How To Measure Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are an essential part of the system that opens and closes your garage door. They provide the tension needed to lift the door and keep it in place when it is closed. When a spring breaks, it can cause your door to become inoperable, so it is important to be able to measure your springs so that you can replace them if necessary.

The first step in measuring a garage door spring is to identify the type of spring that you have. There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs.

Torsion springs are mounted on a shaft above the door opening. They are wound up when the door is closed, and they unwind when the door is opened.
Extension springs are mounted on either side of the door opening. They are stretched out when the door is closed, and they contract when the door is opened.

Once you have identified the type of spring that you have, you can measure it. To measure a torsion spring:

Locate the diameter of the wire used to make the coils. This will be listed on the spring's label, but if the label is missing, you can measure it with a caliper.
Count the number of coils in the spring.
Measure the length of the spring from end to end.

To measure an extension spring:

Locate the diameter of the wire used to make the coils. This will be listed on the spring's label, but if the label is missing, you can measure it with a caliper.
Count the number of coils in the spring.
Measure the length of the spring from end to end.
Measure the distance between the two ends of the spring when it is fully extended.

Once you have measured the spring, you can compare it to the specifications for your garage door opener. If the spring is not the correct size, it will need to be replaced. Here are some additional tips for measuring garage door springs:

Be sure to wear safety glasses when working with garage door springs.
Do not attempt to remove a garage door spring unless you are qualified to do so.
If you are not sure how to measure a garage door spring, consult with a qualified professional.