Torsion Springs FAQs

Common Garage Door Torsion Springs Questions:

Do I need 1 or 2 Garage Door Torsion Spring?

This question really depends on the type of door. Any door with an interior diameter (ID) of 1-3/4″ with .250 wire or larger, or 2″ ID with .2625 wire or over, should probably convert to two garage door torsion springs. The reason a larger wired system with a single spring should convert to two springs is quite simple, the potential cost different during installation is marginal, and the potential damage and costs down the road are big. These garage door systems tend to get cable breaking, and drums and steel section damaged, all of which are substantially more than converting to a 2 torsion spring garage door system.

I have two Torsion Springs, can I replace just one?

Although it is possible to replace just one, if both springs are the same it is strongly advised to replace both each time one is replaced. The reason behind it is quite simple, assuming that both springs were installed at the same initial date, they should have the same approximate life cycle. In other words, if one is done, the other is surely about to go as well. In addition to that, when one breaks it applies excessive force on the other, which naturally results in a shorter life span regardless of initial installation date. Last but not least, it might save you time and additional costs having to call a garage doors professional again.

On the other hand, if you have two or more springs of different sizes, the life cycle can vary dramatically between each one. Meaning that your second remaining spring might have a long life a head of it and does not require a change yet. However, as previously mentioned, when one spring is damaged it can dramatically alter the life span of the other by inducing excessive force on your working spring, thus potentially shortening it life span dramatically. As a result, if possible, to avoid time, effort, and costs, we always recommend to replace both springs at the same time.

Can I use 2 different springs?

Some garage door system use different diameter and length for the springs. However, for most residential garage door systems, 2 identical springs are usually the best choice. By matching the torque, you ideally get the best possible life cycle out of your torsion springs. However, if your system already have 2 unmatching springs, you might want to simply optimize the proportional torque of each to attempt maximizing life span. We offer these services, as well as 2 springs convention and matching services.

What is the average life span of a torsion spring

The Torsion Spring’s life cycle can change dramatically depending on use and other factors. However, on average, most basic garage door torsion springs will have a life cycle of 10,000 life cycles, this can increased by using 2 torsion springs to share the load, or getting a commercial grade garage door torsion spring which can last up to 100,000 cycles, but naturally comes at a much greater cost.