Learn How To Tighten Garage Door Springs Like a Pro
Garage door springs are very useful components needed in the proper operation of garage doors. They are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door, ensuring its uninterrupted smooth operation. With continuous use and as time passes, it’s normal for the springs to lose tension due to normal wear and tear. However, sometimes the damage is too much that tightening the springs wouldn’t do any good. In such a case, consider getting replacement garage door springs to restore peak performance.
Some of the advantages of learning how to tighten garage door springs like a pro include:
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You save money.
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Increased safety for you and your loved ones.
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Longevity - your garage door continues to always function optimally.
In this guide, we’ll be looking at how to tighten door springs regardless of whether you’re working with torsion or extension spring types. Doing so will ensure the smooth and balanced movement of your garage door so it can continue providing security and convenience.
Types of Garage Door Springs
The first and most important thing you need to do before starting the adjustments is identify the spring type that’s on your garage door as each category has its unique adjustment procedure. Garage door springs are divided into two distinct categories:
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Torsion springs |
Extension spring |
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Lifespan |
10-15 years with regular use. |
7-10 years with regular use. |
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Average cycles |
Between 15,000 and 20,000. |
Between 10,000 and 15,000 cycles. |
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How it works |
Work through winding and unwinding under force along the shaft. |
Work through stretching and compressing as the door moves. |
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Weight |
Can handle more weight, hence suitable for heavier doors (often used in heavy-duty vehicle garage doors). |
Lighter and often used in residential garage door systems. |
Tools Needed
Preparation is a great pillar of a successful garage door spring tightening procedure. That’s why you should get all the necessary tools and check their working condition beforehand. Here are some of the tools you’ll need:
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A reliable ladder.
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An adjustable wrench or socket set.
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A marker or piece of chalk to mark the shaft.
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Depending on the spring type - Steel winding bars that are specifically designed for winding torsion springs or Locking pliers and C-clamps for extension springs.
Safety Precautions
When tightening garage door springs, you need to understand the risks involved and take proper safety precautions. Always be very careful because the door springs are usually under high tension and mishandling them can lead to serious injury.
Your safety should always be a top priority so before getting started, ensure that you’re well-prepared and strictly follow the safety guidelines below:
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Wear appropriate gear i.e., safety glasses and sturdy gloves. These protect against potential hazards like sudden tension release or flying parts during the operation.
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Always stay aware of your surrounding and if possible, have someone there to assist in case of an emergency.
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Disable the electric garage door opener to prevent accidental activation as you work.
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Inform your people nearby that you’re working on the garage door and ensure there are no bystanders and pets in that area.
The Adjustment Procedure
It doesn’t matter if you’re experienced at tightening garage door springs or not, following the steps below will guarantee a successful execution of the task at hand. Start by identifying what kind of spring type you’ll be working with as each type requires a different adjustment method. (Remember, the effectiveness of the tightening process relies on this pivotal step, ensuring you use the correct method.)
Let’s take a deeper look at how to tighten each type:
Tightening Torsion Springs
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Step 1: Assemble all the required tools i.e., a reliable ladder, winding bars for regulating tension, and an adjustable wrench for loosening the set screws.
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Step 2: Gradually loosen the set screws on the torsion spring with your adjustable wrench.
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Step 3: With the set screws loosened, insert the winding bars into the holes of the winding cone. This step is crucial as the winding bars help control the spring tension.
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Step 4: Apply slow upward pressure on the winding bar. Once it's in a new position, introduce the second winding bar and remove the first one. Repeat this process until you reach the desired tension. Patience and steady hands are vital here.
Tightening Extension Springs
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Step 1: Essential equipment includes a sturdy ladder, a versatile wrench, and either locking pliers or C-clamps.
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Step 2: Use your locking pliers or C-clamps to secure the carport door by attaching them to the track on both sides.
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Step 3: Gently reduce the tension of the pulley to adjust the tension in the lift cable.
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Step 4: Once the pulley is adequately relaxed, adjust the spring's hook. Move the hook to a new spot on the track for effective spring tightening. Exercise caution to avoid over-tightening.
Conclusion
Mastering how to tighten the springs on your garage door is a useful skill that helps maintain its functionality and enhance its lifespan. By following our guide and prioritizing safety will help you avoid accidents and injuries. Remember to always seek professional assistance if you are not confident about performing and completing the task of tightening garage springs.
The emphasis of this guide is on safety and precision, enabling you to skilfully adjust your garage door springs. If at any point you’re unsure, consult expert garage door technicians from a expert company. According to studies, professional intervention in spring adjustments reduces the risk of accidents by up to 55%.
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