Garage door torsion spring

 

Garage Door Torsion Spring

A garage door is one of the heaviest moving parts in any home, and at the center of its safe operation lies a small but powerful component — the garage door torsion spring. These springs are tightly wound coils that counterbalance the weight of the door, allowing it to open and close smoothly. Without them, lifting a garage door would feel like trying to raise hundreds of pounds of solid metal by hand.

In this article, we will explore the importance of torsion springs, common issues homeowners face, and most importantly, how to deal with replacement safely. We’ll also answer one of the most frequent questions: “What size torsion spring for 16x7 garage door?”

What Are Garage Door Torsion Springs?

Garage door torsion springs are mounted above the door, parallel to the garage opening. Unlike extension springs, which stretch along the sides of the door, torsion springs work by twisting. When the door is closed, the springs store energy; when the door is opened, that energy is released to assist with lifting.

These springs are engineered to last for thousands of cycles, but eventually, wear and tear cause them to weaken or break. When a torsion spring garage door fails, the door may become too heavy to lift or drop suddenly, posing a serious safety risk.

Signs You Need to Replace Torsion Springs

Before learning how to replace garage door torsion spring, it’s important to know the signs of failure:

• The garage door feels unusually heavy.
• The door only opens a few inches before stopping.
• You notice a gap in the coil of the spring.
• The opener strains or fails to lift the door.

If any of these symptoms appear, the springs are likely broken or near the end of their life.

How to Replace Garage Door Torsion Springs

Many homeowners search for “how to replace garage door torsion springs” or “how to change garage door torsion springs”. While it is possible to replace them yourself, this job comes with serious risks. Torsion springs are under extreme tension, and one wrong move can lead to severe injury.

If you decide to attempt it, here are the basic steps:

• Unplug the opener – Safety first; cut power to avoid accidental activation.
• Secure the door – Clamp the door to the track so it does not move.
• Loosen the set screws – Use winding bars (never screwdrivers) to slowly release the spring tension.
• Remove old springs – Slide them off the torsion bar.
• Install new springs – Position the new torsion springs for a garage door and secure them.
• Wind the springs – Using winding bars, carefully tighten the springs to the recommended turns.
• Test the balance – Open and close the door by hand to ensure smooth operation.

Although these steps cover how to replace a torsion spring garage door, most experts strongly recommend hiring a professional. Trained technicians have the right tools and experience to complete the job safely.

What Size Torsion Spring for 16x7 Garage Door?

One of the most common questions is: “What size torsion spring for 16x7 garage door?” The answer depends on several factors:

• Weight of the door – Heavier doors require stronger springs.
• Number of springs – A double spring setup distributes weight differently than a single spring.
• Wire size and length – The coil thickness and spring length determine torque capacity.

For a standard residential 16x7 garage door, most will need two torsion springs measuring between 207–218 in wire size, but exact specifications vary. The best approach is to check your old springs or consult a technician to avoid mismatching.

Why Professional Help Is Recommended

While many DIY guides explain how to replace garage door torsion spring, the reality is that it’s not like changing a light bulb. These springs store enough energy to cause serious accidents. Professional installers:

• Have specialized winding bars and tools.
• Can calculate the exact size of torsion springs for a garage door.
• Provide warranties on parts and labor.
• Reduce the risk of damage to the door or opener.

A garage torsion spring is small but vital to the safety and functionality of your garage. If you notice signs of failure, it’s essential to act quickly. Understanding how to replace garage door torsion springs or how to change garage door torsion springs can be useful, but due to the risks, hiring a professional is often the smarter choice.

And if you’re asking, “What size torsion spring for 16x7 garage door?” remember that precision matters. Using the wrong size spring can strain your opener, damage your door, and compromise safety.

By keeping your torsion spring garage system in top condition, you ensure your garage door operates smoothly and securely for years to come.