Garage Door Spring Repair Basics

If you’re experiencing problems with your garage door, you should first know what to look for. There are many types of springs, including Extension, Torsion, and Winding bars.

Here are some basic tips to get you started:

Torsion springs

If you’re in need of a garage door spring repair, you may want to consider purchasing a set of replacement torsions. These springs have a color-coded system to identify wire thickness and gauge. A technician can quickly establish the gauge by referring to the color of the spring. This system is especially useful when dealing with garage doors, as torsion springs have a distinct straight line that helps determine their state. To replace torsion springs, you’ll need to purchase winding bars that are 18 inches long. These bars should fit inside the winding cone and have sharp edges. You can purchase these at a hardware store or Lowe’s. Once you have them, you can cut them in half so you can easily wind them. If you can’t find torsion bars, you can also make your own by cutting a length of string in half and threading it through the coils of the spring.

Extension springs

An extension spring is a large steel spring that is used to lift a garage door. If the spring breaks, it must be replaced. To do this, you must remove it from the pulley by hand, and then unscrew the eye-bolt. Remove the safety cable, then install the new pulley on the other end of the bolt. Be sure to install the bolts correctly, or else the extension spring will fall and hit your car or other possessions. It is best to use a safety cable if the extension springs are not properly secured. When replacing extension-springs, you must carefully measure the length of each individual spring. Often, they stretch out over time, so it is important to measure each one carefully before deciding on which spring to buy. You can also use shafts inserted in the middle of the spring to help maintain its length. If the springs are damaged, you may need to count them to determine their length. Fortunately, the door industry has standardized the length of extension springs. You can find multiple spring lengths to match the common heights of doors.

Winding bar

When repairing a garage door spring, a winding bar is essential. Traditionally, winding bars are 18 inches long for residential doors, 24 inches for light commercial doors, and 36 inches for heavy commercial doors. The longer winding bar will make unwinding longer, stronger springs easier. It is important to choose the right winding bar for the job. Winding bars are available in different styles and lengths to suit different door systems. If the winding bar is damaged, you will need a socket wrench. Remove the two screws setting/holding the winding cone. Insert the winding bar into the lower hole and push upwards for a quarter turn. Repeat with the second winding bar. Once the first bar has reached the floor, insert the second winding bar into the second hole and push up the second one. Repeat the process with the second winding bar until the springs have been completely unloaded.

Cost

When it comes to fixing a broken garage door spring, you have a few options. Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects usually cost between $15 and $100, depending on the type. You can save up to half of that by purchasing extension springs, which cost about $15 to $40 each. Commercial-grade springs, on the other hand, cost about $150 to $500, and require more labor than residential-grade springs. A replacement spring for a garage-door system costs between $50 and $100, or more if the springs are torsion-type. Torsion-type springs are slightly more expensive and can cost as much as $200. The cost of a commercial-grade garage-door spring will depend on the type of spring and the number of doors. The more expensive, commercial-grade springs typically weigh more than residential-grade springs, and the labor can add up to $400.

Safety

You should never attempt to repair a garage door yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing. This is because the springs can be dangerous, and if you do, you could inadvertently injure yourself or cause damage to your property. While extension springs are safer to work with, you still need to know the proper way to handle them. To be safe, you should only use a certified technician for this task. When repairing the springs, always use a safety cable. The cable should go through the spring’s hole and be attached to the garage’s upper vertical metal frame. Putting a safety cable on the spring will keep it from accidentally flying apart and injuring you. You should also be sure that you have a safety cable in the garage to protect you. It is vital that you use a safety cable during this repair, because you never know when it might snap. It has always been a wise idea to get the repair work done under the assistance of an expert. You should consult a professional at Garage Door repair service Kanata for a safety proof repair work.