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How To Adjust Garage Door Torsion Springs

How many turns on a garage door dual spring?

A rule of thumb with springs is that four quarter turns equals a full revolution and the spring needs to be tightened a full revolution for every foot of door height (e.g. 7-1/2 foot door = 7 revolutions +2 (30 quarter turns).

Which way do you turn a garage door spring?

Basically, door springs can either wind to the left or to the right. Right-hand winding springs wind in a clockwise manner with the end wire on the right, while left-hand winding springs go anticlockwise with their end wire on the left.

What is the color code on garage door springs?

Garage Door Extension Spring DASMA Color Code Chart Color Pounds Kilograms Brown 60/160/260 xxx Orange 70/170/270 30/75/120 Gold 80/180/280 35/80/125 Light Blue 90/190/290 40/85/130.

How do I know if my garage door springs need to be adjusted?

More Noise Than Usual. A balanced garage door should be relatively quiet when traveling up or down the door tracks. If your garage door is making excessive creaking, grinding, or squeaking noises when opening or closing, your springs may be strained and most likely need to be replaced.

How many torsion springs should my garage door have?

As a rule of thumb, a single garage door takes one torsion spring. A double-wide garage door takes two springs. However, if you have an exceptionally heavy single door, you may need two torsion springs. It is easy to tell whether you have one or two springs.

What size torsion springs do I need?

Measure the length of ten or twenty coils of the spring that needs to be replaced, using inches.Step 2: Measure the Wire Size. Length of 10 coils (in Inches) Length of 20 Coils (in Inches) Wire Size 1 3/8 2 3/4 .135 1 7/16 2 7/8 .142 1 1/2 3 .148 1 9/16 3 1/8 .156.

How do you adjust a double torsion spring on a garage door?

To adjust torsion spring tension, the door is locked in the down position. With locking pliers clamped on the torsion tube, winding bars are used to wind the springs tighter to increase tension. Tension is reduced by removing turns. When two springs are used, both sides should be adjusted the same.

Do torsion springs work in both directions?

Torsion springs are helical springs that exert a torque or rotary force. Depending on the application, a torsion springs can be designed to work in a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation, thus determining the direction of the wind.

Which way do you wind torsion springs?

For a correct solution, a right-hand wound torsion spring should be mounted on one side, and a left-hand wound one on the other. A torsion spring must always be loaded in the direction of the spring wire so the spring body closes.

How do torsion springs work?

A torsion spring is a spring that works by twisting its end along its axis; that is, a flexible elastic object that stores mechanical energy when it is twisted. When it is twisted, it exerts a torque in the opposite direction, proportional to the amount (angle) it is twisted.

Are torsion springs color coded?

The color code on a torsion spring indicates whether it is a “right wind” or “left wind” spring, with black indicating right wind and red indicating left wind. Beyond that the torsion spring is color coded so that technicians can determine the thickness, or gauge, of the wire.

What happens if you put the wrong spring on a garage door?

When torsion springs are sized incorrectly, they can lead to safety issues. The garage door will not work as it should, and that could lead it to malfunction and potentially endanger users.

How do you adjust the side gap on a garage door?

How to Adjust a Garage Door Gap Check the Stops. The stops on your garage door are rubber seal that runs along the edges of your garage door. Look at the Tracks. Adjust Your Limit Switches. Replace the Seal. Trim the Door to Fit. Add More Concrete to the Floor. Install a Garage Door Threshold.

Do I need 1 or 2 garage door springs?

Doors with extension springs should always have two springs. The pair work together to provide a counterweight to the door. If one of your garage door springs breaks or is in poor condition, replace both springs. In order for the springs to provide a balanced lift, both must provide equal strength and support.

Which is better torsion or extension springs?

Torsion springs tend to be stronger and more durable than extension springs. And though they are more expensive, they last longer, between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles as opposed to 10,000 cycles with extension springs. They also offer greater balance and show more control when moving, not jerking as the door moves.

What is the difference between torsion spring and extension spring?

Extension springs fully expand and contract when operating an overhead door. Torsion springs turn. Torsion springs are sturdier and last longer. Torsion springs do cost more, but generally last between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles, whereas extension springs last up to 10,000 cycles.