Table of Contents
How to Install a Single Torsion Spring on a Garage Door Before Starting: Safety First. Clamp the Door to the Track. Loosen and Unwind the Functional Garage Door Spring. Disconnect the Springs and Secure the Torsion Tube. Remove the Old Spring and Install the New Spring. Install the New Center Bearing.
Why does my garage door only have one spring?
Torsion Springs: 1 Spring vs 2 Springs Some builders use only one spring when they install garage doors to save money but it may not be the best option for your particular door system. Doors with one spring place more pressure on the single spring than doors with two springs.
Can garage door work with one spring?
Yes. You may be tempted to save money on parts and labor by replacing just one spring, but you’ll likely need to replace both when one spring breaks. Garage doors have two springs, one on either side of the door. The springs exert the force that makes the door light enough to be lifted.
How many springs should a single 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.
Can I add a torsion spring to my garage door?
Benefits Of Adding A Second Garage Door Torsion Spring The main benefit of changing your garage door system from a one spring into a two-spring system is first and foremost SAFETY. You can often buy two 40,000-cycle springs for less than one 60,000-cycle spring, so you get both more use for a lower cost.
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.
How many times do you wind a garage door 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 do I know if my torsion spring is left or right wing?
Look at the end of the spring to determine the wind direction. If the end of the spring points in the clockwise direction it is left-wound and if the end of the spring points in the counter-clockwise direction, it is right-wound.
What causes spring to break on garage door?
The springs on your garage door system are responsible for the heavy lifting. When the garage door is lowered, the springs gain tension. When raising the garage door, tension is released and the spring assists with the lifting. As a result, most garage door springs break when the door is down.
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.
Can I replace garage door spring myself?
So faced with a broken garage door spring, the question is, can you fix it yourself? You absolutely can replace a garage door spring, but the type of springs you have may influence your decision. If you’re uncomfortable with any part of the process, simply leave the job to a garage door professional.
How do you fix a garage torsion spring?
Lock down the door. Clamp the door to the track. Unwind the unbroken spring. Use two winding bars. Secure the torsion tube. Use locking pliers. Remove the old spring. Slide the torsion tube over. Buying replacement parts. Install a new center bearing. Thread the cables. Wind the garage door tension springs.
What is the difference between extension springs and torsion springs?
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.
Can you add a second spring to garage door?
Compared to replacing your broken spring with a single spring, installing two springs does not take much extra work. You will have to slide the second spring on from the opposite side of the shaft, and you will have to wind two springs instead of one.
Can garage door springs be too strong?
When garage door springs are too large, they provide more strength than the door needs. It will open with too much force, rolling up very quickly and compromising its safety. Kids or even unprepared adults could be knocked over by the sudden force when they try to open it.
What do the colors mean on 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.
How does a garage door torsion spring work?
The garage door torsion spring tightens when the door is closed, and unwinds on opening. This winding and unwinding of the torsion spring aids in opening and closing the garage door. When the spring releases its tension as the door is opened, the stored energy in the spring assists with lifting the weight of the door.
