There are a few telltale signs that your garage door springs may need repair or replacement. The most obvious is if the garage door is acting strangely; it might be moving more slowly or crooked than usual, or it could crash down altogether, which is a serious and dangerous issue. The other issue is if the springs appear rusty or are showing signs of visible damage. Rust can be prevented by using a silicone or lithium-based lubricant on the springs, and this should be done regularly to extend their lifespan.
While it is possible for homeowners to replace garage door spring repair springs, the job is very difficult and hazardous without proper tools. This is why it’s recommended that they hire a professional technician. This will save them time and money in the long run as they will avoid damaging the other components of their door system and will ensure that the springs are installed correctly.
The first step in replacing a torsion spring is to remove the old one. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the set screw, then insert the winding bar into the cone and use it to unwind the spring. It is important that the homeowner chooses a winding bar that properly fits into the cone; using an improperly fitting bar will increase the risk of injury. The best bar to use is a pipe wrench, which can be purchased at any hardware store.
When the winding bar is in place, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of one-quarter twists required to load the new spring. The number of twists is determined by measuring the length of the spring from its end to its middle and dividing it by 20. This is known as the wire gauge, and it should be noted that the higher the number of twists, the heavier the spring.
Once the new spring is in place, it should be tested to see if it’s working. To do this, the homeowner should stand inside their garage and lift the door to about 3 feet. If the spring is tight enough, the door should stay up and remain open, and if it doesn’t, it’s time to tighten it again by one-quarter turn.
It is always better to call a technician as soon as there is an apparent problem, so they can fix the issue before it becomes worse. This will also help to prevent expensive repairs in the future. Additionally, homeowners should remember that regular lubrication is essential for extending the life of their garage door springs. If the springs aren’t repaired or replaced in a timely manner, they will begin to lose their resiliency and eventually break. By following these tips and choosing the right contractor, homeowners can save themselves from unnecessary stress and money.