Replacing a broken garage door spring? Getting the right size matters - a spring that's even slightly off will wear out fast, fail to lift the door, or damage your opener. This guide walks you through the four measurements you need: wire size, inside diameter, length, and wind direction.

⚠️ Safety first: Torsion springs hold enormous tension. Only measure springs that are already broken or fully unwound. Never measure or remove a wound spring without a professional. Prefer to skip the measuring? team offers same-day service - call (888) 798-0103.

What You'll Need

• A tape measure (in inches)
• A caliper or ruler with millimeter markings
• A flashlight
• Pen and paper

Step 1: Measure the Wire Size

The wire size is the thickness of the metal coil itself, and it's the most important measurement.

1. Find a section of tightly wound coils.
2. Measure across 10 coils(outer edge of the first to outer edge of the tenth).
3. Divide that number by 10. That's your wire size.

Example: If 10 coils measure 2.437", your wire size is 0.2437".

Common wire sizes: 0.207", 0.218", 0.225", 0.234", 0.243", 0.250", 0.262", 0.273".

Step 2: Measure the Inside Diameter (ID)

The inside diameter is the size of the hole through the center of the spring.

1. Look at the end of the spring — you'll see a stationary cone.
2. The cone has the ID stamped on it: P175, P200, P250, etc.
3. P175 = 1.75" ID, P200 = 2.00" ID, P250 = 2.50" ID.
4. If there's no stamp, measure the hole directly.

Most residential doors use a 2" ID spring.

Step 3: Measure the Length

Measure the overall length of the spring when it's relaxed(not under tension).

1. Place your tape at one end of the coiled section.
2. Measure to the other end of the coiled section.
3. Do not include the cones — only the coils.
4. Round to the nearest 1/4 inch.

If your spring is broken, push the two halves together tightly first, then measure as one piece.

Step 4: Determine the Wind Direction

Springs come in left-wound and right-wound. Most doors use one of each.

• Left-wound: Wire end on the stationary cone points up and to the right (bottom of a "Z").
• Right-wound: Wire end points up and to the left (bottom of an "S").

The left-wound spring goes on the right side of the door (facing it from inside the garage), and vice versa.

Quick Reference Chart

Measurement	What It Is	Common Values
Wire size	Thickness of the coil	0.207"–0.273"
Inside diameter	Hole through the center	1.75", 2.00", 2.25", 2.50"
Length	Coiled section only	18"–42" typical
Wind	Direction of coil twist	Left or Right