how do i attach a heavy spring?

Question

I need to install a heavy spring - like a garage door spring, but smaller and shorter. It needs to be stretched about a half inch in the "disengaged" position. How do I stretch it that extra half inch to install it across to points.

Answer 1

hook one end of spring. Attach a small diameter chain to hook on other end of spring and attach other end of chain to center of a short shaft you can get two hands on. You should now be able to stretch spring and manipulate hook into position. Hope I understand situation correctly.

Answer 2

use a wedge to open the coils aroun 1 1/2" from the attaching point. use a piece of picture hanging wire or small cable, run it through one side and up the mid of the coil. then use a loop in the cable with a free end (holding whith vice grips or pliers) to pull it that extra distance. however they make a ubolt type piece that has a cotter pin. its used with a piece of chain to get it close on a garage door, but it helps to know what those other 3 or 4 mounting points are used for ( smiling knowing)
i assumed its not for a garage door

Answer 3

you can mount it in a vise, take what ever you can find that is strong enough to spread the coils, it won't be easy and it won't look pretty. If you have a hot enough heat source, that will help you spread the coils You might be able to buy a u-clamp from a hardware store to reach the anchor points, instead of stretching it