What do the colors mean on torsion springs?

Author: Orville Morar  |  Last update: Friday, July 18, 2025

Torsion springs will generally have two different colors. First, each spring will be marked with red or black. Red springs are 'right-wound springs' while black springs are 'left-wound springs'. The other color on the torsion spring is the DASMA color. The color signifies the wire size or wire gauge.

What do the colors on coil springs mean?

What does the colour code on the coil spring mean? Most OE coil springs have a colour code. In many cases this colour code is a direct assignment to an original part number of the vehicle manufacturer. In this case, the colour code can be used to accurately select the spare part.

How do you read a torsion spring?

A torsion spring's wind direction is denoted as either right-hand or left-hand wind. You can quickly determine your torsion spring's wind direction by noting that a right-hand wind spring is coiled counter-clockwise while a left-hand wind spring is coiled clockwise.

What do the colors of garage door sensors mean?

Green lights would mean your sensors are working properly, so red or no light on the garage door sensor must be checked immediately. You may have a problem with your bracket or need to tighten a screw on the sensors, or it might be a problem with the circuit board that requires professional assistance.

Why is one of my garage door sensors red and one green?

Each sensor will usually have a light. One will have a green light, used to show that the units are powered up, and the other will have a red light to show that there's no obstruction between the sensors and that they're 'seeing' each other.

How to Find the Wind of a Garage Door Torsion Spring

Should both garage door sensors be green?

For most garage door openers, including those from Chamberlain and LiftMaster, the laser sensors (also known as safety sensors or photo eyes) are supposed to both show a steady green light when properly aligned and functioning.

What color is a left wound torsion spring?

Torsion springs will generally have two different colors. First, each spring will be marked with red or black. Red springs are 'right-wound springs' while black springs are 'left-wound springs'. The other color on the torsion spring is the DASMA color.

Do torsion springs work in both directions?

Torsion springs resist twisting or rotationally applied force. Depending on the application, a torsion spring can be designed to work in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation, which will determine the direction of the wind.

What happens if you put the wrong spring on a garage door?

A Door That Falls Off Its Tracks – Whether your new springs are too strong, too weak or just not the right type, one possible consequence is that they could derail your door, i.e. cause it to fall off its tracks. In such an event, anybody standing in the garage or just outside could be in very serious danger.

How to choose the correct garage door torsion spring?

to choose the right torsion spring for your garage door, you need to measure the wire diameter, inside diameter, and length of the spring. Precise measurements are crucial as even slight inaccuracies can result in ordering the wrong spring.

What do the numbers on a torsion spring mean?

Torsion Spring Inside Diameter and Overall Length - In many cases the inside diameter of the torsion spring will be indicated on the stationary cone in between the two springs at the midpoint of the door. “1.75” means the inside diameter is 1 ¾ inches. “2” means the inside diameter is two inches etc.

What is the difference between right wind and left wind torsion springs?

Stand facing the spring and observe the coils. A right-wound spring will have the end of the last coil pointing in the clockwise direction. A left-wound spring will have the end of the last coil pointing in the counter-clockwise direction.

What are springs Colours?

True Spring's best colours are usually warm greens, yellows, orangey reds, very peachy pinks and every shade of light brown from tan to palest beige. This is the softest and lightest of the Spring colours - the intensity and saturation of those bolder Spring colours is really dialled down.

How do you know which way a coil spring goes?

If the direction of the coil, from top to bottom, can be simulated by bending the index finger of the left hand, the coil is left-hand wound; if it can be simulated by the index finger of the right hand, the coil is right-hand wound.

How leaf springs should look?

In proper working order, leaf spring packs should have a noticeable arch with the apex pointing downward, positioned just above the axle. Additionally, all individual leaves should be aligned and free from structural issues such as cracks or excessive corrosion.

How many turns on my torsion spring?

As a rule of thumb, it is generally 4 quarter turns per foot. So for a 7 ft. tall door, you will need approximately 28 quarter turns. Granted door weights do vary among other variables.

What happens if I use a longer torsion spring?

Increasing A Spring Cycle Life

Another difference between extension and torsion springs is that a torsion spring has the flexibility of increasing its cycle count. The cycle count can increase by using a heavier wire and a longer spring length.

Do coil springs go a certain way?

The short answer is, yes, the coil direction of your spring does make a difference. It won't change the performance or lifespan of a spring, but it will determine if it will be able to be installed in specific types of products or applications.

How do I know if my torsion spring is bad?

If you notice gaps between the coils of the springs, they may need replacement. Springs can also wear out more quickly if they are too big or too small for the garage door. Look for warning signs such as the door feeling heavy or flying up too quickly.

What does red mean on a garage door spring?

Springs with red cones are right-wound springs, meaning you would install them on the left side of the garage door. Springs with black cones are left-wound springs, meaning you would install them on the right side.

Why is one light green and one light yellow on my garage door sensors?

When one sensor displays a yellow light while the other remains green, it suggests an imbalance. This could occur due to factors such as sensor misalignment, objects obstructing the infrared beam, or wiring problems. It serves as a visual warning, prompting homeowners to inspect and address the specific problem.

What colors should my garage door sensors be?

You can check your light sensors by attempting to close the garage door, at which point the exterior LED lights should blink and stay green. If they stay red, the garage door is out of alignment. If you notice the light staying red, check for loose mounting brackets or screws.

Why does my garage door go all the way down then back up?

From misaligned sensors, worn-out springs or incorrect force settings, the causes range from simple fixes to more complex mechanical issues. Understanding why your door reverses and how to troubleshoot the problem isn't just about convenience; it's about maintaining your home's security and safety system.

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