You may not pay much attention to those large coils that sit near the back of your garage door system, but they’re actually one of the most important components of the opening and closing mechanism. Garage door springs provide the “power” to open and close the garage door, with little or no effort from you! However, like any mechanical part, these springs may need adjusting. They can become too loose, too tight, or even damaged. In any of these scenarios, your garage door will not open and close as it should.
So, if you’re new to garage door maintenance, you’re probably going to have a ton of questions. For instance, what do garage door springs do? Are they dangerous? How do you adjust garage door springs? Finally, who can you call for professional garage door spring repair?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
What Do Garage Door Springs Do?
Garage door springs are one of the primary components needed to mechanically open or close your garage door. More power is needed to open a garage door than is needed to close it. When your garage door lowers, the springs tighten, creating an enormous amount of tension. And when your garage door opens, the springs loosen, providing the force that lifts the door upward.
Are Garage Door Springs Dangerous?
The short answer is yes; garage door springs can be very dangerous. However, this doesn’t mean you need to be scared every time you enter your garage! When working properly, garage door springs (particularly side-mounted springs) are perfectly safe, which is why they can be found in millions of garages across the country. However, if something goes wrong with the springs (especially torsion springs), they can come suddenly and violently undone. The sheer tension and force bound up will cause them to shoot outward, potentially causing injury to yourself and others. This is why many homeowners choose to call professionals for any repair or maintenance related to the garage door springs.
How to Adjust Garage Door Springs
If you want to adjust your garage door springs on your own, you can, but you should take certain precautions. First, identify what kind of springs your garage door has. If they are torsion springs (large, horizontal springs with hooks on each end), you’re better off leaving any adjustments to a professional. These are the types of springs that can become very dangerous if they come undone.
If you have side-mounted springs (springs that have a pulley and cable), then you can feel more secure proceeding with the adjustment. Either way, make sure that you are very familiar with your garage door system. Ideally, if you want to even attempt to adjust the garage door spring, you should have some knowledge of how garage doors work.
To adjust a side-mounted garage door spring, open your door fully to release as much tension as possible from the springs. Secure the garage door in place with locking pliers or a C-clamp. Then, remove the spring hook and adjust both sides of the spring in very small increments. Each time you make an adjustment, remember to return the spring hook and test the garage door until it’s opening and closing properly.
Adjust Your Garage Door Springs With Garage Pros
Figuring out how to adjust garage door springs can be a complicated (and potentially dangerous) task. Why take the risk when you can call professionals to get the job done right? If you live in Kansas City, the experts at Garage Pros can help! We are a family-owned and operated company with decades of experience in garage installation and repair. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment!
