Garage door extension spring choices

[dkmc]

So had a spring break on the old wooden overhead door on the shop. Unhooked the other non-broken spring, and weighed the door. 165 lbs. My question is, what weight springs should I replace them with? Just 170lb units, or maybe 180 weight units to allow the door to open easier? The old springs are so old there is no color code on them. What say ye garagejournalers?

 

[pattenp]

Replace with correct weight springs based on door weight. Higher weight springs also make it harder to close.

 

[BillK]

These guys have great information on all types of springs:

Garage Door Springs | DDM Garage Doors, Inc.

Buy Standard residential garage door springs, commercial & industrial garage door torsion springs & extension springs, Wayne Dalton Torquemaster Springs, EZ Set Springs, steel rolling door & self-storage door springs.

ddmgaragedoors.com

 

[david3921]

My springs were wore out so I replaced them this summer. I weighed the door and it came to 105 lbs. I installed 110lbs springs and they work just right. Easy to go up and down.

 

[dkmc]

My springs were wore out so I replaced them this summer. I weighed the door and it came to 105 lbs. I installed 110lbs springs and they work just right. Easy to go up and down.

That's encouraging as I ordered the 170lb units....

 

[jstroede]

Yes round up to the nearest 10 lb increment and you will be good to go. Make sure you get them for the right height of door. Again, round up to the next increment (i.e. 7'6" tall door use 8' springs).

John

 

[dkmc]

The 170's work good. I suppose 180's would as well.
Safety cables installed as the broken spring put an impressive wallop in the wall above the door