters. Raynor springs often measure to be 2 1/8" or 2 3/16" but you will need to order them as 2 1/4". Click here for Ideal and Clopay EZ-Set torsion springs that wind with a drill. For springs with other inside diameters please visit our commercial torsion spring page.
There are three ways to search the more than 6,000 residential garage door torsion springs in our database.
1. If you know your spring dimensions, enter the information using the pull-down menus below. Enter the length of your torsion springs to the nearest quarter inch in decimal equivalents, e.g., 27, 27.25, 27.5, 27.75, or 28, and then click "Go!"
2. If you know the weight of your garage door, search the database by selecting the appropriate lift for each torsion spring based on door height and spring inside diameter. Do not rely on door weight calculators for calculating garage door weight.
3. If you would like to browse the database by wire size, select the appropriate door height and inside diameter.
If you can't find your spring in the database it is probably because it is overstressed for your door height. Many manufacturers and installing garage door companies are cutting corners and installing garage door springs with cycle lives that fall below the 10,000-cycle industry standard.
You may be able to find your overstressed spring by searching for it in the 6'6" door height list. If you can't find it there contact us. We will find their torque ratings and recommend suitable higher cycle replacements. We may also ask questions about your garage door to make sure your measurements are correct. We will sell springs rated below the 10,000-cycle minimum, but we will not accept returns on any of these springs.
List Torsion Springs by Lift
| 6' 6" Door | 7' Door | 7' 6" Door | 8' Door |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 3/4" ID 2" ID 2 1/4" ID |
1 3/4" ID 2" ID 2 1/4" ID |
1 3/4" ID 2" ID 2 1/4" ID |
1 3/4" ID 2" ID 2 1/4" ID |
List Torsion Springs by Wire Size
| 6' 6" Door | 7' Door | 7' 6" Door | 8' Door |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 3/4" ID 2" ID 2 1/4" ID |
1 3/4" ID 2" ID 2 1/4" ID |
1 3/4" ID 2" ID 2 1/4" ID |
1 3/4" ID 2" ID 2 1/4" ID |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which spring should I buy for my garage door?
Should I buy the same springs that were on my garage door before?
Should I buy longer life torsion springs?
What is the difference between right and left wind springs?
Should I convert from one torsion spring to two springs?
Should I replace both torsion springs on my double car garage door?
Do torsion springs come with or without cones?
What do I need to buy with my garage door springs?
What do I need to know about shipping and returns?
How do I convert from old Crawford garage door hardware?
How do I modify my garage door so it rises closer to the ceiling?
How do I weigh my garage door?
How do I measure my garage door springs?
How do I determine the track radius?
How do I replace my garage door torsion springs?
Answers You May Need Before you Order
Which springs should I order?
Many people buy the same springs that are already on their garage door. Click here to find out whether you should purchase the same spring you already had.
If you want to get different springs, click here to determine which spring you should get.
If you know which spring you want to purchase, find your spring price, then place an order with DDM Garage Doors.
More FAQs
Should I buy the same spring that was on my garage door before?
1. Did your garage door springs work before?
If you ran your door manually before it was broken, was it easy to open and close? If so, it was balanced and your old springs were the correct type. In this case, it should not be necessary to weigh the door unless you want to confirm that you have the correct springs. On the other hand, if the door felt heavy, it may be that the springs were not strong enough.
2. Is the torsion spring lift correct for the weight of the garage door? Compare the door weight with the existing spring lift.
1. Weigh the garage door.
2. Measure your current garage door torsion spring. Click here to find more information about inside diameter, wire size, length, and lift.
3. Determine the track radius
4. Locate your spring in the Database. Note: Database is only for standard 4" cable drums. Find the column for the lift within your track radius.
5. Compare the lift with the weight of your door. If it is within 10 pounds for the total weight of both springs, the current springs should balance your door when wound correctly. You may purchase the same springs you currently have. If your springs do not appear in the database, they may be overstressed. Call us for a recommended replacement spring in this case.
3. Is the cycle life right for the needs of your door? Compare the cycle life of the existing spring with the frequency of door usage, condition of the door, and how long you plan to remain at that location.
1. Measure your current garage door torsion spring. Click here to find more information about inside diameter, wire size, length, and cycle life.
2. Determine the track radius
3. Locate your spring in the Database. Note: Database is only for standard 4" cable drums. Find the column for the number of cycles within the correct track radius.
4. Make an informed decision. The industry minimum standard for garage door torsion springs is 10,000 cycles. If you want more cycles than your current spring, you can look in the compatible replacement list. Higher cycle springs last longer.
If your garage door springs have lasted less than five years, or if you plan to live where you are for many years, you may want to try the extra long life torsion springs. By using larger springs you can, in most cases, quadruple your spring life while only doubling the cost of the springs. You will also avoid extra work down the road. The industry standard is 10-15,000 cycles for new doors. By increasing the spring wire several sizes you can increase your spring life to over 100,000 cycles with the extra long life garage door springs.
For springs weighing over 20 pounds each we recommend adding extra shaft support brackets, pictured below to the left of the torsion spring. These sell for $6.00 each plus shipping.
The largest wire used on standard 1 ¾" and 2" plugs is .295. High cycle springs for heavier doors weighing over 300 pounds may need larger inside diameters, plugs and additional spring and support brackets. Please call for quotes if needed.
If you have decided to purchase your current spring, see Ordering Information.
More FAQs
What should I do if I want to buy a different spring than my current spring, or I am not sure what my current spring is?
If you wish, you may find your own suitable replacement spring.
1. Weigh the garage door.
2. Go to the Find My Spring Database&trade. List the torsion springs by lift, and find the springs whose lifts match the weight of your door. If you have a double car door, make sure to divide the weight of the door in half to find the lift of one of the springs.
Have us help you find a suitable replacement spring.
1. E-mail us the following information:
Provide the manufacturer and model number of the door. Look for this information on the ends of the sections. It is usually easier to find by opening the door. Sometimes it can be found on the face of the sections, or on the tracks, lock, struts, or hinges.
Provide also the door width, height and track radius. Measure the width and height of your door. Most garage doors are 8', 9' or 16' wide and 7' high. Many are 8' high, and many others are 6'6" or 7'6" high, and anywhere in between. Most doors are either wood or steel. If you're not sure, use a magnet. Knowing the size and type of door you have will help us catch obvious errors in original installation, or in your weighing of the door or measuring of the springs.
2. E-mail us pictures. We will measure the springs for you. A high quality picture like the one below should suffice. Let us know if the unbroken spring is wound or unwound. Pictures of the tracks, door and anything with writing on it would also help us identify the model and confirm that your door has the correct torsion springs.
More FAQs
Long Life Torsion Springs
If your garage door springs have lasted less than five years, or if you plan to live where you are for many years, you may want to try the extra long life torsion springs. By using larger springs you can, in most cases, quadruple your spring life while only doubling the cost of the springs. You will also avoid extra work down the road. The industry standard is 10-15,000 cycles for new doors. By increasing the spring wire several sizes you can increase your spring life to over 100,000 cycles with the extra long life garage door springs.
For springs weighing over 20 pounds each we recommend adding extra shaft support brackets, pictured below to the left of the torsion spring. These sell for $6.00 each plus shipping.
The largest wire used on standard 1 ¾" and 2" plugs is .295. High cycle springs for heavier doors weighing over 300 pounds may need larger inside diameters, plugs and additional spring and support brackets. Please call for quotes if needed.
More FAQs
What is the difference between right and left wind springs?
More FAQs
One garage door spring or two?
If your door has only one spring which is made of .250 wire or larger, it may be advisable to substitute one larger spring with two smaller springs. The cost usually runs $5-10 more, but it may prevent serious problems in the future with cables breaking or peeling off the drums, and steel sections getting damaged.
The following should help you understand the problem and determine if it would be better to convert from one to two garage door springs.
More FAQs
Should I replace both springs on my double car garage door?
We normally recommend replacing both torsion springs because they normally wear at the same rate, and they usually break within six months of each other. They wear out like car tires, only you can't tell from looking at them when they are ready to break. Garage door springs break because every time the door opens and closes, the spring wire bends a little. You may have broken a paper clip or a piece of wire before by bending it back and forth. This is what happens to torsion springs. If the spring that is not broken has been replaced in the previous year or two, we do not recommend replacing it. If the other spring looks like it has been replaced, but no one knows, I usually ask the customer to decide. Newer springs usually look black. Older springs have an orange tint from rust.
More FAQs
Should I replace both cables?
Unlike springs, cables do not normally wear at the same rate. Some cables rust at the bottom from exposure to salt only on one side of the door. Many cables fray because of a rough spot on only one of the cable drums. I never recommend replacing both cables unless I see a problem with the other cable.
More FAQs
Do torsion springs come with or without cones?
The prices for torsion springs include cones on each end. To determine the price without cones installed click the "calculate" link in the far right column. For instructions for replacing cones go to our tutorial page.
More FAQs
What do I need to buy with my garage door springs?
Winding Bars. A pair of 1/2" X 18" winding bars costs $8.00 plus $9.00 for shipping and handling. These are often shipped separately from the torsion springs if the springs are shipped from one of our suppliers. Or, if you prefer, most hardware stores and home centers have 1/2" X 36" steel rods for about $6.00 that you can cut in half to use. Some of the older winding cones use 7/16" bars. Check the holes on your existing cones to verify that they are the standard half-inch.
Cables. A pair of 1/8" 7X19 cables 8'6" long for 7'- high doors sells for $8.31 plus shipping. A pair of 1/8" 7X19 cables 9'6" long for 8'- high doors sells for $8.70 plus shipping. We don't recommend replacing the cables unless they are broken, frayed, rusty or gnarled.
Additional Parts. To find other parts for your residential garage door please browse our commercial parts catalog.
If you are ready to buy your springs and other parts, see Ordering Information
More FAQs
What do I need to know about shipping and returns?
Shipping. Garage door springs are shipped from several suppliers around the country to minimize shipping time and cost. Torsion springs ordered by 9:30 AM CST are normally shipped same day from any of six suppliers around the country, and springs ordered by 4 PM CT are normally shipped the same day from West Chicago. Shipping and handling costs to date usually have run $12-17 for one spring and $15-23 for two standard springs. Single springs 26" or shorter are shipped anywhere in the 48 states for $9.85. Shipping may be more for longer life torsion springs and for wooden garage door springs depending on your location.
Returns. The more common sizes of torsion springs may be returned if you pay the shipping to return the spring to West Chicago. We will then either credit your invoice or send different springs and charge or credit you for the difference. Before ordering, it is advisable to ask if your spring is a standard size.
If you are ready to buy garage door springs, see Ordering Information.
More FAQs
Answers for your How-To Questions
Spring and Drum Conversions
If you have an older Crawford or BarCol garage door with larger cable drums, you may want to standardize your hardware. The extra parts run an extra $40-50 with shipping and handling, not including the cost of a one inch shaft you may need to replace if you have an older BarCol 1 1/16" shaft.
For detailed instructions on converting EZ-Set and Crawford torsion springs, see our torsion spring tutorials.
More FAQs
Custom High Lift Conversions
If you are thinking of modifying your garage door so it rises closer to the ceiling, contact us for pricing for the necessary tracks, hardware, drums, cables, and springs. We also have instructions to help with your project.
More FAQs
How to Determine the Track Radius
There are three ways to do this. One is use a level to measure from the junction of the vertical and horizontal tracks to the bottom of the straight portion of the horizontal track as pictured below.
A second way is to measure from the floor to the bottom of the straight portion of the horizontal track. On 7-foot high garage doors the measurement will be about 7'4" for a 12" radius track or 7'7" for a 15" radius track. On 8-foot high garage doors the measurement will be 8'4" for a 12" radius track and 8'7" for a 15" radius track. Floor variations or unlevel horizontal tracks may vary these dimensions an inch or more.
The third way to determine your track radius is to visually check your tracks against the picture at the end of the introduction above. On 15" radius tracks the horizontal track angle connects to the top of the vertical flag bracket angle. On 12" radius tracks the horizontal angle connects to the vertical flag bracket 3" below the top of the flag bracket.
The more information you gather, the more likely you are to choose the correct torsion springs, and the better we can help you get the springs you need.
More FAQs
