If you don’t have winding bars, you can make your own. Purchase 2 pieces of 18 in (46 cm) long metal bar stock with a 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) diameter. To ensure the bars fit securely into the winding cone holes, file down the ends. Using a screwdriver, pin punch, or plier handles to unwind the bars could result in serious injury, as these tools aren’t designed to hold the spring in place. Avoid standing on a bucket or chair to reach the springs. Use a sturdy ladder to minimize the risk of injury.
Securing the tube is an essential step that will prevent the tube from moving around and potentially injuring you, so be sure to fully lock the tube in place.
If one spring is broken, measure the other one for the most accurate numbers.
Coil sizes range from 0. 0135 to 0. 625 inches (0. 034 to 1. 588 cm). The standard inside diameter of a torsion spring is 2 inches (5. 1 cm). Many torsion springs are 24 inches (61 cm) long. If you suspect the coils are the wrong size, which could be contributing to the issues you’re having with the garage door, use the size and weight of the door to calculate the correct size from a spring weight manual.
It’s best to purchase double-life springs, which are stronger and last longer than standard springs. It’s worth the extra $50-$60. Ask the supplier for a recommendation on how many times to turn the springs to apply the right amount of tension when reinstalling them.
For instance, if you spot a frayed cable, replace it now to avoid taking the door apart again later.
For the door to operate properly, you need the same amount of tension on both sides, so take care to tighten each side evenly.
Generally, you’ll need 30 quarter-turns for a 7 ft (2. 1 m) tall door and 36 quarter-turns for an 8 ft (2. 4 m) tall door. Winding the spring too tight could cause it to break and injure you, so be sure to follow the supplier’s recommendation and don’t over-wind the spring.
