Torsion Spring broke, now what?

[crabjoe]

I've got a 16 x 8 garage door and the right (red) torsion spring broke. I can't find my dial calipers to to see how think the springs are.. Below is what I found on the door.

Clopay Model 1000
1 ea 1600 2 1/4 24ga Struts
1 ea 1609 Torsion Tube.

I did measure the broken spring as best I could and it looks to have an inside diameter of 2 1/2 inches and 26 1/2 inches in length.

Found a torsion spring retailer and when I plugged in the size of the door and the model number, they came back with standard spring of .218 x 2 1/4"x 26.25". Part numbers SPB-218-26-25L and SPB-218-26-25R.

Although I helped a friend replace a door years ago, I know nothing about them, other than how they're suppose to work. Can I use springs that are .218 x 2" x 25? What happens if I use a shorter or longer spring? Will it make a difference if I use a spring that has smaller inside diameter than what's currently on there? I'm seeing a lot of places only sell springs with a max ID of 2 inches.

Being that I'm generally a DIYer, I'd rather just do it myself, especially since I helped a friend replace his door years ago and that went fairly smooth. I just need to know what springs to get.

Thanks!

 

[skulldrinker]

I'd call your friend.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[Zmann]

for a reference not a suggestion
16x8 insulated garage door springs I bought after 1 exploded ( replace in pairs IMO )
365 garage door parts . com was fast
Garage Door Torsion Springs
Wire Size
.243
Inside Diameter
2"
Enter Length of Spring In Inches
30.5

Number of Springs
Two 1ea Left & 1ea Right Wound
Long Life 25,000 Cycle Spring Upgrade
Yes

 

[crabjoe]

I'd call your friend.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Haha.. I am going to call him to help me fix mine, but if I remember correctly, he ordered the door and it came with all the parts based on the door. I think he's as clueless as I, when it comes to the actual spring.

 

[crabjoe]

for a reference not a suggestion
16x8 insulated garage door springs I bought after 1 exploded ( replace in pairs IMO )
365 garage door parts . com was fast
Garage Door Torsion Springs
Wire Size
.243
Inside Diameter
2"
Enter Length of Spring In Inches
30.5

Number of Springs
Two 1ea Left & 1ea Right Wound
Long Life 25,000 Cycle Spring Upgrade
Yes

Was the replacement the same size spring that broke or did you "Upgrade" for a longer life cycle?

Personally, I'm not worried about cycles because I'm planning on being out of here in the next year. Still I need to know what size spring I can get away with.

 

[RoninB4]

I replaced mine a year ago after one of the springs snapped. It would be best to do some reading on how to replace them because of the potential for serious injury, some members here have had close calls with serious injury.

You should/need to weigh the door itself with a bathroom scale as a starting point to spring selection, don't assume the spring that was installed was the correct one.

I've included a chart I used to replace the original spring with one that will last many more cycles (yes springs have a working life to them) so I don't have to do this again.

Can't find your calipers? Find them or get another and take measurements. Read the chart, use adequate winding rods, stay out of the way of the "throw" and get someone to help if you're not absolutely sure of how this needs to be done. Good luck.

 

[RoninB4]

Chart doesn't show up very well. Let's try this one.....that doesn't show up very well either for some reason, clear on my computer. Tried finding the website I got these from and the site has either been changed or is no longer working. Do a web search for garage door, or torsion spring charts. I used the chart and only had to adjust the number of windings by 1 or 2 to work properly. If you don't use the chart it will be trial-and-error and that's too much work. Also be careful not to over-tighten the locking screws or you'll crush/deform the hollow tube the spring goes over. Good luck.

 

[crabjoe]

I replaced mine a year ago after one of the springs snapped. It would be best to do some reading on how to replace them because of the potential for serious injury, some members here have had close calls with serious injury.

You should/need to weigh the door itself with a bathroom scale as a starting point to spring selection, don't assume the spring that was installed was the correct one.

I've included a chart I used to replace the original spring with one that will last many more cycles (yes springs have a working life to them) so I don't have to do this again.

Can't find your calipers? Find them or get another and take measurements. Read the chart, use adequate winding rods, stay out of the way of the "throw" and get someone to help if you're not absolutely sure of how this needs to be done. Good luck.

I tried to weigh the door and it was a no go.. When I try and lift the door, it feels like it's 500 pounds. When I put it on a scale, it comes in a 112 lbs. There's no way a insulated 16x8 door only weights 112 lbs.

Thanks for the chart, but I doubt I can use it.

 

[Jlbc212]

A simple way to measure the wire gauge is to count out 10 coils of the spring, measure that length and divide by ten. If the door was well balanced before the spring broke, then order a new one with the same length, the same wire gauge size and the same inside diameter. There's no need to replace both springs if only one broke. As others have already wrote, replacing torsion springs can be dangerous. It shouldn't cost too much to have a professional do it. A residential torsion spring can be switched out in less than an hour.

 

[gungatim]

I went through this last year.

call a repair guy. not worth the hassle or headache.

and really not much more than buying the springs yourself.

this is one of the few things I would pay to do.

 

[firebirdparts]

Springs are linear; the force is proportional to the amount you twist. Therefore, two things;

1 you are going to twist the spring until it lifts the door. You control that.
2 the number of turns will determine how much force is reduced as the door goes up. When half the turns are gone, half the force will be gone.

If you’re off a little but, the force may be wrong a little bit when the door is halfway up. If the spring is too short or really heavy, turns will be few and the force will reduce faster than you’d like.

 

[Showkey]

I went through this last year.

call a repair guy. not worth the hassle or headache.

and really not much more than buying the springs yourself.

this is one of the few things I would pay to do.

Typical spring is $35-$50 each...........your going to get a service tech to show up ( while your home waiting) , with the parts, install for a hour for $125


Typical range is $300-$500 ..........

Falls under the same category a water heater DIY or pay the guy not much like more $2000.

 

[ratdoggy]

I went through this last year.

call a repair guy. not worth the hassle or headache.

and really not much more than buying the springs yourself.

this is one of the few things I would pay to do.

Just not worth it.
It wasn't much money either

 

[samss]

Watch the videos on this site.
https://www.expressgaragedoorparts.com/

The springs on my cargo trailer door/ramp needed replacing. Easy DIY project after watching the videos and getting parts from Express.

 

[yeldogt]

I agree .... call someone.

This is the garage journal -- I get it. But -- there is some danger with those things.

My neighbor asked me about his last summer -- I said call. He finally called the local guy after playing around. Think it was $125 labor charge. Both. You switch them both out ... not just one.

 

[ROBZ71LM7]

I like to do everything myself and I've changed and re-tensioned springs. However, a buddy recently hired an overhead door company to change his springs after one broke. It was both cheap and quick. Next time I'll call someone-not worth the hassle.

 

[Showkey]

I agree .... call someone.

This is the garage journal -- I get it. But -- there is some danger with those things. .

Given that parameter...........you should stay from all chain saws, table saws, jointers , presses, routers, miter box saws, nail guns, welders, jacks, sharp pointy objects, all things electrical and wear a helmet in the shower.

 

[Slednut]

I order my springs from here.
https://ddmgaragedoors.com/

If you have questions call them, they are very helpful.

 

[Sweetcorn]

Local shops around here are $125 - $150 for a spring replacement, installed price.

Location is everything, but I'd still call a couple places and see what they'd charge.

It's not a big deal to change, but it's really not a big deal to have it done if it's cheap enough.

 

[Zmann]

OP

Was the replacement the same size spring that broke

My spring replacement was not the same as the exploded
they had two different sized torsion when installed new and I did not like that so
I calculated my own equal sized and the door balanced perfectly

the upgrade is just a quality upgrade you can order the same spring in standard duty

we use the garage door at least 6 times a day since it is basically our front door lol

 

[captain14]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/search.php?searchid=43480416

Here’s a link for the the GJ threads

I was looking for the last one where the member posted his story about his injury doing his replacement. It’s been in the last 30-45 days.

 

[nadogail]

AS much as I like to be as independent as I possibly can be; this is one of those few things I will pass off to a professional.

 

[vavet]

In my book, it's one of those things that probably isn't too difficult, once your have some experience. I've never done it. I'll call a guy to do it when either of my doors needs to have a new spring installed.
My previous house had tension springs on the garage doors. Those were easy to replace and I felt confident I could do it safely. They're a mess, visually, so I'm glad my new house has torsion springs, but I'll call someone when they need attention.

 

[Jagmandave]

When looking for the correct spring, wouldn't it be logical to call Clopay and ask them?

 

[crabjoe]

I threw out my back trying to open this thing, so I got on the phone.

Called a Clopay dealer and 3 other shops. Funny thing is, the Clopay dealer had the lowest price and would use Clopay springs. Based on the door model, she also stated Clopay recommends uses 2 different sized springs for my door.

One door shop gave me a flat price and said they would use the correct sized spring based on what they saw. Had another tell me, for them to even look at it, there was a $75 charge. I asked what their normal charges ran for a spring replacement and was told they couldn't tell me without doing a physical estimate. I asked how is it that they've been doing spring replacements and can't give me a range, when other shops are quoting me pricing? Guy couldn't answer. The other shop I contacted never called or even emailed me back.

When looking for the correct spring, wouldn't it be logical to call Clopay and ask them?

I ended up calling a Clopay dealer and have them scheduled to come out tomorrow. But even they wouldn't tell me what Clopay spring size/model was recommended by Clopay for the door. They would only give me a price on the repair and stated they only used Clopay springs.

With my back now thrown out, I figured the Clopay dealer was the best bet and their pricing was the very competitive...

Now where's what I don't understand. They said the standard Clopay springs are rated at 10K cycles while high cycle model was rated at 25K cycles. The pricing difference was $10.. Doesn't make sense to me why they don't automatically stock the higher cycle springs at that price difference.. I went with the standard because I didn't want to wait till next week. Heck, I need to be able to get by bike out of the garage. Not to many days left for riding.

 

[firebirdparts]

I would agree $10 is not much money, but I guess garage doors are very price-competitive.

If you cycled the door twice a day, like a person going to work might do, then 10,000 cycles would be over 10 years.

 

[Bent Handle]

I just had mine replaced on my double garage door. Left the service guy a check and man door unlocked, when I came home everything was fixed. $240 well spent. He replaced both sides.

 

[Git]

Replace springs and cables—safely. Step by step instructions

 

[mikegt4]

I have replaced about 5-6 springs over the years. Not difficult but you need to give the spring a lot of respect. I take the old spring (all the pieces) to the local Overhead Door Co.. 15 minutes later I walk out with a new spring and $50 less in my pocket. If the door has 2 springs replace both, they have a limited life, if one goes the other is soon to follow.

 

[240sxguy]

A local garage door guru recommended spraying oil of some sort, deep creep, whatever on the torsion springs yearly to improve their lifespan. I, of course, totally forgot about it until this thread.

 

[HenryAZ]

A local garage door guru recommended spraying oil of some sort, deep creep, whatever on the torsion springs yearly to improve their lifespan. I, of course, totally forgot about it until this thread.

I recently had some springs replaced (one broke, but replaced both) by our local independent garage door guy. He was the one who installed our doors when the house was built in 2002. Now he does service work only. He is the only installer in this small town, otherwise it would be someone coming out from PHX.

As to lubing, he said to do the rollers once/year. Pull back the cover to expose about a 1/16" gap between the cover and the roller. Put a drop or two of oil in that gap. For the springs, he said "you cannot lube them too much". I put it on my calendar as a monthly chore. He didn't recommend a specific lubricant. I use CRC heavy duty silicone spray. It only takes about 5 minutes to do all three springs.

 

[Specracer]

I had zero interest in changing mine. Called the company that installed it.They said they could look at in a few weeks, then order parts bla bla bla. Basically they had ZERO interest in bothering.

Youtube to the rescue. Watched and followed a video. If I recall I bought the parts from them too to support their effort to do the video. Doing it myself was not bad al all.

 

[Git]

^^^^ This

I have this YouTube video bookmarked. There may be better out there, but this one seemed pretty good at the time

My double door only has one spring and is currently 17 years old. I will probably go to two springs when this one finally breaks

 

[wayne55]

I like to do everything I can myself, but check how much an ER visit is and then choose. I had 2 springs replaced about 3 years ago for $220.

 

[gungatim]

Typical spring is $35-$50 each...........your going to get a service tech to show up ( while your home waiting) , with the parts, install for a hour for $125


Typical range is $300-$500 ..........

Falls under the same category a water heater DIY or pay the guy not much like more $2000.

I had mine done for $150 and no hassle...for me it was a no brainer...

 

[cad70]

If you are mechanically inclined, I'd do it. I've done mine. Just take your time, and have a person help in the event you need 3 hands... Wind the springs equally, check door balance, adjust, tighten the ends...

 

[TMcCay]

The winding rods are a must and worth every penny even if you only use them once. Former door installer (40 years ago). When I built my shop and bought my doors I insisted that they sell me a pair as part of the deal. Yeah, I know that you may be able to use a large screwdriver or such but trust me, that isn't safe. I have seen a couple of screwdrivers launched into walls. Good vise grips are also a must.

 

[Showkey]

I had mine done for $150 and no hassle...for me it was a no brainer...

That’s a great price for you..........

Suspect that guy is losing money on every install........no legit business can Run the truck, tools, travel time, insurance business liability/health, taxes, parts, support staff, wages and make a profit on $150 for a work hour.

 

[Jeepster04]

Replaced mine a year or so ago, very easy to do if you have any mechanical abilities at all.

If you get the wrong size spring you'll either have too much force pulling up on the door when its closed or you'll run out of torsion in the spring before the door reaches the top. You should be able to stop the door at any point and it just sit there.

 

[Slednut]

I have a little 20x20 detached that has a couple 7x9' doors. One of the springs were broke and the cables were getting frayed. I called the garage part company and ordered the stuff.

I installed the cables, put a vise grip on the torsion rod to hold the cables in place and wound the spring, took about 15 minutes.