How do I tell if I have the Original or the Plus Style Torquemaster?
Why is the spring I received much shorter than my old spring?
The springs I received are too short for the width of my door. How do I connect it on the inside?
My old spring had a rod inside of it and the new spring doesn't. What do I do with this part?
My new spring didn't come with plastic sleeves. What do I do?
I can't find the weight of my door. Can I give you the other numbers on my tube instead to order?
The weight of my door isn't listed on the label. How can I provide that if I can't find it?
Is the plastic sleeve included?
Can I use the part number on my spring tube to order?
Can I use the wire size and spring dimensions listed on my spring tube to order?
Can you tell the weight of my door based on the model number?
Can I just get away with replacing the winding cones on the springs if those are what failed?
Why are the end cones on my old spring vs the newer springs different materials?
Do I need anything else or can I just replace the springs?
Will they attach to what I currently have?
Do I need to lubricate the new springs?
What risk is there if I just replace my TM1 (Original Style) springs?
How do I tell if I have the Original or the Plus Style Torquemaster?
Please look at the pictures below, prior to purchasing, to determine if your door uses the Torquemaster plus or the regular Torquemaster system.
Why is the spring I received much shorter than my old spring?
The torquemaster springs you receive will not always match the length of your old springs due to the switch from an oil tempered spring to a new high tensile strength music wire spring. It may be different in length, diameter, or wire size than your existing spring, but it is the correct part that you ordered for the size of your garage door.
The springs I received are too short for the width of my door. How do I connect it on the inside?
The springs you received are what is rated for the height and weight of your door as ordered. The width of your door is not a factor because Torquemaster springs are self anchoring to expand and contract inside the spring tube. There must be empty space inside the tube for this to happen. Torquemaster spring tubes are teardrop shaped. The anchor cone on the end of the spring that goes inside the tube is also teardrop shaped. This design allows the anchor cone to lock into place when wound to provide the tension needed to lift and lower your door. As this happens the spring coils will stretch and contract. You do not connect the inside cone with anything inside the tube. Make sure your spring tube is completely empty before installing.
My old spring had a rod inside of it and the new spring doesn't. What do I do with this part?
You can safely discard the rod and any broken spring pieces found inside your spring tube. Some of the newer springs no longer require an inner rod. If all the information you provided when ordering is correct the spring that you receive will be the spring currently manufactured for your garage door.
My new spring didn't come with plastic sleeves. What do I do?
You can reuse your old spring sleeves. Just remove them from the spring tube, trim them down to fit inside the cones on your new spring, slide onto new spring prior to reinstalling spring in tube. Don't have the sleeves anymore? That's ok. The spring sleeves only serve as a noise dampener and springs can be installed without them.
Occasionally some types of flag brackets will block the tab on the winding bracket from sliding right on. If this is the case, all you need to do is bend the tab off (work it back and forth until it shears), and then you can install on your existing flag bracket. You may also need to punch a hole in the flag bracket for the carriage bolt if there is not one present in the correct location. See illustrations below.
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I can't find the weight of my door. Can I give you the other numbers on my tube instead to order?
We require the weight of your door to accurately determine the correct spring. Springs are made differently now than they used to be, so wire size and spring dimensions off your tube only apply to the old springs. Many part numbers on tube are internal to the door company that installed it or have been phased out. They often don't include the part numbers for both springs as well and there are lots of different combinations of springs that could be on the same door in different garages. We can't use any of the details on your spring tube label other than the height and weight of your door for the reasons listed above.
The weight of my door isn't listed on the label. How can I provide that if I can't find it?
If the balance weight is not on the label, you will need to weigh your door. Use a bathroom scale (analog, not digital) and release the tension on the spring to weigh. DO NOT GUESS the weight of your door and MAKE SURE there is no spring tension on the door (cables should be disconnected or slack on both sides). We base the size of the spring almost entirely on the weight of your door, so if you don't have this information you will not be able to order.
Yes. All torquemaster springs come with the winding cone and perch end cone installed on the spring coils.
Is the plastic sleeve included?
No, we do not include the plastic sleeves. You will have to reuse your existing spring sleeves (trimmed to fit new spring length as needed).
Can I use the part number on my spring tube to order?
No. Part numbers on the spring tube are usually internal to the door company that installed it or have been phased out. They often don't include the part numbers for both springs as well and there are lots of different combinations of springs that could be on the same door in different garages. We can't use the part number on your spring tube label. Instead we need the height and weight of your door.
Can I use the wire size and spring dimensions listed on my spring tube to order?
No. Springs are made differently now than they used to be, so wire size and spring dimensions off your tube only apply to the old springs. We can't use any of the details on your spring tube label other than the height and weight of your door.
Can you tell the weight of my door based on the model number?
No. Door weights vary within model numbers based on a variety of factors such as windows, paint finish, hardware and several other variables that can drastically effect the weight. We have no accurate way to determine your door weight other than weighing the door with a bathroom scale or finding the weight listed on the spring tube label. Spring size is based almost entirely on the weight of your door, so we require this to accurately determine what spring you need.
Why do I need a TM3 (Plus Style) spring setup which would about double my replacement cost and add to my effort?
The main benefit/reason to upgrade to the plus is just that all plus parts are still being made. The original style winding parts were discontinued many years ago and the plus style gears are not cross compatible. We don't know how long the original style springs will continue to be offered, but at some point they will be discontinued as well and all will be required to convert to the plus.
If your old winding gears strip out on install of the new spring, the torquemaster upgrade kit is required. Many customers just cut straight to the chase and do the torquemaster spring upgrade while replacing springs to avoid future issues. The springs are identical between both, its just the end cones and outer assemblies that are different.
Why would WD dealers try to talk me into converting to a standard torsion spring starting at about $350 but could get as high as $800?
We hear similar stories often on local companies trying to upsell on a more expensive replacement than necessary. This usually just comes down to lack of knowledge or parts on the Torquemaster system. Thankfully the internet exists and homeowners are savvy enough to do a little googling and wind up on a retailer like us that can offer a more affordable DIY solutions.
Can I just get away with replacing the winding cones on the springs if those are what failed?
The end cones made today may not fit some of the older springs as a replacement, and they are very hard to swap out. It is far easier to just replace the entire spring if the cones are broken.
Why are the end cones on my old spring vs the newer springs different materials?
Torquemaster spring end cone material on the springs vary based on when it was made, what type it is, and what weight it is lifting. The material end cones are made of on new springs will vary based on these same factors. It may be nylon or metal/aluminum. We rarely see the end cones break on the nylon ones. They are quite durable and are rated for 10,000+/- cycles.
Do I need anything else or can I just replace the springs?
This will vary from case to case. We recommend checking the condition of the winding gears and cables/drums on your spring system prior to ordering replacements. If any of these look worn or damaged, you should replace them. If you have the original style springs, this will likely mean you need to upgrade to the plus style with a conversion kit. This option is available on the Wayne Dalton Torquemaster Spring page on the first drop down menu "Convert Original to Plus style" as seen here:
Will they attach to what I currently have?
If you select the correct spring style matching what you already have (unless you are converting to the plus, and then it will regardless of your previous spring style), it will fit your existing parts. Reference this guide below when trying to determine which style you currently have:
Do I need to lubricate the new springs?
Lubricant isn't required as the springs are pre-lubricated, but it is a great addition for spring longevity. We recommend this option - Pro Series Heavy Weight Garage Door Lubricant Spray 6oz
What risk is there if I just replace my TM1 (Original Style) springs?
The only risk of replacing old springs with the original style instead of upgrading is the possibility that the end gears may strip out before the springs wear out and at that point a full upgrade with new plus style springs and kit would be required.
Still not sure what to order? If you have any questions regarding Torquemaster spring replacements, we would be happy to help you! Please send us an email here with any information you have gathered on your spring system, pictures of the spring tube labels and/or outer brackets. We will get back with you quickly to help you decide the correct parts needed.