HOW TO MEASURE A SPRING

Step 1

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

Inside Diameter

Measure from one inner edge straight across to the opposite inner edge.

For example, this image shows that this springs measures an inside diameter of 1.75"

Step 3

Length

When measuring spring length, measure the coil from one end to the other. Do not include the end cones, as they do not contribute to the spring’s length.

Determining Spring Wind

When placing an order, it’s important to understand the wind of a spring. Not knowing this is a common mistake installers make, often leading to exchanges for the correct one. Save yourself the hassle by knowing the difference, whether you distinguish them by cone color or by placement.

From Inside the Garage

This is our helpful tip to figuring out which wind to order. If you are standing inside the garage door, facing outward at the springs. The spring on the left side is right hand wound and the spring on the right is left hand wound. It may seem backwards, but thats just how it is. Another way to determine spring wind is by the cone, so if you are a person who orders by the color of the cone, this tip is for you. A red cone indicates a right hand wound spring and a black cone indicates a left hand wound spring. An easy way to remember this is

Red=Right

Black=Left