One of the essentials that a garage door needs to function smoothly is the garage door springs.They counterbalance the door’s weight, thus allowing you to open it with ease.
Problems caused by improper spring tension:
- Doors that close abruptly
- Overheating of the motor of the garage door opener
- Uneven movements that cause the tracks to be damaged
- Cables and hardware that have been used for a long time
- Safety hazards due to sudden door drops
When the springs are not as strong as they should be, it becomes hard to operate the garage door, and the automatic opener is put under a lot of strain. Unleashing this imbalance can cause you to be faced with big problems that need repair, and at the same time can be a source of danger to your family.
Our four essential garage door spring adjustment tips will help you:
- Sufficiently adjust spring tension through proper methods
- Keep the operation balanced of a double-spring system
- Allow the lifetime of the spring to be longer with the help of regular servicing
- Feel the need for a professional coming to your rescue
You can have a great garage door maintenance experience and be able to avoid unnecessary expenses in garage door repairs by simply following these tips.
Safety Measures Prior to Adjusting Garage Door Springs
The vital steps to secure your safety while adjusting garage door springs are outlined as follows:
1. Disconnect the garage door opener by unplugging it or pulling the emergency release cord to prevent any accidents.
2. Always wear protective gear such as gloves, safety goggles, and steel-toed boots to ensure safety while handling springs.
3. Use appropriate tools like steel winding bars measuring 18 to 24 inches for spring adjustment instead of using screwdrivers or other tools that could slip and cause injuries.
4. Secure the garage door with locking pliers or C-clamps below the bottom roller to stop it from moving during spring adjustment.
5. Keep children and pets away from the working area while having an assistant who would help out in case of need, and also ensure that your tools are in good condition before beginning the work.
When working on your garage door, what safety measures do you take? Please share your experiences in the comments below.
Tip 1: Use Proper Tools and Equipment When Adjusting Springs
Steel winding bars are necessary, if you want to safely adjust the garage door springs. Don’t use screwdrivers or pliers as they can slip and cause injury.
Here are the specifications for winding bars:
- Length: 18-24 inches gives good leverage
- Diameter: Must fit snugly into winding cone holes, which are usually 1/2 inch
- Solid steel construction, as they can take high tension
- Non-slip grips will ensure that the item will not slide from your hands
In addition to winding bars, you will need these other tools:
- Locking pliers or C-clamps – To secure door positioning during repairs
- Socket wrench set – To tighten hardware connections
- Level – So you can check door alignment after making adjustments
- Safety glasses and gloves- For personal safety
- A flashlight or headlamp – To provide light for your work
The wrong tools can turn a simple repair into a dangerous one. Good quality winding bars distribute pressure evenly across springs, so there are no sudden releases that could cause damage or injury.
Tip 2: Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Torsion Springs
Adjusting torsion springs step by step requires focusing on every detail. Start by putting winding bars into the winding cone adjustment holes correctly.
Inserting Winding Bars Safely
One winding bar should be put into one adjustment hole so that it is snug but not forced. In order to have a safe hold, place the second bar in a nearby hole. Always use two bars, as one is unstable and dangerous.
Check that the bars grip tightly before adjusting. Keep your hands steady throughout the process.
Understanding Rotation Direction
The usual rule for winding cone rotation is:
- Clockwise makes the spring tension tight if the door is hard to lift.
- Counterclockwise loosens spring tension so the door doesn’t slam shut.
- Always turn the wind to suit the problem.
Making Precise Adjustments
Make adjustments only in
quarter-turn increments. After each quarter-turn:
1. Remove the winding bars completely.
2. Check door balance manually.
3. Open the door halfway, then check if it is stable
4. Make necessary adjustments again.
By adjusting in small increments, you can avoid over-tensioning the garage door, and this will help in calibrating it precisely. Each tiny adjustment you make brings you closer to having both springs balanced perfectly.
To get detailed instructions on how to adjust garage door springs properly, there is a helpful guide that gives more insight into this topic.
You May Also Read: How to Extend the Life of Your Garage Door System
Tip 3: Balancing Both Springs Evenly for Double-Spring Doors
In double spring adjustments, both springs must work together smoothly. Most residential garage doors have two springs, so the doors need to be balanced well if they are to operate effectively.
Equal adjustments for both springs prevent:
1. Wearing out unevenly, hence the spring life span is prolonged
2. Failure of one spring before the other one
3. The door binding, or an application that may jerkily during its operation
Some problems arise as a result of having springs that are not balanced:
● To the tracks and rollers, the door moves crookedly, causing damage
● For the garage door opener motor, there is excessive strain due to this malfunction.
Ways to synchronize springs are:
1. Mark spots on cones
2. Count turns, adjust equally
3. Measure coil gaps with a ruler
4. The door should be lifted from the center to see if it is balanced.
The door should open evenly. If it tilts, adjust the springs slightly.
Tip 4: Performing Regular Maintenance to Prolong Spring Life
Proper garage door maintenance is the key to the smooth running of your spring for a long time. Regular care prevents costly replacements.
Essential Lubrication Practices
Spray lithium or silicone-based lubricants on springs and hardware twice a year.
• Apply to spring coils, hinges, and rollers.
• Focus on pivot points and moving parts.
• Wipe off excessive lubricant to avoid dirt buildup.
Avoid using WD-40, as it attracts dirt and creates sticky buildup, which harms springs and metal parts over time.
Critical Inspection Points
Inspect wear signs monthly. Look for gaps, rust, loose bolts, and frayed cables. Take pictures for future reference on wear patterns.
Hardware Maintenance Essentials
Quarterly, tighten all mounting bolts and brackets to avoid imbalanced stress.
From time to time, clean the garage door tracks with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove dirt, debris, and leaves that cause binding.
Keep tracks aligned. If they are not, springs may wear out quickly.
Follow these garage door spring maintenance tips for long-lasting performance.
If you need location-specific advice, visit garage door maintenance services in Meridian, MS, for expert help.
Have you faced any maintenance issues with your garage door springs? Tell us in the comments below.
When to Call a Pro for Garage Door Spring Adjustment
Look out for these warning signs signalling the need for professional garage door service: broken springs, worn coils, or damaged winding cones.
Watch out for these clues that you should hire experts:
- Springs with gaps or separations in coils
- Multiple broken strands on extension springs
- Doors that won’t stay open or slam shut hard
- Odd grinding or scraping sounds during use
- Rusted springs or metal fatigue on garage door springs
Fixing garage door springs is very dangerous. Springs can have 400 lbs. of tension. Do not try to fix them without training.
Garage Door is affordable and provides quality service. We fix garage doors. We’re local and experienced. Our equipment and knowledge ensure safety.
What signs have you noticed that mean calling an expert is a good idea? Please comment below with your experiences.
Conclusion
Spring maintenance is key to safe garage door operation. Homeowners can do some tasks like:
- Lubricate springs twice a year
- Look at the springs monthly for wear
Garage door springs are crucial but also dangerous. Lifelong service calls for maintaining them oneself and occasionally reaching out to professional assistance.
In Logan, Utah, you may count on Trusted Garage Door for reliable and reasonably priced garage door services. Be it repairs, installation, or maintenance, we deliver high-quality service at competitive rates.
As a local business, we value trust and always aim to provide prompt professional services, meeting all your garage door requirements.