How to Measure Your Garage Door Torsion Springs Correctly

Measuring garage door torsion springs accurately is crucial for finding the right replacement springs for your door. Following this step-by-step guide will help you get precise measurements and ensure you order the correct springs for your garage door system.

What You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Digital calipers (preferred) or wire gauge tool
• Paper and pencil
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

Safety Warning

IMPORTANT: Never attempt to remove or replace torsion springs without proper training and tools. These measurements can be taken while the springs are still installed on your garage door system.

Step 1: Measure the Wire Size

The wire size is the thickness of the spring wire itself.

1. Find a section of the spring where the coils are tightly wound together.
2. Using digital calipers, measure the diameter of the wire.
3. If you don't have calipers, measure 10-20 coils with a tape measure and divide by the number of coils to get a close approximation.
4. Common wire sizes range from 0.192" to 0.283".

Step 2: Measure the Inside Diameter (ID)

The inside diameter is the hollow space within the spring.

1. Measure across the inside of the spring from one inner edge to the other.
2. Standard garage door springs typically have an inside diameter of either 1.75" or 2".

Step 3: Measure the Spring Length

You need to measure the length of the spring when it's not under tension.

1. If your spring is broken, measure it from end to end, including the stationary cones.
2. If your spring is not broken, you'll need to measure the spring while it's installed. Measure from the center of the cable drum to the center of the bearing plate, then subtract 3.75 inches.

Step 4: Determine the Wind Direction

Springs can be wound in two directions: right-hand wound or left-hand wound.

1. Stand at the center of your garage door, facing outward.
2. Look at the spring on the left side:
   • If the spring coils away from you in a counterclockwise direction, it's a right-wind spring.
   • If the spring coils away from you in a clockwise direction, it's a left-wind spring.
3. For the spring on the right side, the opposite is true.

Step 5: Calculate IPPT (Inch Pounds Per Turn)

This is the lifting power of your spring. You can calculate it using this formula:

IPPT = (Door Weight × 0.625 × track radius) ÷ number of springs

Alternatively, you can determine this based on your door's weight:

• Single-car door (8'-9' wide): Usually 150-250 lbs (typically requires one spring)
• Double-car door (16' wide): Usually 250-350 lbs (typically requires two springs)

Putting It All Together

Once you have all these measurements, you'll need:

1. Wire Size
2. Inside Diameter (ID)
3. Spring Length
4. Wind Direction
5. IPPT (if known)

Example: 0.234 × 2.0" ID × 24" length, right-hand wind

Need Help?

Still unsure about your measurements? Our team of experts is here to help! Contact us with your garage door make and model, and we can assist you in finding the perfect replacement springs.