Torsion Springs

A Torsion Spring is a spring that works by torsion or twisting; that is, a flexible elastic object that stores mechanical energy when twisted. When twisted it exerts a force in the opposite direction, proportional to the amount it is twisted.

A Torsion Spring counterbalance system consists of one (single car garage door) or two (double car garage door) tightly wound up springs on a steel shaft with cable drums at both ends.

The entire system mounts on the header wall above the garage door and has three supports: a center bearing plate and two end bearing plate at both ends.

The springs themselves consist of the steel wire with a stationary cone at one end and a winding cone at the other end.
The stationary cone is attached to the center bearing plate.
The winding cone consists of holes every 90 degrees for winding the springs and two set screws to secure the spring to the shaft. Steel counterbalance cables run from the roller brackets at the bottom corners of the door to a notch in the cable drums.

When the door is raised, the springs unwind and the stored tension lifts the door by turning the shaft, thus turning the cables drums, wrapping the cables around grooves on the cable drums.

When the door is lowered, the cables unwrap from the drums and the springs are rewound to full tension

The most common grade of torsion springs have an expected life of about 10,000 cycles wich are estimated to last between 3-7 years. It is important to remember that if the weight of the garage door is increased by adding glass or insulation, the life of the spring may be reduced.

The hardened and tempered steel experiences tremendous forces each time the door opens and closes.
Gradually, the steel fatigues with each cycle, and eventually cracks and breaks, usually with a horrific noise or bang

CAUTION! Replacing garage door torsion springs is dangerous because the springs are under tension. If you do not use the right tools and follow safe procedures, you could lose hands, limbs or even your life. You could also damage property.  If you have any doubts about your ability to safely change your springs, we recommend you hire a Phoenix Garage Doors to repair your garage door.