How To Measure A Garage Door Spring

If you're experiencing issues with your garage door, it could be due to a faulty spring. To troubleshoot and potentially fix the problem, it's crucial to accurately measure the garage door spring. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you with the process:

1. Determine Spring Type: Before measuring the spring, identify its type. There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs.

2. Measure Torsion Spring: Torsion springs are mounted on a metal shaft above the garage door. Measure the following dimensions:

Wire Diameter: Measure the diameter of the wire used in the spring using a caliper or micrometer.
Spring Length: Measure the distance between the two ends of the spring while it's in its relaxed state.
Drum Diameter: Measure the diameter of the drum on which the spring is wound.
Distance between Spring Ends: Measure the distance between the ends of the spring when it's wound on the drum.

3. Measure Extension Spring: Extension springs are mounted on each side of the garage door and extend when the door opens. Measure the following dimensions:

Wire Diameter: Similar to torsion springs, measure the diameter of the wire used in the spring.
Spring Length: Measure the length of the spring in its relaxed state.
Extension Length: Extend the spring to its maximum length and measure the distance from the original position.

4. Calculate Spring Force: Once you have the spring dimensions, you can calculate the spring force. For torsion springs, use the following formula:

Spring Force = (Wire Diameter^3 * Number of Turns * 12815) / Spring Length

For extension springs, use the following formula:

Spring Force = (Wire Diameter^4 * Number of Coils * 981) / Spring Length

5. Safety Precautions: Garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle. Always take the following precautions:

Wear safety glasses and gloves.
Use a torque wrench or spring compressor to safely remove and install springs.
Follow manufacturer's instructions carefully.

By accurately measuring the garage door spring, you can accurately troubleshoot and potentially resolve issues related to its functionality. If you are not confident or comfortable performing this task, it's highly recommended to consult with a professional garage door repair technician.