Garage Doors operate via a garage door spring. There are two basic types; the Extension Spring, and the Torsion Spring. Torsion Springs are much more trickier to handle and dangerous too as compared to Extension Springs.

Garage door extension springs are used for lighter doors, including sectional doors and one-piece tilt-up garage doors. Extension springs hang from the top of the door. These springs are anchored near the back of the upper tracks. Extension door springs are safer for the “Do It Yourself person”, but there’s still danger involved.

On the other hand, heavier doors like sectional doors use torsion springs. Installing torsion springs necessarily requires professional help, because handling them yourself can lead to serious injuries. In some cases, even deaths have been reported. For every door, two torsion springs need to be installed on each side.

Although some people claim that fixing or installing torsion springs is easy as a pie, it is much better not to take any risks. There are numerous tutorials that teach how to fix torsion springs, but it is advisable not to perform it yourselves. Torsion springs are capable of lifting 300-400 pounds, and that increases the severity or an injury.

When in operation, remember to always keep away from the garage door. In this safety concern, one should especially be more wary of little children who tend to get playful. All buttons used to operate the door should be installed in a place where it is out of the reach of children. This tip can greatly help prevent any possible mishap that might lead to serious loss of life or property, caused by the door or any of the springs installed.

Garage door springs often become damaged with time. It is very important to carry out regular checks on the condition on your springs. Usually, whenever one spring needs repair, the other one is likely to get damaged soon too. Therefore, it is better to replace both springs together.

Installing or repairing your springs will cost anywhere from $75 to $350, so be sure to shop around to get the best deal.

The springs are at work most when the garage door is closed. This way, even if the spring fails, the door will remain closed and won’t hurt anyone. However, unfortunately if the springs fail when the door is open, it is likely to come crashing down on an object or a person.

The life-span depends on the quality of the spring, as well as on the amount of usage, on the maintenance, as well as whether this garage spring fits the size, height and weight of the door.

Garage door springs are extremely powerful, but also extremely dangerous mechanisms. No matter what kind of springs you have, both the door and the springs have to be maintained in a very good order and periodically inspected. You should try to schedule regular routine inspections to prevent any accidents caused by the door spring breaking. If you are thinking of replacing broken springs (especially torsion springs), remember the incredible twisting force of such springs.

Author Adam Stranton is very knowledgeable about garage door springs and specifically garage torsion springs.