How to Measure Torsion Springs
WARNING: Torsion springs, extension springs, and other garage door hardware can cause serious injury or death if not handled and installed properly. Professional installation is recommended.
Do NOT attempt to install springs or hardware yourself unless you have the proper tools, reasonable mechanical aptitude and experience, and upper arm strength. Read and understand all instructions before you begin work.
Extension and torsion springs, along with attached hardware, are under extreme tension at all times. All tension must be released from springs before any work is performed.
A Closer Look.
Step 1 Determine Wire Size
The most efficient way to measure the wire size is to measure 10 coils and then measure 20 coils and compare the measurements to the chart below. Measure to the nearest 1/16" of an inch. It is important to make sure there are no gaps between the coils. Measuring coils that have gaps will give incorrect measurements.
Step 2 Determine Springs ID (Inside Diameter)
For your broken spring(s) measure the inside diameter of the spring. If the spring is in one piece you can find the diameter on the cones, p175=1 3/4" and p200=2". Typically residential springs will have a 1 3/4" or 2" inside diameter.
Step 3 Determine Spring Length
When measuring your torsion spring, remember that in order to get a proper measurement the spring must be un-wound. If the spring is in two parts, unscrew set screws and connect spring ends together to get a total measurement. Do not include the cones in the measurement.
Step 4 Determine Spring Wind
Most standard residential torsion systems have two torsion springs, one on the right and left. The Left spring is right hand wound(RHW), and the right spring is left hand wound(LHW). If one spring is broken on your torsion system, we highly recommend replacing both springs.
