Garage door springs equalize the mass of the door, making it adequately light to open and close with ease. However, if the spring tension is out of whack, the garage door may open or close incorrectly or at an incorrect speed.
Types Of Springs
Before considering how tight garage door springs should be, we need to know that tension springs are divided into two types.
Torsion spring
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The springs are installed parallel to the ground above the doorway and run parallel to the top of the door on a stationary metal shaft. Torque is used by the spring to open and close the door. It’s often reserved for larger, thicker doors.
Side-mounted or Extension springs
Table of Contents
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These are primarily used for smaller garage doors. They are positioned above the parallel tracks on each side of the door. They fully extend and compress when the door is opened (by hand or machine) to produce a counteracting force.
What Are the Steps For Adjusting Garage Doors?
Adjusting Extension Springs
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- Step 1: Prepare your equipment
Tools such as a ladder that stands up well, a C-clamp, an indicator, or adhesive tape are needed, and safety gear, such as gloves and a hardhat, is necessary.
- Step 2. Fully open the garage door
It is accomplished by opening the door until it cannot move any further and, in the case of a manual door, it hits the stop bolt. Use the remote control to open the door if it is an automated door, then pull the safety cable down and back until the springs are jammed in the open position. You’ll be able to completely open the door and release the spring tension as a result.
- Step 3: Secure the door in place
Place a C-clamp beneath the bottom rollers to keep the door from falling open while you work. This will keep the roller in good working order as you work.
- Step 4: Remove the spring hook and set it aside
Release the spring hook from the track hanger that is kept in place by a bolt using the adjustable wrench. The spring hook is responsible for maintaining the spring taut.
- Step 5: Modify the tension of the spring
Reduce the tension on a door that is challenging to close or opens too rapidly by connecting the spring onto a narrower hole on the track hanger.
To achieve the intended tension, change the spring one hole at a time. After you’ve relocated the hook into its new location, replace the nut on the rear and tighten it with the wench.
After adjusting the springs by one hole, unclamp the door and inspect the springs by dropping the door to see how it works. If your door is still not functioning optimally, make another single-hole adjustment. Rep the procedures above until you achieve the desired tension.
Remove everything holding the door in place, release the spring by pulling on the safety cable, reattach the door to the operator, and plug in your automated door opener if you’re happy with the settings. Check to see if the springs are oiled.
Adjusting Torsion Springs
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- Step 1: Gather your tools
You’ll also need two twisting bars or heavy steel bars of around 18 – 24 inches long, in addition to the tools listed for modifying extension springs; ascertain the size of the holes you’ll be fastening them into before purchasing.
- Step 2: The garage door should be closed
To prevent the garage door from rising while you change the tension in its spring, disconnect the opener and install a c-clamp on the garage door track.
- Step 3: Look for the winding cone
Place one eye above the stationary center plate to establish where the spring ends. The spinning cone that holds the spring in place can be located when it comes to a halt. It is encircled by four holes that are evenly spaced around it.
- Step 4: Remove the screws from the cone and adjust the tension.
Two set screws on the cone’s middle shaft will hold the spring in place. Slide the steel rod or wound cone into the bottom hole of the cone to release it.
With an adjustable wrench, remove the screws after inserting the rod and holding the cone in place. After that, insert the bars in two rows on the cone.
If the spring splits, it’s vital to place oneself to the sides of the rods, so your body doesn’t get in the way.
Twist the cone up to put more strain on a door that is difficult to handle or shuts too quickly. It could be challenging to rapidly close or open a door that isn’t latching correctly. ( the garage door cable travels through the pulley in the opposite direction).
If you’re unsure how much to raise or reduce the tension to get your door centered, follow the Steps and test your door until you find the correct tension.
- Step 5: The spring should be stretched, fasten the screw if necessary and test the door
Hold the lowest part of the wound bar in place while removing the other bar to expand the spring. Gauge and label 14 inches at the end of the turning cone away from the center.
Pull the bar gradually upwards and towards the center plate with the bar remaining in the bottom hole; while doing so, continue holding the bar up and over and gently hitting it with the second bar against the adhesive tape on the shafts till the spring extends to fit the mark created on the shaft.
Fasten the set screws that were undone in step 4 with the adjustable wrench to secure the spring in its new position.
If there were screws on the shaft, make sure they were replaced into their flats.
To establish equilibrium, perform lat three procedures on the opposing side of the center plate.
Unclamp the garage door’s track and experiment with the door. If everything is working correctly, oil the springs and reconnect the automatic door opener. If the door isn’t working properly, redo the last four steps until the proper tension is reached.
Final Thought
As can be seen, adjusting your garage door springs on your own is possible; it’s even easier if the spring is an extension spring. Nevertheless, extreme caution should be exercised when modifying torsion springs. Keep yourself safe by using all recommended safety equipment, and don’t be afraid to seek professional assistance if necessary.
Author Bio:
David Brad is a full-time content marketing specialist.He has been closely studying the travel industry trends for quite some time. He has worked for various domains before coming to the travel industry. When he is not working, David likes to work out, try new foods, and play with her dog. Currently, he is modifying her garage door and getting her garage repaired by ETS Garage Door Team.
