Garage Door Opener

J.R.

J.R.

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So I'm trying to replace the torsion springs on my garage door.

They measure 22" compressed, but I'm having trouble locating a replacement. Anyone out there ever replace these? I can't tell if the color is tan or faded yellow.

I contacted Chamberlain, but they have yet to respond. (Chamberlain Liftmaster Professional 1300 series)
 

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I nearly lost some fingers working on a garage door spring. So I call someone now but I would start with the manufacturer as you have done.
 
Cpippen said:
I nearly lost some fingers working on a garage door spring. So I call someone now but I would start with the manufacturer as you have done.
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Yeah I just called s local spot but they want $55 just to come look at it (which I get) but the springs are between 1-300 and for $200+ I'd rather do it myself
 
I would recommend calling Overhead Door company and paying someone. Those springs are under tremedous tension and it takes a bit of adjustment. I briefly considered replacing mine when one side broke but I value my limbs more than that pittance that I would save

$200 wouldnt even get you looked at in the average ER
 
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Overhead door will usually make a spring for you. It's not under tension currently, so remove it and take to them. OK, call them first to be sure. But I dropped mine off and had a new one in about an hour. IIRC about $75 for a single spring. Also got tips on replacing it. Youtube is good for how to's. You will need a couple pieces of rebar. One to turn the spring and one to hold the tight spring. That's how I did mine.

And I'll second. Be incredibly careful. When that thing is loaded it's under a lot of pressure.
 
chiefjason said:
Overhead door will usually make a spring for you. It's not under tension currently, so remove it and take to them. OK, call them first to be sure. But I dropped mine off and had a new one in about an hour. IIRC about $75 for a single spring. Also got tips on replacing it. Youtube is good for how to's. You will need a couple pieces of rebar. One to turn the spring and one to hold the tight spring. That's how I did mine.

And I'll second. Be incredibly careful. When that thing is loaded it's under a lot of pressure.
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Yeah one spring is snapped in half and the other is compressed, I ordered "winding bars" for 10 bucks since I had no clue it's just a circle but they'll be here Thursday. Then I just have to locate a replacement spring.

Maybe I'll give OHD a call and see if they sell a replacement that will make life pretty easy
 
J.R. said:
Yeah one spring is snapped in half and the other is compressed, I ordered "winding bars" for 10 bucks since I had no clue it's just a circle but they'll be here Thursday. Then I just have to locate a replacement spring.

Maybe I'll give OHD a call and see if they sell a replacement that will make life pretty easy
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To be clear, these are not compression springs. They are torsion springs. They do not store energy parallel to their length, but store 'torque.'
 
Coworker of mine tore his hand up tensioning his. Got distracted by one of his kids and the bar slipped out. The spring unwound and the set screw hit his knuckles multiple times while unwinding. Ended up with several surgeries to fix his hand. Whatever you do, be careful and pay attention. I try do just about everything myself around my house but this is something I'd pay someone to do. Not very difficult, but those guys do it everyday.
 
I buy my springs from high rated seller on ebay. Includes steel rods so you can wind the spring safely.
I am on the fourth set over the last 26 years. Original set was undersized.

You count the coils and measure the spring to get the right size,
change both sides so you have a matched set, change one and you loose money.

If you can change your oil, r/r a shock, etc you can replace the springs.
Do check the cables, often they get frayed and add grease to the pulley bearings,
wear disposable gloves and lightly grease the steel lift cables when you replace them.

When I wind I also use vise grip to clamp the shaft in place when needed,
wear safety glasses and gloves, and DO NOT put my body in line with the winding rods.

http://stores.ebay.com/amks-door?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

 
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Button Pusher said:
I buy my springs from high rated seller on ebay. Includes steel rods so you can wind the spring safely.
I am on the fourth set over the last 26 years. Original set was undersized.

You count the coils and measure the spring to get the right size,
change both sides so you have a matched set, change one and you loose money.

If you can change your oil, r/r a shock, etc you can replace the springs.
Do check the cables, often they get frayed and add grease to the pulley bearings,
wear disposable gloves and lightly grease the steel lift cables when you replace them.

When I wind I also use vise grip to clamp the shaft in place when needed,
wear safety glasses and gloves, and DO NOT put my body in line with the winding rods.

http://stores.ebay.com/amks-door?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

Click to expand...


Does this video seem pretty accurate? This is the best one I've found and seems to have a good walk through. Thanks for that eBay store, too I bought winding bars from Amazon but I might just return them since those come with them. I'm gonna count the coils tomorrow, I know it's 22" hopefully that eBay store will have the correct one I need

 
I own a garage door company in Timberlake, NC. Been in business over 20 years. Torsion springs can hurt you badly if you don't know what you're doing. Springs are rated in IPPT (inch pounds per turn). In order to find a replacement we need to know the spring wire gauge, inside diameter of the spring and length of the coils. With that information the IPPT can be determined.

What I would do is uprate the spring which will give it more cycles life. For instance, if your current spring is a .207x2x24, you could replace it with a .218x2x30 which would extend the life of the spring. There are more active coils in the .218 but the IPPT is the same as the .207.

I replace a set of springs on a double car garage door for about $150 to $175 turn key. These places that are charging $300 are just ripping you off and often find other things wrong with your door by their own making. If you like, I can talk to my distributor and see if he can recommend anyone in your area. I tell my customers that my service call fee is a lot cheaper than a hospital visit. Can a homeowner change their own springs? Yes. But please, please be very careful. And make sure you have the correct wind facing the proper direction when installing the new springs. Springs have a red or black winding cone. In most circumstances, the red cone goes on the left side of the center bearing and the black cone goes on the right side of the bearing.

If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them for you.
 
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I changed mine about a year ago, when it got really really cold in Charlotte. Was sitting in couch and herd what I thought was a gunshot in my garage. Turns out right side spring busted. I bought the spring from a local door repair shop and replaced it myself. Mind you the left and right spring for a 2 car door is different. One winds left and one winds right. If I remember correctly the right side winds left and vice versa. There is a site I found to get the info for getting the correct diameter and winds per inch spring when I replaced mine. I'll see if I can find it again. It's not hard to do, many videos on how to do it. Just pay attention and be careful.
 
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J.R. said:
So I'm trying to replace the torsion springs on my garage door.

They measure 22" compressed, but I'm having trouble locating a replacement. Anyone out there ever replace these? I can't tell if the color is tan or faded yellow.

I contacted Chamberlain, but they have yet to respond. (Chamberlain Liftmaster Professional 1300 series)
Click to expand...
Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Sears are brands of garage door opener. They really don't have anything to do with the torsion springs. That was provided by the door manufacturer. There may be a tag or sticker somewhere on the door that would indicate what brand the door is. It is often found on the edge of the door. With the door in the down position, look between the track mounted to the wall and the wall. There might be a sticker there that would tell you who the maker of the door is. Some brands in this area are: Amarr, Clopay, Safeway, Doorlink, Overhead brand, Anmar to name a few.

But since it has the conventional torsion spring it doesn't really matter the brand. That system works the same on all brands. Just need to find the correct replacement spring.
 
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SilvrSRT10 said:
Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Sears are brands of garage door opener. They really don't have anything to do with the torsion springs. That was provided by the door manufacturer. There may be a tag or sticker somewhere on the door that would indicate what brand the door is. It is often found on the edge of the door. With the door in the down position, look between the track mounted to the wall and the wall. There might be a sticker there that would tell you who the maker of the door is. Some brands in this area are: Amarr, Clopay, Safeway, Doorlink, Overhead brand, Anmar to name a few.

But since it has the conventional torsion spring it doesn't really matter the brand. That system works the same on all brands. Just need to find the correct replacement spring.
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So it's an Amarr, now I just need to calculate the IPPT that you mentioned above
 

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A friend of mine that was pretty savvy mechanically got one of his hands busted all up from replacing his torsion springs.

As many things as I do for myself, that's one thing that I am happy to pay for.
 
SilvrSRT10 said:
I own a garage door company in Timberlake, NC. Been in business over 20 years. Torsion springs can hurt you badly if you don't know what you're doing. Springs are rated in IPPT (inch pounds per turn). In order to find a replacement we need to know the spring wire gauge, inside diameter of the spring and length of the coils. With that information the IPPT can be determined.

What I would do is uprate the spring which will give it more cycles life. For instance, if your current spring is a .207x2x24, you could replace it with a .218x2x30 which would extend the life of the spring. There are more active coils in the .218 but the IPPT is the same as the .207.

I replace a set of springs on a double car garage door for about $150 to $175 turn key. These places that are charging $300 are just ripping you off and often find other things wrong with your door by their own making. If you like, I can talk to my distributor and see if he can recommend anyone in your area. I tell my customers that my service call fee is a lot cheaper than a hospital visit. Can a homeowner change their own springs? Yes. But please, please be very careful. And make sure you have the correct wind facing the proper direction when installing the new springs. Springs have a red or black winding cone. In most circumstances, the red cone goes on the left side of the center bearing and the black cone goes on the right side of the bearing.

If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them for you.
Click to expand...

Gotta love this place. There is an expert for everything. Great info.
 
J.R. said:
So it's an Amarr, now I just need to calculate the IPPT that you mentioned above
Click to expand...

You need to find out the wire gauge, inside diameter and length of coils. I think Amarr used 2" ID springs. If you know the size and model of the door I can figure it for you.
 
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I have done alot of dangerous things to save money. This is one that is not worth while. You are not making a smart decision trying to save a few hundred dollars. Pay the man the few hundred to fix it properly and avoid $100k in sugery bills.
 
DrDover said:
I have done alot of dangerous things to save money. This is one that is not worth while. You are not making a smart decision trying to save a few hundred dollars. Pay the man the few hundred to fix it properly and avoid $100k in sugery bills.
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My offer still stands to check with my distributor and try to find someone reasonable in your area to fix it for you. Just let me know.
A professional will make the spring change look easy. But we've had years of practice and know how to handle them.

Shoot! I just now saw your photo of the spring. Yes, that is a yellow or .207 wire gauge. And I'm sure it's a 2" ID. All I need now is the length of the spring coils. That is also a Red cone. Does the door have one or two springs on it?
 
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SilvrSRT10 said:
My offer still stands to check with my distributor and try to find someone reasonable in your area to fix it for you. Just let me know.
A professional will make the spring change look easy. But we've had years of practice and know how to handle them.

Shoot! I just now saw your photo of the spring. Yes, that is a yellow or .207 wire gauge. And I'm sure it's a 2" ID. All I need now is the length of the spring coils. That is also a Red cone. Does the door have one or two springs on it?
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When I measured the spring itself, it was 22". I didn't measure the part that twists though. Also, there are 2 springs. A guy left me a message this evening, but if his price isn't reasonable I'll definitely take you up on the offer.
 
J.R. said:
When I measured the spring itself, it was 22". I didn't measure the part that twists though. Also, there are 2 springs. A guy left me a message this evening, but if his price isn't reasonable I'll definitely take you up on the offer.
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A .207x2x22 has a IPPT of 24.2. You could step up to a .218x2x28 which has a IPPT of 24.6 the .4 difference is insignificant.
As you can see from my spring program by going from the .207's to .218's you double the life cycles of your springs. Cycles is the number of times a door goes up and down. My price on a .218x2x28 is $30.88. I always recommend replacing both springs at the same time. They both have the same number of cycles on them. So for a set of springs the cost would be $61.76 plus my service call/labor to install them is $75. So you'd be looking at about $140. And that's for an upgraded set of springs too. I'll hopefully be retired before they break again.

So at least now you are armed with some information you can compare with whoever you decide to do the work. I hope you can find a reputable company to do this for you. Ask around. Word of mouth is my best advertisement. Maybe someone knows of a company that has treated them fairly.

ZiUUPOG.png
 
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SilvrSRT10 said:
A .207x2x22 has a IPPT of 24.2. You could step up to a .218x2x28 which has a IPPT of 24.6 the .4 difference is insignificant.
As you can see from my spring program by going from the .207's to .218's you double the life cycles of your springs. Cycles is the number of times a door goes up and down. My price on a .218x2x28 is $30.88. I always recommend replacing both springs at the same time. They both have the same number of cycles on them. So for a set of springs the cost would be $61.76 plus my service call/labor to install them is $75. So you'd be looking at about $140. And that's for an upgraded set of springs too. I'll hopefully be retired before they break again.

So at least now you are armed with some information you can compare with whoever you decide to do the work. I hope you can find a reputable company to do this for you. Ask around. Word of mouth is my best advertisement. Maybe someone knows of a company that has treated them fairly.

ZiUUPOG.png
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See now $140 is a fair price, the place I called want $65 just to come out to look but when she told me $100-300 depending on what spring I was like forget it. I understand that they don't want to come out for nothing, but for $300 I'll risk doing it myself. This was even after someone commented the color was in fact yellow and they wouldn't give me a price for that particular set. Now that you've given me what a reasonable price should cost I'm gonna call this other place tomorrow. Hopefully they will have a decent quote, they have good reviews on google but it took them an entire day to return my call so we'll see how that goes

Also, I really appreciate you taking the time to explain it all to me.
 
Most repair companies will not give a firm price because when they show up and find out you need more work done to
get things up to code or to do it the right way when it was done wrong the last time, it will cost more then what the lady said on the phone.
 
J.R. said:
See now $140 is a fair price, the place I called want $65 just to come out to look but when she told me $100-300 depending on what spring I was like forget it. I understand that they don't want to come out for nothing, but for $300 I'll risk doing it myself. This was even after someone commented the color was in fact yellow and they wouldn't give me a price for that particular set. Now that you've given me what a reasonable price should cost I'm gonna call this other place tomorrow. Hopefully they will have a decent quote, they have good reviews on google but it took them an entire day to return my call so we'll see how that goes

Also, I really appreciate you taking the time to explain it all to me.
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Don't be too put off by how long it took them to get back to you. A lot of operations (myself included) are small family run businesses. He may have been out doing installations and trouble calls all day. At least he responded to your voicemail. I'm fortunate that my wife is retired and can handle phone calls during the day when I'm away. Heck, I hate a phone. Hate talking on them. Only close friends and family get my mobile number. If a lot of people/customers had my mobile number I'd never et anything done.

Anyhow, I hope he comes through for you and will do it for a reasonable price.
 
Button Pusher said:
Most repair companies will not give a firm price because when they show up and find out you need more work done to
get things up to code or to do it the right way when it was done wrong the last time, it will cost more then what the lady said on the phone.
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This too is true. So when we give a price over the phone it's a "ballpark" type quote for the service requested. If I find anything else wrong, I will bring it to the customers attention and see how they want to proceed. Most of the time when I'm there doing a spring change or whatever, I lubricate the rollers and hinges, check the end bearings. Basically a minor tuneup to make sure the door is operating smoothly and quietly. That's part of the $75 service call.

Something else I do as a courtesy. If I don't happen to have the correct springs on the truck to do the replacement, I have what's called spring blocks. I can mend the spring back together so the door is operational until I can get the correct spring. Did one today.
 
SilvrSRT10 said:
Don't be too put off by how long it took them to get back to you. A lot of operations (myself included) are small family run businesses. He may have been out doing installations and trouble calls all day. At least he responded to your voicemail. I'm fortunate that my wife is retired and can handle phone calls during the day when I'm away. Heck, I hate a phone. Hate talking on them. Only close friends and family get my mobile number. If a lot of people/customers had my mobile number I'd never et anything done.

Anyhow, I hope he comes through for you and will do it for a reasonable price.
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That's true, quick question.

I think I'm just gonna put on the .218 instead of the .207, is there any way I can confirm he puts them in vs the .207? The x28 is the length correct, so they should be a little longer?
 
J.R. said:
That's true, quick question.

I think I'm just gonna put on the .218 instead of the .207, is there any way I can confirm he puts them in vs the .207? The x28 is the length correct, so they should be a little longer?
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Yes they will be a little longer and they should have some white paint on them. Just like your spring has yellow paint. The color corresponds with the wire gauge.
Yellow = .207, White = .218, Red = .225, Brown = .234 etc. It's pretty much an industry standard. The spring may actually be marked. I have some springs in stock where .218x2x28 is painted on them. Similar to this:
pTfGSsh.jpg
 
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SilvrSRT10 said:
I own a garage door company in Timberlake, NC. Been in business over 20 years. Torsion springs can hurt you badly if you don't know what you're doing.
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I have been watching this thread with interest. I do industrial maintenance work for a living. Been in this field for over 30 years. I may be working on a forklift, stretch wrapper, or a 40 ton HVAC unit on any given day.
When we have problems with rollup doors, we call a professional door company .No questions from mgmt.I have seen guys get hurt on these doors over my years.I will tackle repairs on most anything, but not overhead doors or dock levelers.
Thanks to SRT10 for his insight and professional advice.
 
Gazengine said:
I have been watching this thread with interest. I do industrial maintenance work for a living. Been in this field for over 30 years. I may be working on a forklift, stretch wrapper, or a 40 ton HVAC unit on any given day.
When we have problems with rollup doors, we call a professional door company .No questions from mgmt.I have seen guys get hurt on these doors over my years.I will tackle repairs on most anything, but not overhead doors or dock levelers.
Thanks to SRT10 for his insight and professional advice.
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My pleasure. I hate seeing people being ripped off.

I know of a man who had a worn gear in his motor. A $15 part. Under $100 for me to repair it. I was in jury duty and couldn't get to it in his timeframe. He called someone from Raleigh and they replaced the whole opener and a bunch of other unnecessary stuff and then presented him with a bill for $2300. I hope there's a special place in Hell for people like that. I couldn't sleep after doing that to people. Older folks are the worst for being taken advantage of.
 
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Nicely done @SilvrSRT10 !

So awesome the number of SME's we have here at CFF covering such an incredibly diverse field of topics.
 
J.R. said:
So I'm trying to replace the torsion springs on my garage door.

They measure 22" compressed, but I'm having trouble locating a replacement. Anyone out there ever replace these? I can't tell if the color is tan or faded yellow.

I contacted Chamberlain, but they have yet to respond. (Chamberlain Liftmaster Professional 1300 series)
Click to expand...
I got some for my garage door, when I lived in Greensboro, on line. A bitch to install. Made my old rods from stock I bought at northern tool.

It was a place like this link.
http://www.garagedoorpartsupply.com/torsion-springs/

Eventually I had the whole door replaced because it was a very heavy wooden 18' wide door from 1984.
 
SilvrSRT10 said:
Status please. Inquiring minds want to know.
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DIY project; ordered the upgraded spring you recommended via Amazon and the guy has still not shipped it. Needless to say; it's driving me absolutely insane bc in order to shut the door you have to hold down the button. As if that wasn't bad enough, it has to be the button on the wall the clicker won't work. I'm just gonna really take my time to avoid injuring myself
 
J.R. said:
DIY project; ordered the upgraded spring you recommended via Amazon and the guy has still not shipped it. Needless to say; it's driving me absolutely insane bc in order to shut the door you have to hold down the button. As if that wasn't bad enough, it has to be the button on the wall the clicker won't work. I'm just gonna really take my time to avoid injuring myself
Click to expand...

Please do us worrywarts a favor...don't change out the spring if you're there by yourself.
 
trcubed said:
Please do us worrywarts a favor...don't change out the spring if you're there by yourself.
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lol I told my wife the same thing, I told her I'll have to wait until she's home and figure out the closest er ahead of time god forbid something we're to go wrong
 
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