Measuring garage door springs can be tricky — especially if you’re unsure about wire sizes, coil counts, or spring wind direction. But getting the specs right is critical to ordering the correct replacement and avoiding costly mistakes or delays.

To make things easier on you, we created this simple, step-by-step guide for measuring springs correctly the first time.

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Step 1: Determine Wire Size

To find the correct wire size:

• Measure 10 coils to the nearest 1/16" using a ruler.
• Convert that measurement to a decimal and divide by 10.
• For the most accurate measurement, start from the 1" mark on your ruler (instead of the end).

Example: If 10 coils measure 2 1/4", convert 2.25" to a decimal and divide by 10 to get a wire size of 0.225".

Step 2: Measure the Inside Diameter (ID)

The inside diameter is the width of the spring’s opening — not including the coils themselves.

Measure from one inner edge to the other. Common inside diameters include:

• 1.75”
• 2”
• 2.625”
• 3.75”

Accurate ID measurement is essential, as this affects compatibility with the torsion bar and cones.

Step 3: Measure the Length of the Spring

To determine the spring length:

• Measure from where the coil wire begins to where it ends.
• Do not include the cones in your measurement — just the spring wire itself.

Spring length can affect the door’s balance and function, so this measurement should be as precise as possible.

Step 4: Determine the Spring Wind (Left or Right Hand)

Garage door torsion springs are either right-hand wound (R/H) or left-hand wound (L/H) — and yes, it can be confusing at first.

Here’s how to tell:

Method 1: Look at the End of the Wire

• If the wire curves to the right, it’s right-hand wound.
• If it curves to the left, it’s left-hand wound.

Method 2: Check the Cone Color

• Red cone = Right-hand wound
• Black cone = Left-hand wound
  Tip: Remember “Red = Right” to make it easy.

Which Spring Goes on Which Side?

When you’re standing inside the garage, looking at the door:

• The spring on the left is right-hand wound
• The spring on the right is left-hand wound

Yes — it’s the opposite of what you might expect. That’s why color coding on the cones is so helpful.

Why It Matters

Taking the time to measure correctly ensures:

• Fewer returns and reorders
• Faster, smoother installs
• Less downtime for you and your customers

Still unsure? We’re here to help you get it right the first time — every time.