Don’t risk injury! Learn the right way to change garage door springs. Our step-by-step guide ensures safety and success!
Replacing garage door springs might seem intimidating, but with the right tools and precautions, it’s a task you can handle. Learning how to change garage door springs is important for keeping your garage door working safely and smoothly. This simple guide helps you do it step by step with confidence.
Unplug the garage door opener and secure the door to stop movement. Use winding bars to safely release tension from the old springs. Remove and replace them carefully. Tighten all parts correctly. For complex setups, it is best to contact a garage door repair expert for safe handling.
Why Replacing Garage Door Springs is Important
Garage door springs hold heavy tension and help lift the door. They can wear out and snap over time. Knowing how to change garage door springs keeps your door safe and working.
1. Torsion Springs (Mounted Above the Door)
Torsion springs are above the garage door and twist tightly to help lift it. They are strong and allow the door to open smoothly and evenly. These springs are safer and more durable, which is why many garage doors use them.
2. Extension Springs (Mounted on the Sides)
Extension springs sit on each side of the garage door. They stretch when closing and pull to help lift it. These springs are often found on older garage doors. They do the job, but they wear out quicker than torsion springs.
Safety Tips Before You Change Garage Door Springs
Before learning how to change garage door springs, prioritize safety. These springs are under high tension and can cause severe injury if mishandled.
1. Wear Safety Gear
Put on safety glasses and gloves before you start. Glasses keep your eyes safe from dust or flying parts, and gloves protect your hands from cuts or scrapes. This small step helps keep you safe while fixing or replacing anything on your garage door.
2. Use the Right Tools
Make sure you have the tools you need. You’ll need winding bars, a solid ladder, vise grips, and a socket wrench. These tools make the job easier and safer. The right tools help you avoid errors and protect your garage door from damage.
3. Unplug the Opener
Always unplug the garage door opener before you start. This keeps the door from moving by accident while you’re working. It’s a simple way to stay safe and stop the opener from turning on while you fix the problem.
4. Keep the Door in Place
Use clamps or locking pliers to keep the garage door in place. Put them on the tracks just under the rollers. This keeps the door from sliding or falling while you work. It’s a quick and safe way to stop accidents.
Tools and Materials Needed to Change Garage Door Springs
You need the right tools and materials to replace garage door springs successfully. This helps you work safely, avoid mistakes, and do the job correctly.
- Replacement springs: Match the size and type of the old ones
- Winding bars: For safely adjusting torsion springs
- Socket wrench set: To loosen and tighten bolts
- Vise grips or locking pliers: Hold the torsion tube in place
- Ladder: Use a sturdy, non-slip ladder
- C-clamps: Keep the door from moving during the job
- Lubricant: Apply after installation to reduce noise and wear
Steps on How to Change Garage Door Springs
Changing garage door springs must be done with care. Springs hold strong tension and can be dangerous. Follow these steps on how to change garage door springs safely and correctly.
Step 1: Release Tension from the Old Springs
The most dangerous part of replacing garage door springs is releasing the tension. For torsion springs:
- Place a winding bar into one of the holes on the winding cone.
- Slowly loosen the set screws while holding the bar firmly.
- Repeat on the other side until all tension is released.
Step 2: Remove the Old Springs
Once the springs are relaxed:
- Unscrew the spring from the center bracket.
- Slide it off the torsion tube.
- Repeat for the second spring if applicable.
Step 3: Install the New Springs
Now that the old springs are out, it’s time to install the new ones:
- Slide the new spring onto the torsion tube, making sure it’s wound in the right direction.
- Secure it to the center bracket.
- Repeat for the second spring if needed.
Step 4: Wind the New Springs
This is where precision matters. Follow these steps carefully:
- Insert a winding bar into the cone and turn it to add tension (usually ¼ turns at a time).
- Count the number of turns based on the door’s weight (typically 30-36 quarter turns for a standard door).
- Secure the set screws once the correct tension is achieved.
Step 5: Test the Door
Before finishing:
- Remove any clamps securing the door.
- Manually lift the door to check the balance; it should stay in place when halfway open.
- Reconnect the opener and test automatic operation.
Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Garage Door Springs
When learning how to change garage door springs, avoid these errors:
1. Using the Wrong Springs
Using springs that don’t match your garage door’s weight or size can cause big problems. The door may not open or close properly and can even become unsafe. Always check your garage door spring size and type to ensure it’s the right fit.
2. Skipping Safety Gear
Never skip wearing safety gear when fixing garage door parts. Just one slip or flying part can cause a bad injury. Wear gloves to guard your hands and safety glasses to shield your eyes. These simple items help keep you safe while working on your garage door.
3. Over- or Under-Winding
Putting too much or too little tension on the garage door springs can throw the door out of balance. It might slam shut or stay partly open. Always follow the correct number of turns when winding the spring to ensure your garage door works right.
4. Ignoring Professional Help
If you’re not sure how to fix your garage door, don’t guess. Working with springs and cables can be risky. Call a trained garage door technician who knows what to do. It’s safer, quicker, and can save money on costly mistakes or repairs.
Signs You Should Call a Garage Door Expert
Knowing how to change garage door springs takes care and the right tools. But some signs mean it’s safer to let a pro handle the job:
- Broken Springs: If the spring snapped or you heard a loud pop, the door may stop working. A pro can replace it safely with the right tools.
- Door Feels Too Heavy: The spring might be worn out if the door is hard to lift or drops fast. Call a garage door repair pro to fix it before it gets worse.
- No Proper Tools: Special tools like winding bars and locking pliers are needed. Without these, it’s not safe to try replacing the spring.
- Spring Still Has Tension: Springs are tightly wound and can snap if mishandled. A pro knows how to release the tension safely.
- You’re Not Sure How: If you’re unsure how to change garage door springs, it’s best to let a garage door repair expert do it right and safely.
How to Make Your Garage Door Springs Last Longer
These easy tips will help make your new springs last longer. They will also help keep your garage door working well, safe to use, and trouble-free every day.
1. Lubricate Regularly
Use a silicone spray on the garage door parts every six months. Spray the hinges, rollers, and springs. This helps the door move easily and stay quiet. It also stops the parts from wearing out too fast. Regular oiling keeps your garage door working well.
2. Check for Damage
Look at your garage door often. Check for rust, cracks, or parts that look old or broken. This includes the cables, rollers, and tracks. Finding small problems early can stop bigger issues later. A quick check keeps your garage door safe and working right.
3. Test the Balance
Lift the garage door halfway and let go. If it stays still, the balance is good. If it moves, the springs may need fixing. A balance test helps your door open and close correctly, stopping extra strain on the opener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Change a Garage Door Spring Myself?
Changing a garage door spring yourself is possible, but dangerous. These springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled. For your safety, it’s better to call professionals like R&S Erection of Southern Alameda County, who have the right tools and experience.
How to Tell if a Garage Door Spring Is Broken?
A broken garage door spring shows clear signs: Your door may feel heavy, won’t open fully, or make a loud snapping sound. If the spring looks stretched or has a gap, stop using the door and immediately schedule a garage door spring replacement.
What Happens If You Put the Wrong Spring on a Garage Door?
Using the wrong spring can cause balance problems, extra wear on the opener, or damage to other parts. Your door may not open properly or could fall suddenly. Always use the right type during garage door spring replacement to ensure smooth operation.
Can I use a spring of a different size on my garage door?
Using a spring of a different size is not safe and can harm your door system. Each spring is made for a specific door weight and size. Always use the exact spring type recommended for your door setup for proper garage door spring replacement.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Garage Door Spring?
The average garage door spring lasts 7 to 10 years, depending on use. Torsion springs usually last longer than extension springs. Regular garage door maintenance can extend its lifespan, but prompt garage door spring replacement is needed for safety and performance once worn or broken.
Conclusion
Changing garage door springs keeps your door safe and working correctly. This guide provides the steps on how to change garage door springs. Doing it carefully makes a big difference and helps avoid problems with your garage door later.
Some people can do this, but not all spring setups are easy. It can be risky if you don’t have the right tools or know-how. That’s why hiring garage repair services is always a good idea. It keeps you safe and makes sure the job is done right.
R&S Erection of Southern Alameda County fixes garage doors with care and skill. If you need help, just call 510-489-6881. Our team is ready to help with fast and safe spring changes or any garage door repair you need.
End Note
R&S Erection of Southern Alameda County offers trusted garage door solutions for homes and businesses. Visit our website for expert garage door repair, fast service, and fair prices. Save more with our coupon, and enjoy smooth, reliable work from a team you can count on.
We also handle commercial needs, including commercial door operators, automatic door systems, dock seals and shelters, and parking control. Each job is done with care and attention, using the right tools to get strong, lasting results that fit your business needs.
We are hiring new team members. Visit our hiring page to apply and grow with us. Stay updated by following us on Facebook, X, and Instagram. For questions or service requests, go to our contact page.
R&S Erection Of Southern Alameda County
31298 San Antonio St, Hayward, CA 94544, United States
+15104896881