Adjusting Garage Door Repair springs can be a challenging task that requires caution and attention to detail. It is important to note that garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled. If you are not comfortable or experienced with this type of work, it is recommended to hire a professional technician.
However, if you decide to proceed with adjusting the garage door springs on your own, here is a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Safety First:
- Before starting any work on your garage door springs, ensure that you have the necessary safety equipment, including safety glasses and gloves.
- Disconnect the power to the garage door opener to prevent any accidental activation while you’re working on the springs.
- Identify the Springs:
- There are typically two types of springs used in garage doors: extension springs and torsion springs.
- Extension springs are located above the horizontal tracks on either side of the garage door, while torsion springs are mounted on a metal rod above the garage door opening.
- Determine which type of spring system your garage door has before proceeding.
- Understanding Torsion Springs:
- If your garage door has torsion springs, they will be under significant tension and require special tools and techniques to adjust.
- Torsion springs are adjusted by winding or unwinding the springs using winding bars inserted into the winding cone on each end of the spring.
- Releasing Tension:
- To adjust torsion springs, you first need to release the tension on the springs.
- Insert a winding bar into one of the winding cones and slowly unwind the spring by turning the winding cone away from the center of the door.
- Repeat the process for the other winding cone until the tension is released.
- Adjusting Torsion Springs:
- Once the tension is released, you can make adjustments to the torsion springs.
- To increase tension, insert the winding bar into the winding cone and turn it toward the center of the door.
- To decrease tension, turn the winding cone away from the center of the door.
- Make small adjustments, usually quarter-turns at a time, and test the door’s balance after each adjustment.
- Balancing the Door:
- Properly balancing the garage door is crucial for smooth operation and to prevent premature wear on the springs.
- With the tension adjusted, manually lift the door halfway and release it. It should stay in place without rising or falling.
- If the door moves, adjust the tension accordingly until the door remains balanced at the halfway position.
- Extension Springs:
- If your garage door has extension springs, they can be adjusted by adding or removing tension from the springs.
- Extension springs have safety cables that run through the springs and prevent them from causing injury if they break.
- To adjust extension springs, you will need to move the S-hook or adjustable clip to a different hole on the track hanger to increase or decrease tension.
- Testing and Final Adjustments:
- After adjusting the springs, test the garage door’s operation by opening and closing it several times.
- Pay attention to any unusual sounds or imbalances during the operation.
- Make any necessary final adjustments until the door opens and closes smoothly and remains balanced at all positions.
- Regular Maintenance:
- Once you have successfully adjusted the garage door springs, it is important to perform regular maintenance to ensure their longevity and proper operation.
- Lubricate all moving parts of the garage door, including springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks, using a silicone-based lubricant.
- Inspect the springs regularly for signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
Remember, adjusting Garage Door Repair springs can be dangerous, and if you are unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it is best to consult a professional garage door technician. Your safety should always be the top priority when working with garage door springs.
First Responder Garage Doors
180 State St Suite 225, Southlake, TX 76092
1-817-991-5551