would like to replace a broken garage door spring is this something i can do?
2006-12-22 14:43:41 · 9 answers · asked by sexy18teen 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I'll give you a scenario... would you feel comfortable taking the garbage disposal out of your sink and putting in a new one?
If you do then you might go ahead and give it a shot.
Without knowing your mechanical apptitude though. I would tend to play it safe and tell you to find a local overhead door repairman to do the replacement.
It might cost you $50-100.00 but better the money than a broken arm or worse.
2006-12-22 15:19:11 · answer #1 · answered by patty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been in the garage door business for over 20 years. If you have to ask if it is something you can do then you can't do it. There are several types of springs and all can hurt you pretty bad. The guy that said raise the door up to release the tension on the springs is 100% WRONG. There is less tension on the springs when the door is open but there is still tension. If your springs go from the front to the back of the garage or they are on large pivot arms to each side of the opening then thoe are extension springs. If they are above the door when the door is closed and on a shaft the full width of the door, those are torsion springs. Extension springs are eaiser to replace but torsion springs work better. To replace a torsion spring you need to have the door fully closed and use 2 cold rolled steel bars and place the bars into the spring that is not broken and loosen the setscrews on the end of the spring and release all the tension. Better yet, pay someone $200 and have both springs replaced so you dont kill yourself.
2006-12-24 16:07:52 · answer #2 · answered by pvm3@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a couple of the previous answerers have mentioned, if there are two large extension springs, one on each side of the door, that expand when the door comes down, then you could probably, safely change one, if you're moderately handy with tools. If, however, you have a large compression spring that has a shaft thru it located over the center of the door mounted on the wall of the garage, then you should definitely call a qualified overhead door repair guy. Those things carry so much tension that you could easily get an arm, wrist, etc, knocked off a ladder and your kiester broken. (Seen it happen, not pretty).
2006-12-22 15:34:44 · answer #3 · answered by Corky R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the springs and type of door. If it's coil springs pulling the sides, there should be a pin on either end of the spring, with several holes in the frame. Make sure the door is fully open and no tension on the spring before trying to move the pin. If it's one of those roller springs above the door, there should be a section on one end that can be turned, in the direction the spring pulls back, to tighten it. Then again, if it's a really cheap setup, there may not be any adjustments at all.
2006-12-22 14:51:19 · answer #4 · answered by BuddyL 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have not been trained or know exactly how your systems works, DON'T TRY IT! Things will go wrong very fast and there is a potential for death. That being said, even if you adjusted the door, if not done properly will ruin your door opener, and you will have a poorly operating door to deal with, not very convenient. Springs get weak towards the end of their life expectancy. If you springs are more than 8 years old and and losing power, have them replaced. Most companies change spring for a flat rate, cheaper than an emergency repair.
2016-05-22 21:31:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a pair of springs, one on each side of the door attached with a cable, you can safely replace it. If it is the kind above the door and against the wall, much harder and more dangerous.
2006-12-22 15:04:32 · answer #6 · answered by T C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DONT ! DONT ! EVER touch the springs. You could be crippled for life. The springs did not get out of adjustment. Something else is causing the problem. Try lubricating the rollers.
2006-12-24 01:38:38 · answer #7 · answered by mountainriley 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The springs are NOT a safe thing for a home owner to do them self. If its not done just right it might spring back and you could be hurt, It is possible to break an arm or worst. Its just not safe to do yourself.
2006-12-22 15:05:23 · answer #8 · answered by rlbendele1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BE VERY CAREFULL. THOSE SPRING STORE A LOT OF ENERGY AND LOTS OF PEOPLE GET INJURED BADLY BY THE SUDDEN RELEASE OF THAT ENERGY. I KNOW OF ONE MAN WEARING AN ARM SLING FOR A FEW MONTHS AFTER GETTING HIS TORE UP ARM REPAIRED. IT SUPRISES PEOPLE
2006-12-22 17:34:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋