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Basically, you run a tape measure along the length of a spring, and take down the number of inches. Therefore, if your tape measure indicates that a torsion spring is 36 inches from one end to the other, that’s a 36-inch — or three foot — torsion spring.
How do you measure a garage door torsion spring?
In order to measure an unbroken spring, you will need to place a coin between two coils in the middle of the spring. Next, push the coils to the left and measure the length of the left side of the spring. Then push the coils to the right of the coin to measure the spring length to the right of the coin.
How do you measure a small torsion spring?
How to Measure a Torsion Spring Measure the spring wire diameter, preferably to 3 decimal places for accuracy using calipers. Measure the outside diameter of the coils. Measure the leg lengths of the spring. Measure the body length by taking the overall end-to-end length of the coil stack.
Can I use a longer torsion spring on my garage door?
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.
Does garage door torsion spring length matter?
Replacing a too-big or too-small torsion spring with the right size will balance the door and make it safe again. The door will rise with less effort and remain safely in place. The garage door opener may also need to be replaced if it has been damaged by springs that are too big or too small.
How do you size a spring?
How to Measure a Compression Spring Measure the spring wire diameter, preferably to 3 decimal places for accuracy using calipers. Measure the outside diameter of the coils. Measure the length in its free condition (uncompressed). Count the number of coils. Note the winding direction of the coils.
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 many turns do you wind a torsion 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).
How important is garage door spring length?
Possibly the most important step in measuring a garage door spring is to find the length. The length of a spring directly affects the springs winding capacity. For example, if you have a heavy garage door, you’ll need a spring that is large enough to lift the garage door.
What size garage door extension springs do I need?
For extension springs, you’ll need to know the length of the spring, the weight that it’s intended to hold and the outside diameter. It is common that most residential garage doors are either seven or eight feet tall. Seven-foot doors usually use a 25-inch spring, and eight-foot doors use a 27-inch spring.
What do the colors mean on garage door torsion springs?
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.
Why does my garage door have 2 different size torsion springs?
At times the garage door may be designed to take advantage of two different size springs which ensure optimal balance. If the springs aren’t exerting enough tension, then the door is way to heavy to open, and it will slam shut each time.
What happens if garage door spring is too strong?
Strong Springs If your springs are too strong, and if you wind the springs the correct number of turns or adjust the cables and S-hooks correctly, the door will not stay on the floor when closed. It will usually not stay in the middle when opened halfway. However, it will stay up when opened fully.
How much weight can garage door springs lift?
A 1/2 horsepower garage door opener can lift approximately 300 pounds, which is the average weight of a two-car steel door.
Should you Oil garage door springs?
You don’t need to lubricate the tracks, but ensuring they’re clean is essential to your door’s functioning. Springs. Spray down the garage torsion springs that lift your garage door day in and day out. Again, you want to only lubricate them enough that they move better, without a lot of extra lubricant dripping out.
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.
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 1/4 2 1/2 .125 1 3/8 2 3/4 .135 1 7/16 2 7/8 .142 1 1/2 3 .148.
