Best Heavy Duty Garage Springs
Looking for the best heavy duty garage springs for your door? That’s good, that means you know how important springs are for garage doors. In this post, we’ll tell you how to choose the best extension springs for your door. At the end you’ll find a copy of DASMA’s color codes for torsion and extension springs so you can identify the right spring for your door.
Two Types of Garage Door Springs
- Torsion Springs
- Extension Springs
There are two main types of garage door springs– torsion springs and extension springs. Currently, the most popular among garage door experts is the torsion type. Although both types of springs can be used, torsion spring systems have many benefits.
Benefits of Torsion Springs
- Springs don’t fully extend when in operation
- Torsion springs last longer
- Torsion springs allow for a steady controlled motion when opening or closing
- Less likely to need adjustments
- Good at keeping the door in balance
- Requires fewer parts
- Low-maintenance
- Broken torsion springs are less dangerous than extension springs (call a pro!)
- Doors with extension springs can usually be converted for use with torsion springs
Extension springs are a good alternative to torsion springs if you have a tight budget. Many home builders choose extension springs because they are more affordable than torsion springs. They just aren’t as durable or as safe as torsion springs.
Additionally, torsion springs have a simpler design. That’s why we’ll primarily emphasize tips for extension springs in this post.
Learn More: Torsion Springs vs Extension Springs
Tips for Finding the Best Heavy Duty Garage Springs
All springs are made to lift certain size doors. The most important thing you can do for your garage door, no matter the size and weight, is to use the appropriate size springs. DASMA has made it easier to find the right size spring by providing standardized color-coded charts for torsion springs and extension springs. Spring manufacturers should follow these codes and coat the end of the springs in the correct color. The color-coding system for springs is helpful to anyone handling the springs.
- Use the appropriate size (color-coded) spring
- Use the correct amount of springs
- For extension springs – choose springs with the appropriate type of end
- When one spring breaks – REPLACE ALL THE SPRINGS
- When buying multiple springs – make sure they are all the same size and quality
Use this link to open a PDF of DASMA’s color-code chart in a new window↗
A Note on Extension Springs
Extension springs are available with different end loop options. Learn about three of the options below:
Open Looped Ends
Open looped ends are easy to replace and typically can be replaced without disassembling the pulley.
Double Looped Ends
Double looped ends are sturdier than open loops. There are two coils at the end of the spring that connects to the eye-bolt and pulley.
Clipped Ends
Clipped ends are the most durable spring ends. Their advantage is that they put less stress on the actual spring’s end. If your doors weigh more than 200 pounds they will need heavy-duty springs that have clipped ends.
Who to Contact for Repairs or Replacement
When you are in need of garage door repairs your first contact should be a garage door repair company. You can call a few companies to get bids and ask about pricing. Larger companies typically offer same-day consultations and repair while you may have to wait longer with smaller companies.
Your next call can be to an experienced handyman. Don’t call just any handyman, the person you contact should specialize or have extensive experience in garage door repairs. DO NOT attempt to repair your garage door springs on your own. Broken and damaged springs can be extremely dangerous to people and property.
Heritage Garage Door has served Southern California homeowners for over 30 years. Explore our website to learn more about us or contact us to schedule a repair, replacement, or installation service.
