As a DIY enthusiast, I recently decided to install garage door springs on my own. I had read up on the process and felt confident that I could handle it. However, I quickly realized that the task was more complicated than I had initially thought. Nevertheless, with the right tools and materials, I was able to successfully install the garage door springs.
In this guide, I will share with you the steps I followed from Garage Door Repair to install the springs.
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before starting the installation process, I made sure to gather all the necessary tools and materials. This included safety glasses and gloves, a winding bar or steel rod, a ladder, a tape measure, a wrench set, a socket set, two torsion springs that matched the size and weight of my garage door, a torsion spring anchor bracket kit, a center bracket and end bearing plates, and lag screws and bolts.
Step 2: Release the Tension on the Old Springs
Since I was replacing existing garage door springs, I needed to release the tension on them before removing them. To do this, I clamped a pair of locking pliers onto the torsion spring shaft to prevent it from turning. Then, I used a winding bar to turn the torsion spring in the opposite direction of the winding direction until the tension was released. I repeated this process for both springs.
Step 3: Remove the Old Springs
Once the tension was released from the old springs, I removed them from the torsion shaft. I started by loosening the set screws on the spring cones with a wrench. Then, I slid the springs off the shaft and set them aside.
Step 4: Install the Center Bracket and End Bearing Plates
Next, I installed the center bracket and end bearing plates onto the garage door. I used a level to ensure that the center bracket was installed straight and in the center of the door. Then, I secured the bracket and plates in place with lag screws.
Step 5: Install the Torsion Springs
Now it was time to install the new torsion springs. I began by sliding the spring onto the torsion shaft, making sure it was oriented correctly. Then, I slid the winding cone onto the shaft and tightened the set screws with a wrench. I repeated this process for the second spring.
Step 6: Wind the Springs
After the new springs were installed, I needed to wind them to the correct tension. I inserted a winding bar into one of the winding cones and turned it in the direction indicated by the manufacturer until the spring was properly tensioned. I repeated this process for the second spring.
Step 7: Install the Torsion Spring Anchor Bracket
To ensure that the torsion springs were properly secured to the garage door frame, I installed the torsion spring anchor bracket. This bracket attaches to the end bearing plate and helps to hold the torsion spring in place. I secured the bracket in place with bolts.
Step 8: Test the Door
After the springs were installed and tensioned, I tested the garage door to ensure it opened and closed smoothly. I also checked that the door was properly balanced and adjusted if necessary. If the door was not working correctly, I double-checked that the springs were properly installed and tensioned.
Step 9: Safety First
Throughout the installation process, I made sure to prioritize safety. I wore safety glasses and gloves when working with garage door springs and made sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. I also made sure that the door was properly secured and that there were no bystanders in the immediate area while I worked on the springs.
In conclusion, according to Garage Door Repair, while installing garage door springs can be a challenging and potentially dangerous task, with the right tools, materials, and safety precautions, it is possible to do it.
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9118 Elmwood Dr, Niles, IL 60714, United States
224-434-1780