Garage door springs quietly do the heavy lifting every time you open or close your garage door. When they wear out, your door can become noisy, uneven, or stop working altogether. Understanding how long garage door springs last—and the basics of identifying and measuring them—helps you plan ahead and stay safe.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?
Most residential garage doors use torsion springs (mounted above the door) or extension springs (mounted along the horizontal tracks). Both are rated by cycle life—one cycle is a full open and close.
Typical expectations:
- Standard springs are often rated for about 10,000 cycles.
- With average use of 3–5 cycles per day, that’s roughly 5–10 years of life.
- Heavy daily use (multiple drivers, frequent in-and-out) can shorten that lifespan.
- Upgraded “high-cycle” springs may be rated for 20,000–30,000+ cycles, lasting significantly longer under the same use.
Warning signs your springs are wearing out:
- The door feels much heavier than it used to.
- The opener struggles, jerks, or stops partway.
- The door opens unevenly or slams down.
- You hear a loud bang in the garage—often a broken torsion spring.
Because springs are under extreme tension, never attempt major spring repairs without proper training and tools. In many cases, having a professional handle replacement is the safest choice.
How to Measure Garage Door Springs (Basics Only)
Correct measurements are critical to order the right replacement spring. Even small differences in size or wire thickness can affect balance and safety.
If you are only gathering information (not removing springs yourself), here are the core dimensions technicians use:
-
Spring Length
-
Measure the relaxed length of the spring—from one end of the coil to the other—excluding the cones. This is usually expressed in inches.
-
-
Wire size (wire diameter)
-
This is often calculated by measuring a set number of coils (for example, 10 or 20 coils) and dividing by the number of coils.
-
Because this must be precise, many homeowners simply note the existing spring markings and share them with their supplier or technician.
-
-
Inside diameter
-
Often stamped on the spring cones (for example, 1.75", 2", etc.). This helps match the spring to the shaft and hardware.
-
-
Wind direction (left-wind or right-wind)
-
Torsion springs are wound in different directions and mounted on specific sides of the center bracket. This is usually identified visually or by how the spring is installed.
-
If you’re unsure or uncomfortable taking detailed measurements, take clear photos of your existing springs and hardware and bring them to A to Z Supply, or share them with your installer. That way, you can match the correct parts without guesswork.
Safety Note!
Garage door springs store a large amount of energy. Improper handling can cause serious injury. It’s usually safe to observe, photograph, and read markings, but winding/unwinding springs or removing torsion hardware should be left to trained professionals. When in doubt, consult a qualified installer or service company.
Where to Purchase Garage Door Springs and Parts
If you’re asking where to purchase garage door springs locally, A to Z Supply is your go-to resource. We can help with:
- Replacement garage door springs matched to your door’s size and weight.
- Related hardware, like cables, rollers, hinges, and brackets.
- New garage doors and openers when it’s time for a full upgrade.
- Guidance on whether a high-cycle spring upgrade makes sense for your usage.
And remember, A to Z Supply sells far more than just gutters. Contractors and homeowners across the area rely on us for garage doors and parts, roofing, siding, decking, fencing, windows, doors, trusses, lumber, sheet metal, and more!
If your garage door springs are failing—or you want to plan a proactive replacement—contact A to Z Supply. Our team will help you identify the right components and connect you with the materials you need to keep your garage door operating smoothly and safely.