Avoid THIS Common Mistake When Buying Torsion Springs

[@tim2845]

Thanks very much! I really appreciate all your help with my many emails and I have ordered the springs you recommended. I am excited to have found someone like yourself that is willing to help! T.

[@BobBlair-x2x]

BIG MISTAKE by the previous company reducing wire size. However, the door could still be properly balanced with the .225 wire if they were cut down to 22". By doing so, the life cycle (if assuming standard 10K to begin with) would be reduced to around 2,500. Great video and information!

[@jhast63]

Good informative video. I have no intention of replacing my own springs. However, I now understand the process and have a better idea as to what is required, Thank you!

[@MrJiilo]

Very clear, thank you

[@Lou-eye]

Well I'll throw my scenario out there: I have a 7'x16' 25ga metal insulated w/vynal backing, no windows garage door that was installed in the mid to late'90's, so they're pushing 25yrs old. There is no data sticker on it unless its behind the insulation, dont know what brand it is.I haven't weighed it yet but here's the old springs(2) specs(they haven't broke yet) but don't hold the door up at all (won't balance falls to ground) and the liftmaster motor strains somewhat to lift it.Has Yellow bands .207 x 2 x 22.5, length was measured with the springs still wound up so they are pretty short springs.Has a 12" radius track curve. I dont know what new springs to buy for this, any suggestions?

[@shanefrank3281]

Good information, but I feel like most garage door experts/companies depend on "just use what was already there". HVAC guys (at least around here) do the same thing. They just replace the old unit with a new unit of similar size making the assumption that the first person that selected the HVAC unit size did the correct analysis. My 331lb door (I weighed it) had a mix of a 0.242 and a 0.250 spring that gave a combined lifting force of 310lb. They worked ok, but I would get a broken spring every 4 years. I recently changed to a pair of longer 0.272 springs and expect to get at least 3x the life from that spring. These provide a lifting force of 325lb.

[@sosgds]

I love this perspective. I have a longer form video that covers the benefits of high cycle springs. Replacing springs every 4 years will compound in cost. Thus higher cycle springs with a thicker gauge might be a better solution. Thanks for the comment.

[@tomlosh-iv1ye]

how to figure what size spring to use when converting from extension springs 180 pound 9x7 wood door

[@sosgds]

Great question. What brand of wood garage door do you own? What can you tell me about the track assembly to this garage door? When was the last time you replaced the extension springs?

[@krispy5139]

Can't find (dual/2 springs) .234x2x35 Thinking I will replace them with .250x2x33

[@Andy-iq8fy]

I have watched almost all your videos concerning garage door torsion springs, but I have not found the information I need to repair my garage door. I had an old CLOPAY 18x7 standard steel door with a pair of 0.225x1.75x31 torsion springs. I got tired of repairing this door every couple of months so I bought a used 18x7 insulated door that weights about 180lbs. Also, my garage has a ceiling height of ~12' for I raised my track about 30 inches to give me more head space and my cable pulley is ~5" in diameter and my track has a 12" radius. So, I installed the original torsion springs but they will only lift the door a little over halfway. What I'm trying to determine is "What pair of torsion springs will work on my door?" By the way, I'm just trying to get by until I retire to replace the whole door. Thanks,

[@M5JamesE39]

My door and springs are original with the house from '97, the door is wood and I'd assume has gotten slightly heavier over the years due to moisture over the years. At what point should I consider a strong, thicker, longer and/or adding more preload winds to the spring?

[@sosgds]

Excellent question! When you do a balance test to your garage door, does the garage door stay at a specific level or does it feel heavy and fall? When was the last time you had your garage door service? If you are at a crossroad to have your garage door serviced then there's no better time than now to have your spring system upgraded.

[@tedf4787]

Thanks for the great information for those of us who like to turn a wrench (and live in DIY-friendly states). I have an Ideal Door S51S, 16’ x 7’, manufactured Feb 2004/installed June 2004. Uninsulated, no windows, standard radius track (12”), D400-96 drums, weight is 177 lbs. It has 2 original standard torsion springs which worked flawlessly for 19 years until a failure of one of the springs yesterday. The failed spring is 0.218 x 1.75 x 25.5; the one that still holds tension measures 0.218 x 1.75 x 29 (if I understand correctly, the length of the intact spring should be approximately 27” after backing out 8 turns of the 0.218 gauge spring). Per your comments in this video, I’d like to entertain going to 0.225 for greater cycle life and trying for a matched pair if possible. I am wondering if a matched pair of any of the following would work (which take into account my understanding of the math and what I can find stock of): • 0.225 x 1.75 x 32 (30 is also available) • 0.225 x 2 x 27 • 0.218 x 2 x 23 (not ideal for cycle life, but available) If you have a better fit I’ll try to track it down, but inventory does seem to be an issue.

[@sosgds]

Hello. Thank you for sharing your garage door situation with the community. I would go with the .225 by 1.75 by 32 springs.

[@tedf4787]

Thanks for the reply! The .225 by 1.75 by 32 springs it is.

[@Arnold-x6d]

Great, but what if you are going from a single spring to a double spring? I had a .262×2×36 original spring on my door. A chart that I went to said that I could use a .207×2×23 on both sides for a 14,000 cycle life instead of a normal 10,000 cycles. Does this sound about right to you? I have a 8 foot double steel Insulated door 9 feet wide.

[@sosgds]

Hello. The 207x2x23s are spot on, but you might get less than 14K cycles. Consider going with a .218x2x30s.

[@raincity-jk5di]

I have single spring garage (0.234 x 1.75 x 32) . I can change to ( .0234 x 2.0 x 32) or something else better. Thanks

[@garagedoordoctorofhouston6518]

Great job Santiago! For everyone else weigh your door stop guessing.

[@sosgds]

Thank you Cody!!!

[@Rabbitsarewonderful]

Great video. Thank you. Problem is though -- there are no numbers on my springs! I want to get the same ones, but without the numbers how can I do that? There is no name on the springs either.

[@sosgds]

There are a number of ways that you can measure with a measuring tape. Here's a video that might be helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/maLSeJJ3f9p9hs0si=AXDMbQf1gj1hGxK8

[@Rabbitsarewonderful]

Thank you. I made sure to get the same size springs. But the way the long, metal piece from the opener to the door is moving after the new unit and springs were installed is worrying me. It seems to go up and down as the door opens and closes. I don't remember the old one doing that. Is it supposed to "flex" like that?

[@jose-eduardomunozfernandez9882]

Please advised for new set of torsion springs, steel insulated garage door with a weight of 360 lb and dimension of 16x8ft, the radius is 12”.

[@sosgds]

Hello. Thank you for the question. I would be happy to guide you finding the right springs. But I do need a little more context about your garage door. Do you know the brand? Does this door have windows? How were you able to determine the weight of this door? Did you have a professional weigh it?

[@blubu68]

Would the spring rate change when going to a high lift, I'm going up 4 feet to the bottom of the radius. 15x7 Wayne Dalton 8700 insulated vinyl. 200lbs resting on top of scale without tension.

[@sosgds]

Hello. Yes you would have to calculate the lift for the additional 4 feet.

[@SarahKauffman-v4u]

Old set were mismatched, 207 x 1.34 x 27 and 225 x 2 x 29. Metal pole was pretty bent. Replaced pole. Would 218 x 2 x 22 work as a matched set? How many turns should I start with? Door is 16 x 8 non insulated, 160lbs

[@sosgds]

Thank you so much for this question. I believe you would do well with a pair of 225 wire Springs by 1 and 3/4 by 33 in long. That should be able to balance the door nicely.

[@robbyvanz]

I have a solid wood 16x7' garage door with widows on the top row. Currently, there are two .250x1.75x35" springs. The springs were replaced over 15yrs ago. The door is no longer in balance. The door does not stay in any position. It takes alot of force just to manually open the door, and it just wants to slam into the ground. I am unsure if the proper springs were installed when they were replaced, or if the spring have just lost tension over the years. Would I benefit from upsizing to a .262 spring to help balance the weight? Is it even worthwhile to try to increase the tension of the current springs to try and balance the door, or is it too dangerous to mess with such old spring?

[@sosgds]

Hello. You might benefit more from a new spring replacement. If you wanted higher cycles the .262x1.75x44 might be worth considering. Consult your local dealer installer to be sure.

[@shawnmriley7763]

Question if I have a 234 1.75 30” can I use a 234 1.75 29” or 31” if so which is better

[@sosgds]

Hello! Yes you can go either way. The inch difference should not throw off the balance of the door. My preference would be the 234 1.75 by 31.

[@freemancubsfan6417]

I'm having a problem finding 262x175x30. I can find it in a 2in or I can find a 175 in 38in is it ok to go to 2in?

[@sosgds]

Hello. Very good question. If you are able to find the 2" it would need to be a 262 x 2 x 25 or 26.

[@szargos]

Nice Video! So, based on what google tells me is a spring tag, I have a Raynor .225 x 2 1/4 x 25". Is Raynor the only one who makes a 2 1/4 spring? Are there advantages/disadvantages to this? If I wanted to stick with them, maybe I could go slightly bigger with .234? Just looking for something with a higher cycle life. Or, would going down to a 2" ID be better? A website I plugged my info into had a .234 x 2 x 30 on its recommended list. Any thoughts?

[@dantickle5562]

My door is not good, now figured out the springs are different colors, it lifts but trouble closing. Don't know the springs to use. I have the serial numbers.

[@sosgds]

Hello. Yes please share what numbers they are.

[@dantickle5562]

Wayne dalton 8000 16x7 door

[@steveo78227]

Nice video, I once did a steel back with 2 225x2” on steel door worked like a charm I assuming cuz the 2” diameter and no windows. Is it more beneficial to run 2” cut over the 1 3/4?

[@steveo78227]

@Andrew Balas so a 250x1.75 will have a stronger lifting power than a 250x2”? Assuming there the same length

[@steveo78227]

@Andrew Balas I did a odd shape door that had 2 rusted out 207s I put 207x1.75 and they maxed out on turns and the door was still to heavy. I then put 2 207 cut by 2” and it had more turns and balanced out the door perfect. So from that I thought 2” has more winds to add before springs max out (they were both 25” length)

[@robertogonzalez3304]

@@steveo78227 what do you mean by “max out”

[@steveo78227]

@@robertogonzalez3304 max quarter turns, eventually they won’t wind anymore hence to small of a spring

[@MarkGilbert-re2fr]

Hi I have a broken .250x2x31” spring, I bought a set of .250x2x32” springs to replace both my springs. I believe them to be 30 years old probly never lubed and most likely broke from normal wear and tear. Is the springs I bought ok assuming the original springs were correct? Does that extra inch of length matter?

[@sosgds]

Excellent question. What type of garage door do you own? What can you tell me about the brand or make of the garage door?

[@MarkGilbert-re2fr]

It’s a 16’x7’ it’s fairly heavy I think made of a of compressed/mdf type material with wood texture kind of like siding

[@MarkGilbert-re2fr]

Thank you for answering and the help btw!

[@sosgds]

You're welcome!

[@sosgds]

I think the .250 by 32" should work. Have the springs been replaced?

[@mohamedarshad6207]

Brillient advice. Thkyou

[@BangBang-ge6tw]

How do I know which spring torsion to upgrade to? My current one is broken and is a 207-24. I added some foam pads to my garage door. It’s a 2 car garage door.

[@sosgds]

Hello. Do you know that diameter of your 207 spring?

[@fallen0509]

how about if my garage door only had 1 right winding spring and it broke so i am trying to replace it. is it ok to buy a pair of left and right torsion spring with same size and length or shorten the length since there're gonna be two of them instead of the single one that was previosuly installed? spring measurements are .250x2x37. great video. very informative! thank you

[@sosgds]

Hello. A pair of 207 by 25 work or 218 by 31s.

[@jose-eduardomunozfernandez9882]

Advised for get new set of torsion spring ( left and right) , my garage door weight 360 pounds, is 16x8 ft and have a radius of 12 “, thanks in advance .

[@oldays2009]

You’ve a great channel with lots of info. I’ve Wayne Dalton FCII 16x7 Solid door WT 125 with no windows. I could not find the model no. but guessing it’s a 9100 series. The right side of the Torquemaster spring broke. I’m planning to replace the spring with torsion springs, and looking at high cycle springs. I’m looking at US made Dura-Lift springs. I've genie model 2028 motor. What would be your advice for the spring specs or any other brands for my use case? Interesting thing is that when I weigh my door with an analog weighing scale, bought new, it shows 100 lb from the center. Appreciate in advance!

[@ebadillojr1]

I have a Raynor 250-27 spring, could I use a 262-32

[@sosgds]

Hello. That's a good question. Do you happen to know if you have a 2-in ID or a one and three quarter inch diameter id? The diameter is important with these Rainer doors because sometimes they could be 2 in or 2 and 5/8 in.

[@ebadillojr1]

@@sosgds I measured a 2in Inner diameter

[@sosgds]

I would go with the .250 2" 34"

[@WEdway33]

Good info. thank you

[@pjmnica]

Have you every heard the torsion springs that come with the door from the manufacturer not being able to support the door? Having a door installed and the installer says they're not the right springs and I'm not sure if I should trust them.

[@sosgds]

Hello. Yes I have but it is rare. What door did you order? What brand and model is it?

[@Groot_G]

Thank you for your insight.

[@giborchayil1071]

Great video!!! I don't know what was originally on my garage door, but they lasted 10 years. The springs that I had "professionally" installed lasted about 8 years, as the right side just broke. Door is 8 feet tall and 18 feet wide, insulated with no windows. Current springs are .243 x 2 x 30. I was thinking about going to .250 x 2 x 32? What are your thoughts? Thanks...

[@sosgds]

Thanks for the support to the channel. A pair of .250 by 2" by 33 or 34's should balance out the door and can potentially offer about 13K cycles. For additional cycles, you might consider a pair of .262 by 2 by 43's which could potentially offer up to 26K cycles.

[@marcosmendoza2516]

Very helpful video. One of my torsion springs gave out. I'm going to replace both of them of the same gauge and length. Mines are Torque Force. Do you know where to buy that brand or what other high quality brand do you recommend? I appreciate your time and help!

[@sosgds]

I haven't heard of Torque Force. We use American Springs, Service Springs, and Flexi Force.

[@SarahKauffman-v4u]

have a 16 x 8 Clopay classic 25 non insulated door, will 218 x 2 x 22 spring work. How many 1/4 turns should I start with

[@SarahKauffman-v4u]

have set of 218 x 2 x 22

[@SarahKauffman-v4u]

door also has windows, 150 -160lbs

[@sosgds]

Hello. Thank you for reaching out with these questions. What can you tell me about the door model? Additionally do you know what type of track assembly you have? Is it a 12-in radius or do you have a low track assembly?

[@doctordashiell]

Hi, what happens when a garage door spring breaks? Does the garage door come crashing down? Thanks for answering. Best regards, Nancy

[@chechodallas]

Yes it does, that is why it's best for the door to have two springs and if one breaks it still will come down, but with less force.

[@jerrylong2629]

Good job

[@sosgds]

Thank you!

[@unrestrainedfamily9356]

You have a professional announcers voice

[@percyfaith11]

You should have described how to measure a torsion spring and what the various numbers that you mentioned mean in relation to the spring size. That would have added value to the video.

[@sosgds]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I actually have another video that does that exact same thing, where I go into detail on how you can utilize specific tools to measure springs. Additionally I highlight how the first number is the wire size, the second number is the diameter size, and the last number is the length of the spring.

[@percyfaith11]

@@sosgds Thank you.

[@manintoynenam]

I had a 218 keeps breaking for my 8 ft door can i go 225,234,243,250?

[@sosgds]

Thanks for your question. What type or brand of garage door do you own? When was the last time you replaced your torsion springs?

[@manintoynenam]

@@sosgds where can i find the garage info?

[@nikitta1970]

Thank you. Can I ask you to explain the spring sizes for TD134 and TD138 for steel craft, non insulated overhead doors? I’m new in the field, new job, and I need to learn about all it. The way you explain is super easy to understand. Thank you

[@sosgds]

Hello! I can definitely try. Steel craft is from Canada correct? Are these models the more common doors they offer?

[@nikitta1970]

@@sosgds Yes they are, normally work with these two but also work with gate, hangar doors etc

[@wesleysechrist1170]

Hello!! Thank you for the video. I have a 16x8 garage door uninsulated. There are currently 2 different torsion springs on it from the previous homeowner… one is a .225 27.5” 1.75” and the other is a .218 26.25” 1.75”. The smaller .218 broke yesterday and I am trying to figure out what size springs to replace both of these with. Any guidance? Can I go up to a 2” diameter? Home Depot seems to stock that easily.

[@sosgds]

Hello! Thanks for sharing these details. The .225 wire springs will offer higher cycles for your garage door. Yet the door tracks, drums, and weight will also play a factor. Therefore if there's a way these factors can also be determined then it might help hone in on the right configuration for your garage door. If it were me I would utilize a pair of .225 1.75 by 33 long springs. Yet, I'd need more information from your garage door.

[@harisjaved1379]

It should balance at any level? Hmm mine only balances after I open it to 60%, maybe I need to get this done.

[@sosgds]

Thank you for sharing your feedback. Yes the garage door should stay balanced preferably at the three, five, and 7 ft level. Most within the garage door industry feel that it should balance as each section turns open or closed on the track radius. Nevertheless a good balance store should not move more than a foot down or up.

[@yolife861]

Hi, how much can i expect to pay to replace a broken spring and the wire on the garage door? thank you in advance

[@sosgds]

Hello. That's a great question. It depends on your garage door. Do you know the brand, weight, and size of your garage door?

[@mauricio-from-chi-town]

I'm replacing one that broke.... should both be replaced at the same time

[@sosgds]

Hello. Great question. If I were to service your garage door I would replace both. It will save you money in the long run.

[@mjkirk12]

Not to mention an unbalanced door can ruin your garage door opener. Years ago my chain-drive opener failed - nylon gear inside gearbox lost teeth - due to unbalanced door.

[@Dpoole56]

Yeah as soon as I saw it, looks like they put springs and tension for a hollow back metal door, not an insulated door with windows

[@keith2498]

So did I just get screwed. When the guy laid both springs next to each other. They were same length but the new one looked and was thinner. But it comes with a lifetime warranty. 😉. I mean how do you trust garage door repairman? Sometimes they seem worse than used car salesmen

[@seanswart962]

According to the manufacturer IPPT chart… the 250x1.75x35 has an IPPT of 42.6. The 225x1.75x25 has an IPPT of 31.3. These springs are nowhere near compatible, and that’s why the door won’t balance. They could have used 225x1.75x22 for 41.4 IPPT and the door would’ve balanced, but the cycle count drops from 10k to less than 3k! You had the best spring, but your reasoning has nothing to do with reality.

[@sosgds]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes your point about matching the IPPT exactly is spot on. And, there are a few ways to balance a garage door, while coming close to the correct IPPT. What's not stated in this video is our research with the door manufacturer and learning about their spring configuration of their garage doors. I would definitely encourage anyone to do their homework before making any purchases and replacements of their springs. This can save a world of time and headaches. The community appreciates your comment!

[@skidmoro9642]

weigh the door..calculate ...done

[@sosgds]

done ... done ... and done.

[@andrewm1346]

I have to admit. I'm a little saddened by this video. A true [professional will always weigh the door. There are 3 things you must know for proper balance. The height. The drum, and the weight. If a service tech doesn't' know these 3 variables. Send him away. When you know these 3 things. You can make up any springs the homeowner wants.

[@sosgds]

Hey Andrew. It's definitely a science. I was taught more height, weight, and track assembly. What formula do you use with drums?

[@andrewm7146]

Every tech should down load the service spring app. Weight/height and drum are key variables. It will ask radius. We customize any spring to 306 wire by this app. All my techs need to do is weigh the door. From this video. The previous work done was a guess.

[@daru250]

@@andrewm7146 Experience also helps but the spring engineering app helps a lot too .

[@garageboyz2634]

@@andrewm7146 so how do you weigh the door ,if there is no indication of weight?

[@lovetrump1088]

Didn't u hear the man say...5:30..... if you have issues/don't have the original springs, "your probably going to have to weigh the door"?

[@islandbeaches395]

Contractors is cheap

[@sosgds]

It all depends on what they value. Thanks for the feedback.

[@jose-eduardomunozfernandez9882]

?

[@tadde948]

𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚖 😊