Quick Answer: Which Spring System Is “Best”?

• Most common + smoothest operation: Torsion springs
• Older setups (often cheaper to install): Extension springs
• Contained system on certain doors: TorqueMaster® (specialty parts and service approach)

The “best” system depends on your door style, hardware, and how often you use the door. In the Braintree area, many garages are used as the main entry—meaning cycle life, balance, and safety matter a lot.

What Garage Door Springs Actually Do

Springs counterbalance the weight of the garage door so it can lift smoothly—by hand or with an opener. When springs weaken or break, the opener has to do the heavy lifting (and often fails next).

If your opener strains, the door feels heavy, or the door lifts crooked, it’s smart to book a safety inspection: Garage Door Repair Near Braintree, MA.

1) Torsion Springs (Mounted Above the Door)

How to identify torsion springs: Look above the garage door opening. You’ll see one or two tightly wound springs sitting on a metal shaft (bar) with drums on each side.

Why homeowners like torsion systems

• Smoother, more controlled lifting
• Usually quieter than older extension setups
• Works well for heavier doors and frequent daily use
• More precise balancing when correctly sized

Common torsion spring problems

• A visible gap in the spring coil (classic break)
• Door stops after lifting a few inches
• Cables appear loose or come off a drum (often after a break)

If you suspect torsion spring failure, stop using the opener and book spring service: Garage Door Spring Repair in Braintree, MA.

Looking for a torsion-specific option? Garage Door Torsion Spring Replacement

2) Extension Springs (Along the Tracks)

How to identify extension springs: Look along the horizontal tracks on the left and right side of the garage. You’ll typically see long, stretched springs running parallel to the track.

Pros of extension springs

• Common in older homes across the South Shore
• Can be less expensive in some cases
• Simple design (but still dangerous under tension)

Common extension spring problems

• Door lifts unevenly (one spring weaker or broken)
• Door jerks, bounces, or slams shut
• Missing or damaged safety cables (important!)

Safety note: Extension springs should have safety cables running through them. Without safety cables, a broken extension spring can whip dangerously.

If your door is crooked or a cable looks slack, start with a full repair visit: Braintree Garage Door Repair Company.

3) TorqueMaster® Springs (Contained Tube System)

How to identify TorqueMaster®: Instead of exposed springs above the door, you may see a long metal tube mounted above the door opening. The springs are contained inside the tube (common on some Wayne Dalton doors).

Why TorqueMaster® can be confusing

• The spring is hidden, so you may not see the “gap” you’d see on torsion springs
• Some parts are more proprietary/specialty
• Repairs can involve conversion options depending on the door and hardware

Signs a TorqueMaster® system is failing

• Door becomes heavy or won’t lift fully
• Opener strains or reverses
• Door feels unbalanced and drops quickly when released

If you think you have TorqueMaster®, don’t force the opener—book an inspection so the correct parts and approach are used. For local scheduling: Residential Garage Door Services in Braintree, MA.

Which Spring Type Do I Have? (Fast Identification Checklist)

• Torsion: Springs on a shaft above the door (exposed coils)
• Extension: Long springs running along the horizontal tracks (left + right)
• TorqueMaster®: A tube above the door with springs hidden inside

Want a quick answer? Take two photos: (1) full door from inside, (2) close-up above the door opening. Text or call us and we’ll identify the system.

What Matters More Than Spring Type: Correct Sizing + Door Balance

In Braintree’s day-to-day reality, the biggest drivers of spring lifespan aren’t just “torsion vs extension.” It’s whether the spring is correctly matched to the door weight and height—and whether the door is balanced properly.

• Correct spring size reduces stress on the opener
• A balanced door runs quieter and smoother
• Healthy cables, drums, bearings, and rollers prevent repeat failures

If your door is noisy, shaky, or stiff, maintenance can prevent a bigger failure: Garage Door Maintenance Near Braintree, MA.

Call to Action: Spring Repair & Replacement in Braintree, MA

Springs are under extreme tension—DIY spring replacement is one of the highest-risk garage door repairs. If your door is heavy, stuck, or crooked, stop using the opener and call a local pro.

Lynoka Garage Door Services (Braintree, MA) helps homeowners across the South Shore with safe, correct spring replacement and full door balance testing.

Call/Text: 857-209-6904
Start here: Residential Garage Door Services in Braintree, MA
Spring repair: Garage Door Spring Repair (Braintree, MA)
Local company page: Braintree Garage Door Repair Company