Torsion springs are helical springs that exert a torque or rotary force. Spring manufacturers generally use hard drawn steel, spring steel and stainless steel for manufacturing torsion springs. You can also find delicate torsion springs made of silk, glass or quartz fibers.

A garage torsion spring is the most general application of a torsion spring. Another popular application of the torsion bar spring is in power transmission drives of automotives. Other equipment that use torsion springs are circuit breakers, electrical switches, textile machinery, packing tools, hand tools and switchgear products.

Besides spring dimensions, leg style is another important feature of a torsion spring. You can select a short hook end, a straight offset end, a hinge end or a special end for your torsion spring.

Some important parameters you must consider before buying a torsion spring are:

1. Torque acting on the torsion spring
2. Dimensions of the torsion spring: outside diameter, inner diameter, wire diameter and length
3. Dimensions of the torsion spring leg: leg angle, end style and length
4. Material of the torsion spring
5. Direction of helix: left or right

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy torsion springs from a reputable spring manufacturer

Once you have identified your requirements, evaluate standard torsion springs available in the market.

I recommend: Stanley is a reputable spring manufacturer that supplies torsion springs of multiple leg bends. You can buy garage door torsion springs, mousetrap torsion springs and firearm torsion springs at All-Rite Spring Company. If you need double torsion springs, evaluate springs offered by The D.R. Templeman Co.. Century Spring provides torsion springs with legs of equal length. You can also buy torsion springs at other manufacturers such as Spring Manufacturing and Quality Components.

Buy torsion springs from reputable distributors or retailers

You can compare different torsion springs based on their features and prices at distributors or retailers' websites.

I recommend: Assembly Fasteners offers a large variety of industrial products, including torsion springs. You can buy torsion springs at The Fastener Group, a distributor of fasteners and electro mechanical components. You can also check out different springs offered by other distributors such as Dieco and Global Fastener & Supply. You can get lists of torsion spring suppliers at ThomasNet and DirectIndustry.

Buy specialty or customized torsion springs

If standard torsion springs available in the market do not match your requirements, opt for specialty or customized torsion springs.

I recommend: In addition to its standard torsion springs, Murphy & Read Spring Manufacturing offers customized torsion springs for applications such as ultra-precision medical devices. Northwest Spring manufactures torsion springs designed per customers’ requirements. Hurley Manufacturing supplies customized torsion springs of different materials such as stainless steel, inconel, phosphor bronze and beryllium copper.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Installation of a torsion spring and replacement of a torsion spring should be done very carefully as tension force can cause severe injuries.