Tuning a Garage Door Spring
Garage door springs help to offset the door’s weight, allowing it to close and then open quickly. A problem with spring tension could cause the door to open and close incorrectly or at an inexact speed. The issue can be fixed by adjusting the spring tension. There are many styles of garage doors, with different spring types. It depends on which garage door you have, whether it is a simple repair or more difficult and dangerous.
If your garage door has torsion springs, it is a good idea to get help from an expert. This is especially true if you don’t have the proper equipment, have not had any experience, or are new to the world of mechanics.
Part 1 – Preparing for Adjustment
1. Recognize extension springs that are side-mounted
Your garage door can use either side-mounted extension springs or torsion springs. You should first determine which springs your garage door has before you adjust them. Torsion springs can be more difficult to adjust than side-mounted springs. It is safer to seek professional help if you are using the former.
* Side-mounted extension springs are placed over and parallel to the track. They’ll come with a pulley and cable. The cable is used to attach the spring to the hooks on the hanger. Two springs are used to attach the track to garage doors. Want to contact our Experts at Garage Door Repair La Jolla CA after you read this blog to get a free quote!
2. Recognize torsion springs.
Torsion springs are installed above the door and move along a shaft of steel parallel to the highest point of that door. This type of mechanism is used for doors greater than 10 feet in width.
* Lighter doors may only have one torsion spring. Larger doors with heavier hinges could have two springs. One spring is located on the opposite end of the central plate.
3. Learn the problem.
Improper spring tension can cause problems with garage doors opening and closing. You can use the information provided to determine the best way to fix the spring. Doors that needs to be adjusted could:
* It can be difficult to open and close.
* Open or close too quickly
* Not quite right or complete
* Do not close the gap.
4. Determine your solution.
You may need to adjust the tension of your spring depending on the issue. It is important to:
* Lower the tension if the door isn’t closing completely, is difficult, or opens too fast.
* If the door is too difficult to open or close, increase the tension.
* If the door is not closed evenly, make sure it is closed at one end.
5. Assemble your tools.
You will need some safety equipment and tools to accomplish this task. Safety glasses, gloves, as well as a hard hat, are essential safety equipment. Strong ladders, a C-clamp adjustable wheel, and adhesive tape are other tools. Two winding bars or steel rods are required if you want to adjust the torsion springs.
* The bars or rods must measure between 18-24 inches (or 45.7-61 cm) in length.
* You can find steel bars made from solid in hardware shops.
To determine the correct size rod or bar, you will need to measure the diameter of the holes in the cone that winds (the collar holding your spring onto the shaft of steel). Most cones have holes that measure 1/2 inch in size.
* Never try to replace winding bars or steel rods with any other tool.