How Much Tension To Put On Garage Door Springs

Without functioning torsion springs your operator has to accept your garage door s full weight.

How much tension to put on garage door springs.

Side mounted springs are long heavy springs mounted on each side of the upper garage door track. Because they exert a large amount of force your torsion springs are under a huge amount of pressure. If the garage door isn t opening or closing properly then check the tension on the torsion springs for needed adjustments. On standard lift doors the formula is dh dc 1 or the door height in inches divided by the drum circumference in inches plus one.

There are two torsion springs at each side of the garage door. To adjust torsion spring tension the door is locked in the down position. With locking pliers clamped on the torsion tube winding bars are used to wind the springs tighter to increase tension. Tension is reduced by removing turns.

The springs extend along the shaft and work by twisting as the garage door closes by means of cables attached to each side of the lowest garage door panel. This tension makes it easier to lift the garage door from its closed position. Adjustments should be made in 1 4 turn increments. If your garage door weighs 250 pounds your torsion springs need to exert a force of 250 pounds to make the door easy to open and close.

In case of doubts on how many times you need to turn the spring contact a technician for guidance. You can find vertical lift doors normally in commercial and industrial applications such as on loading docks. Garage door springs offset the weight of the door and allow it to open and close with ease. The torsion spring helps the garage door open and close easily.

This completes a total of seven spring turns adequate for a standard garage door. When you count 30 turns you should know that you have completed the remaining five turns. After winding the spring you may need to add or subtract a quarter turn or more. When two springs are used both sides should be adjusted the same.

Raise the door using the handle on the outside. If the door is hard to raise the tension at the hinge springs is too loose and the automatic closer must work too hard to raise the door.