Buying garage door springs is a critical maintenance task that requires precision, as the wrong size can prevent your door from opening or even cause dangerous mechanical failures. 1. Identify Your Spring Type Most residential garage doors use one of two systems:
Never order based on door size alone; you must measure the existing springs (preferably when the door is closed and the springs are at rest).
: Mounted along the horizontal tracks on the sides of the door. These stretch and contract and require safety cables to prevent them from becoming projectiles if they snap. 2. Take Precise Measurements
: Located on a metal shaft directly above the door opening. They are considered safer because they stay on the shaft if they break.
Buying garage door springs is a critical maintenance task that requires precision, as the wrong size can prevent your door from opening or even cause dangerous mechanical failures. 1. Identify Your Spring Type Most residential garage doors use one of two systems:
Never order based on door size alone; you must measure the existing springs (preferably when the door is closed and the springs are at rest).
: Mounted along the horizontal tracks on the sides of the door. These stretch and contract and require safety cables to prevent them from becoming projectiles if they snap. 2. Take Precise Measurements
: Located on a metal shaft directly above the door opening. They are considered safer because they stay on the shaft if they break.