32" Garage Door Extension springs can you replace with 25"?
#1
04-04-14, 07:29 AM
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32" Garage Door Extension springs can you replace with 25"?
One of the cables on my friend's garage door snapped. I was going to replace it, but the springs are really old and should be replaced too. The springs are 32" long when not stretched. The garage door is a heavy 7' wood door. Everywhere I look I see that the standard spring for a 7' door is 25". Do I need to stick to a 32" spring or can I shift to a 25" spring? Is the extra 7" of the longer spring due to the wood door being heavy?
The door is a smaller door. 7' high and maybe 8' wide. I didn't notice what color paint the end of the spring had, if any.
The door is a smaller door. 7' high and maybe 8' wide. I didn't notice what color paint the end of the spring had, if any.
#2
04-04-14, 09:05 AM
From checking several sites, you need to disconnect the springs and then lower the door onto a bathroom scale to obtain the weight of the door. Since you already know the height, that plus the door weight will give you the information needed to purchase replacement springs.
#3
04-04-14, 09:11 AM
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I do know that I need to do that, but even if I find the door is 180 pounds, and there is a spring that is 25" that can handle that weight, is it ok to use that spring or do I need to find a 32" spring that is rated for that weight since that is what it has on it now? The 32" springs are harder to find and more expensive. I don't want to get a 25" spring though if that will either not allow the door to close because of the 7" less spring or if a 25" spring just won't work in place of a 32" spring.
#4
04-04-14, 05:47 PM
It's not the relaxed length, but the amount of stretch . A 7' high door should have a spring which will stretch 42" or 1/2 the height of the door. A 25" spring will meet this requirement. You do need to get the correct spring for the door weight and replace both springs.
#5
04-06-14, 09:05 AM
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The only other thing to consider about the spring length is the number of cycles. The 32" spring will typically last longer than the 25" spring. How long do you want to go before you make this repair again?
#6
04-06-14, 07:57 PM
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Well I guess the longer the spring lasts the better. So it sounds like maybe the reason the existing spring is 32" is because the door is wood and heavy and a longer spring will hold up longer? But a 25" spring will still work fine but maybe not last as long?
#7
04-07-14, 10:31 AM
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You are correct - a 25" spring will still work fine but it will not last as long. You will also have to re-adjust your cable lengths (or maybe even replace your cables if they do not have enough adjustment length), but it will work.
#8
04-07-14, 10:36 AM
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Ok, thank you for your help on this guys. I will just go with the 25" springs and re-cable since one of the cables is broke anyway.
