Comparing Torque Master and Torsion Springs: Choosing the Best for Your Garage Door System

Published Dec., 16, 2024

Getting to Know Garage Door Systems
Garage doors are hefty, and a specialized system is needed to balance and manage their weight as they open and close smoothly. The mechanism in charge of this is the garage door spring system. You’ll typically encounter two main types: torsion springs and Wayne Dalton Torque Master springs. Eventually, both spring systems will need some repair work, and many residents in Raleigh have experience with both. Let’s dive into the specifics of these two systems.

Exploring the Torsion Tube
One big difference between these two systems is how the springs are presented. Both types are installed horizontally across the top of the door opening. Here’s the kicker: with the Wayne Dalton Torque Master system, you’ll notice the springs are tucked away inside a tube, so they stay out of sight. In contrast, torsion springs are visible, which plays a big role when you need to inspect or repair them.

Details About the Springs
When comparing the springs themselves, size matters a lot. Wayne Dalton springs are diminutive in both diameter and wire gauge, which means they need more rotations to muster enough power to lift your garage door. Here’s how this works:

• Wayne Dalton System: The springs generate force internally, with cables and drums helping out. Winding these springs usually calls for an electric drill for older models or a socket wrench for newer ones. Based on your garage door’s weight, the springs are wrapped around a certain number of times. The system has a spring winder on the right for single-spring setups, whereas dual springs have one on each side.
• Torsion Springs: These springs are adjusted using a winding bar, inserted into slots at the ends, then turned.

Understanding Drums and Cables
Drums and cables serve distinct functions depending on the system:

• Wayne Dalton System: You'll find small plastic drums and thinner cables. The cable wraps around these and connects at the door’s base.
• Torsion Spring System: Here, metal drums and sturdier cables are standard, offering greater durability.

Choosing the Best Garage Door Spring System
It's natural for Wayne Dalton to advocate for its superior features. However, professionals in this field, ourselves included, often advocate for torsion spring systems. Here's why they might be the better fit for your home:

Easy Inspection and Repair
Torsion springs are visible, which means you can spot rust or potential breaks before they become a problem. With Wayne Dalton Torque Master springs hidden away, issues often go unnoticed until a malfunction arises, necessitating disassembly to diagnose the problem. An unbalanced door is a sign of trouble, making it challenging to open manually.

Durability Concerns
Due to its reduced size, the Wayne Dalton spring demands extra winding, which increases stress and may lead to a quicker failure compared to torsion springs.

Cable Reliability
Thinner cables in the Wayne Dalton system are prone to fraying, unlike their thicker torsion spring counterparts. This could mean shorter lifespans and more frequent repairs.
While keeping springs hidden aims to protect them from grime, the Wayne Dalton system’s downsides outweigh this benefit, making it less appealing. If you’re a homeowner in the Raleigh area dealing with a broken Wayne Dalton Spring, consider converting to a torsion spring system. We’ve been facilitating such conversions for years, often on the same day. Give us a call at (919) 342-1351 to book your appointment!