Clamping iron & mandrel for torsion springs – safe work on the garage door

Torsion springs are the heart of many garage doors and industrial doors. They balance the enormous weight of the door leaves and ensure that the doors open and close smoothly. However, working with these springs is dangerous – without the right tools, serious injuries can occur. This is where tension bars and mandrels come into play. In this guide, you'll learn why they're essential, how they work, and what you need to consider when using them.

Why torsion springs are so important

Torsion springs are twisted steel springs that store enormous forces. They are usually mounted above the garage door and are connected to the door leaf via shafts. Their function:

• Weight compensation: A gate leaf weighing 100 kg can be moved with just a few kilograms of force thanks to springs.
• Durability: Springs are designed to last for thousands of cycles.
• Comfort: Operation is quiet and smooth.

Without torsion springs, opening a garage door by hand or with a motor would hardly be possible.

Risks of incorrect handling

Torsion springs are under high tension. Attempting to loosen or tighten them without the appropriate tools risks serious accidents:

• Risk of injury: slipping tools can injure fingers, hands or face.
• Material damage: incorrect tensioning can lead to spring breakage or damaged bearings.
• Uncontrolled movements: Gates can fall down or become jammed.

Therefore, work on torsion springs should only be carried out with professional clamps and always with the necessary caution.

What are clamps and mandrels?

Clamping irons and mandrels are special tools that fit precisely into the clamping holes of torsion springs. They are made of solid steel and designed to withstand the enormous spring force.

• Clamps: longer tools with handles that provide maximum leverage.
• Mandrels: shorter, sturdy steel pins that are inserted directly into the spring shaft.
• Sizes: depending on the spring diameter there are different dimensions.

The crucial point: a precise fit. A pin that's too thin can slip out—with fatal consequences.

Application & areas of use

Clamping irons are used whenever torsion springs need to be tensioned or relaxed:

• Installation of new garage doors: Springs must be initially tensioned.
• Spring replacement: old or broken springs are replaced.
• Re-tensioning: Springs lose tension over time and need to be adjusted.
• Industrial doors: particularly large springs require robust tools.

Safety & Standards

Working on torsion springs is not a hobby project, but a safety-relevant intervention. The most important requirements:

• DIN EN 12604: specifies requirements for the safe operation of doors.
• DIN EN 13241: regulates the safety and performance of door systems in Europe.
• Industrial Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV): requires inspections by experts in the commercial sector.

Conclusion: Only trained fitters or very experienced do-it-yourselfers should attempt to use torsion springs – and only work with tensioners.

Assembly and work instructions

To ensure that working with clamps remains safe, you should follow these basic rules:

• Always use two clamps at the same time .
• Never improvise – no screwdriver or iron pipe can replace a clamp.
• Wear protective equipment : gloves, safety goggles and sturdy clothing.
• Tighten or relax slowly and evenly, never jerkily.
• Always secure the spring before changing the tool.

A small mistake can have big consequences – so it’s better to check too often than to take a risk.

Clamps & accessories at Tormeister24

In the Tormeister24 range you will find high-quality clamps and accessories:

• Clamps in various sizes for all common torsion springs
• Mandrels made of solid steel, tested and durable
• Accessories such as spring break devices, bearings and fastening materials
• Custom-fit solutions for private garage doors and industrial doors

All tools are suitable for professional use and comply with the relevant safety standards.

Conclusion – Small tools, great security

Clamps and mandrels are indispensable tools when it comes to torsion springs. They make the work safe, reliable, and compliant with standards. Anyone working on garage doors should never improvise – instead, rely on high-quality, tested tools. With the solutions from Tormeister24 , you're on the safe side.