Garage Door Springs
The torsion spring itself is a physics marvel , there are three variables involved in a typical garage torsion spring (see Picture B) Length, inside diameter, and wire size or gauge. Each variable works independently of the other and can be varied to lengthen the lifetime of the spring. Torsion springs come in two different varieties galvanized or standard oil tempered springs, the galvanized being the better choice of the two. A galvanised torsion spring tends to have a longer lifetime and tend to be non corrosive. The most common grade
of torsion springs will last about 10,000 cycles. The steel experiences large amounts of force each time the door opens or closes. Gradually,the steel fatigues and eventually breaks, usually releasing its stored energy in an instant with a loud
bang.
Forces are developed in torsion springs, wound on a steel tube or “torsion tube” traditionally located above the header. When installing a garage door system a technician will wind the torsion springs and lock them in place on the tube The springs then store potential mechanical energy which is distributed via torque, as a tension on both sides of the garage door. Of course a set of garage door springs must develop enough tension in the cables to counter balance gravities effect on the door itself. door weight=mg=f Newtons famous equation works great here it gets a little more difficult to understand what spring size to use for what weight of door.