Torsion Spring Lift Mechanism

Residential garage doors come either with an extension or torsion spring lift mechanism. The latter is more widely used as it is suitable for heavier doors as well as for lighter ones. In most cases, a single torsion spring is used. Only the heaviest units have two.

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The primary fixed component of the mechanism is the shaft. It is set right above the overhead door. The spring goes around the shaft. It is typically set in the center. There is a drum at each end of the shaft. Each drum is connected to the top end of a lift cable. The bottom end of the cable is attached to the lowest part of the door.

During installation, the spring is wound so that it has a sufficient amount of force to keep the door balanced. The lift is a measure which shows the amount of force that a spring can be loaded with. It has to be selected in line with the weight of the door.

When the door opening process begins, the opener drives the door in anupward and then forward direction. The spring unwinds and applies torque to the drums so that it can be used for the lifting of the door via the cables. This hardware component provides most of the force required for moving the unit. The contribution of the opener is much less significant. When the door is closing, the spring winds again. In this way, it is loaded with force.

The moving components of the torsion spring lift system are under great tension at all times and do very hard work. That is why the spring and cables break eventually. When the overhead door maintenance includes thorough inspection, extensive wearing and other issues are acknowledged timely and the problematic components are replaced.

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