Although garage doors may look like they can be handled as a DIY job, they are quite complex. Most homeowners treat their garage doors as an afterthought until they start malfunctioning or operating bizarrely.
One of the most important aspects of this complex system is the garage door springs—in particular, torsion springs play a critical role in assisting the door in operating smoothly.
But have you ever wondered how many times springs need to be wound for a garage door? In this guide, you will learn all about garage door spring turns—what they are and why they matter. We’ll also discuss how California Garage Door Repair can keep your system running safely and effectively.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
Before we discuss how many turns your garage spring requires, let’s consider how important these springs are and why they are so important. Garage doors are heavy, weighing 150 to 300 pounds on average, and the springs carry most of this weight each time you open or close the door.
These springs create tension, which then counterbalances the weight of your door and makes it easier to lift.
Garage door springs can be classified into different categories, but torsion springs are widely used in households. These springs are situated above the door and twist and untwist accordingly to create tension that allows the door to move smoothly.
The twisting of the spring is what stores energy, and this is how it helps lift the door. It is essential to get the turns right when winding a garage door torsion spring—too many turns could cause the door to fly open or overload the system.
Very few turns, and you’ll have a problem with the garage not opening at all, or it may slam shut dangerously. There’s also an issue when you may require garage door spring repair if your springs are damaged.
If the springs are beyond repair, you’ll require a garage door spring replacement, and it’s ideal to leave this to the professionals as it can be hazardous to work on them if you’re not sure how to do so.
How Many Turns Should Be Applied?
Several factors are responsible for the number of turns on a garage door spring, such as the weight and height of your door and the length of the spring. Although there are guidelines that can establish how many turns you need to wind a particular garage door spring, the fact that every door is specific means that accuracy is essential.
A good general guideline is one full turn per foot of door height. So, with an ordinary 7-foot garage door, the torsion spring generally takes about 7 total turns. But remember that different door weights and types of springs may change this number.
A garage door spring turn chart can be handy here. It allows you to quickly reference the number of turns that need to be made for these types of doors by simply looking up their dimensions and specifications.
As simple as this may sound, it can be highly problematic if you get it wrong. If the spring is unwound too far, dangerous levels of stored energy may be released as the spring snaps or fails. Conversely, if the spring is underwound, opening the door could be difficult, or in some cases, the door may simply slam shut on you.
The Correct Number of Turns for Your Garage Door
By making sure you use the right number of turns in your garage door spring, you can guarantee that your door will work smoothly and safely. So, how can you determine the correct turns for your garage door springs? Here are the key factors:
- Door Height: When purchasing a standard 7-foot door, consider the height. A 7-foot door requires about 7 turns, while an 8-foot door may need as many as 8.
- Door Weight: The heavier a door, the more turns on the spring there may be, as this will require more tension.
- Spring Length and Thickness: The spring’s length and thickness determine its tension capacity. If your spring is shorter or thinner than usual, it may need more turns to compensate
For accurate adjustments, consult a professional or refer to a garage door spring turn chart specific to your system. This chart will list the ideal number of turns for different door sizes and weights, helping you ensure that the spring is wound correctly for your particular setup.
Steps to Wind a Garage Door Spring
Although it may seem doable, winding a garage door spring is a specialized task that requires expertise and caution. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can prepare yourself to undertake the challenge of adjusting garage door spring turns:
Step 1. Gather Your Tools
You’ll need a pair of winding bars, wrenches, and safety equipment like gloves and goggles for this job. Choose winding bars that are the right size to fit the garage door spring’s winding cone.
Step 2. Unplug the Garage Door Opener
The power to your garage door opener should be disconnected whenever you are working on its springs; this is a safety measure that will help avoid accidents.
Step 3. Loosen the Set Screws
Take your wrench and insert it into the set screws to loosen them, which in turn will free the spring. This gives you the opportunity to begin winding the spring.
Step 4. Start Winding
Insert the winding bar into one of the holes on the winding cone, and carefully start winding the spring either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on your spring. The usual is one full turn per foot of door height.
Step 5. Count the Turns
Track how many garage door torsion spring turns you are making. If you do not know the number of turns your spring needs, take a look at the garage door spring turn chart or ask for help from professionals.
Step 6. Tighten the Set Screws
After winding the spring the required number of times, secure the set screws in place.
Step 7. Test the Door
Reconnect the garage door opener and test the door to make sure it opens smoothly. If your door is struggling, you may need to add or remove some garage door spring winding turns.
Remember, winding a garage door spring is dangerous work. The tension stored in the spring can cause severe injury if it’s mishandled. If you’re at all unsure, it’s best to leave the job to professionals like California Garage Door Repair, who have the experience and tools to get the job done safely.
Signs Your Garage Door Spring Needs Adjusting
Despite your garage door seeming to be working the way it should, there can still be some signs that your spring may need an adjustment. Springs can lose tension and cause the door to stop working properly after a while. The following are the key signs that your spring requires more or less turns:
- The Door Closes Too Quickly: If your garage door tends to hit the ground with a bang or just close too quickly, this may be a sign that there isn’t much pressure on the spring, and you need to add some more turns.
- Difficulty Opening the Door: If the door is heavy or hard to open, it may be underwound. More turns will balance the door and make it easier to open.
- The Door Doesn’t Stay Open: A door that will not stay open has a loose spring. Adding a few turns to the garage door spring winding can fix the issue.
- Uneven Movement: If the door opens unevenly or one side is higher than the other, it may be because of improper spring tension. A professional can diagnose whether the spring needs adjusting or if there’s another issue at play.
If you detect these warning signs early, it could help you prevent further damage to your garage door system and save you on more expensive garage door repair. Call California Garage Door Repair today for scheduled or emergency garage door repair.
When to Call a Professional
Although a homeowner can adjust the number of garage door spring turns, the risks associated with it are usually not worth the money saved. Springs under tension can snap without warning, causing injury or damage to your home. In addition, incorrect winding causes the opener or cables to wear out sooner.
If you are unsure how to reset a garage door spring or you do not have the tools, training, or experience, always call in professionals like California Garage Door Repair.
Our technicians have the skills to know exactly what is wrong with your door and how many turns it is over or underwound and will adjust it precisely to ensure that your door operates safely and efficiently.
Ready for a Smooth-Running Garage Door? Call California Garage Door Repair Today!
Knowing how many turns to wind a garage door spring is crucial for ensuring your garage door operates safely and smoothly. While the general rule is one turn per foot of door height, various factors, such as the door’s weight and spring size, can affect the exact number of turns needed.
Using a garage door spring turn chart and keeping an eye on your door’s performance will help you determine when adjustments are necessary.
However, winding a garage door spring can be dangerous, and it’s easy to make mistakes that could result in injury or damage. That’s why calling professionals like California Garage Door Repair is the safest and most reliable option.
Our skilled technicians can assess your system, make the necessary adjustments, and provide ongoing maintenance to keep your garage door in top condition.
In the end, it’s about peace of mind—knowing that your garage door is properly balanced, safe to use, and operating at its best. Whether you need a simple spring adjustment or a more comprehensive repair, California Garage Door Repair has you covered. Call us today!