High-Lift and Low-Headroom Spring Selection Guide

High-lift and low-headroom tracks solve real site constraints, but both require correct springing to balance weight, travel, and opener torque. Use this guide to spec springs with confidence and avoid callbacks.

Key measurements you need on site

• Door width and height
  Record exact panel height and total door height.
• Rise and track type
  Standard lift, high-lift rise amount, or low-headroom double-track kit.
• Drum size and model
  Standard drums or high-lift drums. Drum diameter changes cable travel per turn.
• Door weight
  Prefer a true scale reading. If unavailable, use manufacturer data and validate at half
  lift.
• Space above the header
  Confirms shaft placement, spring length room, and safety clearance.

Drum choice drives the math

• Standard lift drums move more cable per turn and suit 7 ft to 8 ft residential doors.
• High-lift drums have a stepped profile that lifts the door vertically before curving into horizontal travel. They change effective cable wrap and therefore spring turns.
• Low-headroom kits often keep standard drums but reposition the lift point. Verify part numbers before calculating turns.

Turns and travel basics

• A 7 ft standard lift door typically needs about 7.5 turns from relaxed to fully wound per spring set.
• High-lift requires additional initial turns to preload cable for the vertical rise, then standard travel turns for horizontal.
• Low-headroom double-track systems can need slight turn adjustments to achieve neutral balance at mid travel.

Technician tip: After winding, test at half lift. A properly balanced door should hold with light hand force only. If the door creeps, recheck weight, drum spec, and turns.

Selecting wire, ID, and length

• Inside diameter: 1.75 in and 2.00 in are common for residential. Match to cones and shaft hardware.
• Wire size: .207, .2187, .2253, .234, .243, .250 are frequent choices. Measure 20 coils and convert.
• Length: Longer length reduces stress for a given torque, often increasing cycle life. Ensure you have shaft real estate and clearance.
• Cycle rating: Offer a standard 10k cycle and an upgrade at 20k or more for high use doors or where access is mission critical.

High-lift example workflow

1. Confirm door weight and planned high-lift rise.
2. Select high-lift drums rated for door height and weight.
3. Use your shop calculator to determine IPPT and target torque.
4. Choose wire and length that deliver the required torque within your preferred cycle rating.
5. Verify spring outer diameter clearance at the shaft location.
6. Wind initial preload for the vertical rise, then add travel turns per the drum
   specification.
7. Balance test at half lift, then full travel. Adjust by quarter turns as needed.

Low-headroom example workflow

1. Install the double-track kit per manufacturer instructions.
2. Keep or verify standard drums and cable routing.
3. Choose springs that match the door weight and travel with slight allowance for routing friction.
4. Wind to spec, then fine tune for neutral balance and opener load.

Ordering checklist

• Door height, width, and true weight
• Track type and drum model
• Inside diameter and wire size
• Spring length and cycle target
• Wind direction for each spring
• Shaft size and cone compatibility

Storage, labeling, and QA

• Label each box with ID-wire-length-wind-cycle on two faces.
• Store pairs by wind to prevent mismatches.
• Keep a FIFO rotation and dry conditions to minimize surface oxidation.
• Log each install with final turns and balance notes for future service.

Why pros choose SGD Springs

• Deep inventory of residential specs, including popular high-lift drum pairings
• Fast shipping from Carrollton, TX to keep trucks moving
• Friendly tech support for spec checks, custom cuts, and branch stocking plans

Ready to build a high-lift or low-headroom kit that balances right the first time?
Visit Sgdsprings.com for current inventory or call (888) 803-3313 for help matching drums
and springs to your exact site conditions.

SGD Springs
1416 Westway Circle, Carrollton, TX 75006
(888) 803-3313
sgdsprings.com