Torsion Spring Selection Made Easier

Most residential garage doors use torsion coil trampoline springs to operate. When you buy a new door or have the hardware of the existing one replaced, you will have to choose the best spring for the job. This is not a difficult task as long as you know what options are available to you and how to recognize quality.

Make, Design, Performance and Durability

There are two make options to select from. The galvanized garage door springs are the most widely used. Via the galvanization process, the steel receives zinc coating which makes it better protected from rust and corrosion. The oil tempered springs are made from steel as well, but are coated with oil instead of having a galvanized surface. They are typically recommended for heavier doors which are used more frequently. The oil helps to reduce the friction and to protect the hardware from the higher rate of wear and tear associated with the more extensive use.

The traditional design involves a single spring mounted over the center of the shaft, which is set horizontally above the overhead door. Over the years, manufacturers have developed other designs for making installation quicker and operation safer. The second most common design involves a system with two springs which are set at the two edges of the shaft. Another option is to have a single torsion spring set inside the shaft rather than over it. In this case, a specially designed shaft is used.

These springs work to counterbalance the weight of the door by applying torque. This is done through a system of garage door cables and drums. Each spring has predetermined torque. It depends on its diameter and length and on the size of the steel wire which it is made from. The torque indicates how much weight the component can lift. The lift is the most important measure for selecting a spring. It must correspond to the weight of the door.

The cycle life is the measure for the expected useful life of the component. It shows how many cycles the overhead door spring can perform before it gets broken. The higher the number is the better. Just keep in mind that the useful life of the hardware will also depend on the quality of the maintenance provided.