How to tell what garage door spring i need?

Welcome to the MM Garage Door Repair Utah blog! As your local garage door experts, we often get asked questions about garage door springs. One of the most common inquiries is, “How do I tell what garage door spring I need?” Choosing the correct spring is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of your garage door. Using the wrong spring can lead to premature wear and tear, or worse, a dangerous malfunction. This blog post will guide you through the process of identifying the correct garage door spring for your needs. Remember, working with garage door springs can be dangerous, so if you’re uncomfortable with any of these steps, please don’t hesitate to call us at 801-418-9217 for professional assistance.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Before we dive into identifying the right spring, let’s briefly cover the types of garage door springs. There are primarily two types: torsion springs and extension springs.

Torsion Springs: These springs are mounted above the garage door opening and twist to provide the lifting force. They are generally considered safer and more durable than extension springs.

Extension Springs: These springs are located on either side of the garage door, running along the horizontal tracks. They extend and contract to lift and lower the door.

Identifying which type of spring you have is the first step in determining the correct replacement.

Safety First

WARNING: Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or even death if handled improperly. If you are not comfortable working with springs, please contact a professional garage door technician. MM Garage Door Repair Utah is available at 801-418-9217 to assist you.

Before you begin, disconnect the garage door opener from the power source. This will prevent accidental operation of the door while you are working on the springs.

Identifying Torsion Spring Size

If you have torsion springs, here’s how to determine the correct size:

Step 1: Measure the Spring

You’ll need to measure four key dimensions:

• Wire Size: This is the diameter of the spring wire. Use two wrenches to measure 10-20 coils. Then measure the length of those coils. Divide the length by the number of coils measured. This gives you the wire size. Alternatively, you can use a wire gauge tool, which is a more precise method.
• Inside Diameter: Measure the inside diameter of the spring. This is the distance across the inside of the spring coil.
• Spring Length: Measure the overall length of the spring.
• Wind Direction: Determine the wind direction of the spring. Look at the end of the spring. If the coils wind upward to the right, it’s a right-wound spring. If they wind upward to the left, it’s a left-wound spring. Torsion springs are always installed in pairs, one left-wound and one right-wound.

Step 2: Record the Measurements

Write down all the measurements you’ve taken. This information will be crucial when ordering your replacement springs.

Step 3: Use a Spring Chart or Online Calculator

Many online resources and spring charts are available to help you determine the correct spring based on your measurements. These tools can help you find the appropriate spring rate and load capacity.

Identifying Extension Spring Size

If you have extension springs, follow these steps to determine the correct size:

Step 1: Measure the Spring

You’ll need to measure three key dimensions:

• Wire Size: Similar to torsion springs, measure the diameter of the spring wire. You can use the same method of measuring 10-20 coils and dividing the length by the number of coils.
• Inside Diameter: Measure the inside diameter of the spring.
• Spring Length: Measure the overall length of the spring when it is relaxed (not stretched).

Step 2: Determine the Spring’s Pull Weight

Extension springs are rated by their pull weight, which is the amount of force they exert when stretched. This can be difficult to determine directly. A good starting point is to weigh your garage door. The combined pull weight of your two extension springs should roughly equal half the weight of your garage door.

Step 3: Color Coding

Extension springs are often color-coded to indicate their pull weight. Here’s a general guide, though it’s not always consistent across all manufacturers:

• Orange: 30 lbs
• Gold: 40 lbs
• Light Blue: 50 lbs
• Red: 60 lbs
• Green: 70 lbs
• White: 80 lbs
• Brown: 90 lbs
• Tan: 100 lbs
• Yellow: 110 lbs
• Blue: 120 lbs
• Orange: 130 lbs
• Gold: 140 lbs

Important Note: Always replace extension springs in pairs, even if only one spring is broken. This ensures balanced operation and prevents premature wear on the new spring.

Final Solution

After gathering all the necessary measurements and information, you can now purchase the correct garage door spring. Make sure to buy from a reputable supplier to ensure you’re getting a high-quality spring that will last. When installing the new spring, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you are unsure about any step of the process, please contact a professional.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a slightly different size spring?

A: It’s generally not recommended. Using a spring that is too weak or too strong can cause problems with the door’s balance and operation, potentially leading to damage or injury.

Q: How long do garage door springs last?

A: The lifespan of a garage door spring depends on several factors, including the quality of the spring, the frequency of use, and the maintenance performed. On average, torsion springs last for 15,000 to 20,000 cycles, while extension springs may last for 5,000 to 10,000 cycles.

Q: Should I lubricate my garage door springs?

A: Yes, lubricating your garage door springs can help extend their lifespan and reduce noise. Use a silicone-based lubricant and apply it to the coils of the spring.

Conclusion

Identifying the correct garage door spring is essential for the safe and efficient operation of your garage door. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can gather the necessary information to purchase the right replacement spring. However, remember that working with garage door springs can be dangerous. If you’re not comfortable with any of these steps, or if you’re unsure about the correct spring to choose, please don’t hesitate to contact the experts at MM Garage Door Repair Utah. We’re here to help you with all your garage door needs.

Ready to get your garage door working smoothly and safely again? Don’t risk injury or further damage. Call MM Garage Door Repair Utah today at 801-418-9217 for a free consultation and expert spring replacement. Or, visit our website at mmgaragedoorrepair.com to schedule an appointment online. Let us take the tension out of your garage door repair!