7 Types of Garage Door Springs: How To Choose the Right One
[Last Updated:] October 2, 2024
No one needs to be told twice that hearing a loud crash or bang coming from your garage is a bad sign.
A noise this calamitous can mean that the spring that helps raise and lower your door has broken — an important and dangerous repair that requires the experience and expertise of a professional. To make the garage door spring repair process easier, it helps to know the type of spring you need.
Whether you want to upgrade your spring to a safer model or learn more about spring maintenance, we’ll cover the types of garage door springs and how to identify them below.
Extension Springs
Extension springs connect to the pulleys alongside a garage door to help control lifting and lowering of the heavy door. As the name implies, this spring works by expanding and contracting. Think of the springs that hold the batteries in place in your remote — these are extension springs.
Your garage door uses extension springs if the springs:
- Run along the sides of the garage door
- End in loops
- Are connected to pulleys
There are three main types of extension springs, which are named based on the design of the part that connects to the pulley. Below, we review how each type is different.
- Clipped-end extension springs: Clipped-end extension springs are capped with a separate piece of metal that’s woven into either side of the spring end to form a loop. Because this metal is separate from the spring itself, these springs are the sturdiest type of extension spring.
- Double-looped end extension springs: Double-looped extension springs are capped by two spring layers bent outward to form a loop. These springs offer medium durability because the loop can pull and loosen the spring on the edges.
- Open-looped end extension springs: Open-looped extension springs are capped by one spring layer bent outward to form the loop. These are the least durable type because the loop is less protected against distortion when it’s used.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are connected to garage door cables at the top of the door. They use rotational tension to operate your door. If you’ve ever had a pair of kitchen tongs, you might have noticed a spring holds them open so you can grab items easier. That’s a torsion spring.
Your garage door uses torsion springs if the springs:
- Are located above your garage door
- End in metal pieces called cones
- Connect to a metal tube
If you have two springs, your left torsion spring may have red markings, and the right side may have a black marking.
Many garage door spring manufacturers color-code their springs. They do this to show which tension spring goes on which side. If you see these colors, you can be sure that you have garage door torsion springs.
- Standard torsion springs: Standard torsion springs are the most basic type of torsion spring. At each end of the spring, the wire is pulled straight. These straight sections are where the mechanisms apply force to create or release tension as the door opens and closes.
- Steel rolling door torsion springs: Steel rolling door torsion springs are manufactured to work with steel rolling garage doors. These doors operate slightly differently from other types of garage doors, so they require a specific type of spring.
- Easy set torsion springs: The early set torsion spring is similar to the standard torsion spring. However, it’s located in the middle of the torsion shaft.
- TorqueMaster torsion springs: The TorqueMaster system uses two springs, which are located inside a shaft, so they’re less likely to injure someone during repair service. However, these springs only last 3,000 to 5,000 cycles, compared to the 30,000 cycle-rated springs we use at Precision Garage Door Service™.
How To Identify the Different Types of Garage Door Spring
It’s important to know which spring your garage door has so you can spot the signs it should be replaced. Replacing a garage door spring is very dangerous, so schedule repair or replacement service with your local Precision Garage Door Service professional as soon as you notice any signs of wear.
Signs it’s time to replace a spring include:
- The door operates slower than usual.
- The door makes a loud noise when opening and closing.
- The door feels heavier and is harder to open during manual operation.
- The door hangs unevenly.
- The cables and/or springs appear loose.
Identifying torsion springs
Your garage door has a torsion spring if:
- The garage door spring is directly above your garage door: The word "torsion" comes from the Latin word meaning "to turn." To close your garage door, torsion springs twist. They will hold this position until you open your garage door.
- There’s a metal piece on each end of the spring: These metal ends form X's and are called cones. The type of cone on the spring determines how the service professional will wind the spring when they install it.
- There’s a metal shaft, called a torsion tube: These tubes can be hollow or solid and they connect to cable drums at each corner of your garage.
Identifying extension springs
Your garage door has an extension spring if:
- There’s a garage door spring running along each side of your garage: To close your garage door, extension springs extend outward, connecting to each side of the door.
- There are loops on the end of the spring: The three types of extension springs are open-looped end, double-looped end, and clipped-end.
- The springs connect to pulleys: These pulleys run along the walls of your garage. The pulleys connect to the garage door opener cables.
Torsion vs. Extension Springs: Which Is Best?
Coated torsion springs are the best option for your garage door. Torsion springs are safer than extension springs and often last twice as long. Coating on a torsion spring makes it last even longer than a regular torsion spring.
Torsion springs are also safer compared to extension springs because they’re self-contained. When they break, they will not turn into projectiles. Extension springs, however, can fire off. Building code requires that extension springs have safety cables so if an extension spring breaks, it will not shoot out.
Unfortunately, many companies and individuals don’t follow these rules. As a result, extension springs have destroyed garages and even killed people. If you’re concerned about safety, schedule a garage door tune-up for an inspection and expert advice about your door’s springs.
Springs with coating do not break as quickly. At Precision Garage Door Service, our proprietary e-coated torsion springs last five times longer than standard torsion springs.
Trust Precision Garage Door Service With Spring Replacement
In need of garage door maintenance or repair? Contact Precision Garage Door Service. One of our experienced garage door service professionals will come to your home, assess the problem, and review options with you. We always arrive in branded, fully stocked trucks with different types of garage door springs and repair parts, so your repair is done right on the first visit.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not apply to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Services should be performed by licensed and experienced professionals. Precision Garage Door Service is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact a Precision Garage Door Service professional for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
Garage Door Spring FAQs
When you have questions, you can rest assured that the experienced professionals at Precision Garage Door Service have the answer.
Do all garage doors have springs?
Yes, all garage doors have springs. Garage doors are very heavy, and the springs help pull the door upward so you can open it with less effort.
What size garage door spring do I need?
The proper garage door spring size depends on the opener model, garage door style, door size, and door weight. Don’t rely on your current spring for ordering a replacement. Due to updated building codes, you may need a different model for your garage. Consult with a garage door professional for determining the best solution for your garage door.
You should never attempt to repair or replace the spring yourself. Find your local Precision Garage Door Service, and we’ll install the proper spring correctly.
Why do garage doors need springs?
Garage doors need springs because the tension behind these springs provides upward force. When the door is closed, it’s locked into place, and the spring is stretched or twisted to create tension. When it’s time to open the door, this tension means you don’t need to lift the full weight of the door.
How many springs does a garage door have?
A garage door typically has one to four springs, depending on the size and weight. For example, residential single-car garages are often single-spring garage doors and residential two-car garages are often dual-spring garage doors. But a commercial garage door with many panels might need up to four.
It is easy to tell whether you have one or two springs. If you have just one, it will be only on one side of the center bearing plate. If you have two, there will be a second one on the other side of the plate.
What are the different types of garage door extension springs?
The three different types of garage door extension springs are clipped-end, double-looped end, and open-looped end extension springs.
What are the different types of torsion springs?
The four different types of torsion springs are early set, standard, steel rolling door, and TorqueMaster torsion springs.