Learn how to fix and adjust garage door springs and cables yourself. Your garage doors function as a guard for the security and convenience of your home. But like the other mechanical machines, your garage doors can also get damaged or broken and require regular maintenance and repair for its optimal functionality.
The most critical components that get damaged frequently are its springs and the cables. Both components work together to lift and lower the door smoothly and safely. But when the question arises ”how to fix & adjust garage doors springs and cables?” It is very important to find a simple procedure to do this.
So, let’s find out what we have for you in this blog and when you can learn through this guide. What come first is:
Understanding garage door springs & cables
Before we delve deep into the topic, it is crucial to have a proper understanding about the garage door springs and cables. This is what we need to understand about the garage door springs & cables:
Types of Garage Door Springs:
It is advisable to have the proper knowledge about the garage door spring types. So, there are two types of springs which are:
- Torsion Springs: You can see these springs above the doors that use force to lift the doors.
- Extension Springs: They are positioned on either side of the doors and the flex and contract to supply the required force.
- Garage Door Cables: Cables can help raise and lower the garage doors.
Safety comes first
The important thing to consider is to take any type of safety precautions before getting started on any type of repairing or adjustment job. Fixing & adjusting the Garage door cables and springs is a high attention required job, as it can cause any type of serious injury if not handled adequately. It is recommended to wear safety glasses and gloves while doing the work. In case you are unsure about any step it would be best to consult an expert rather than making it worse.
Equipment you will need
- Winding bars
- Adjustable wrench
- Socket wrench
- Pliers
- Clamps
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Ladder
How to fix & adjust garage door springs and cables? Step by stp guide
As you now have the initial knowledge about what garage door springs and cables are and what tools you will need to fix them. Let’s jump to the next section where we will define the steps to adjust them. The steps are:
- Identify the Problem:
- Look for gaps in the spring or a complete break.
- Check if the door is opening unevenly or not staying open.
- Inspect for fraying or visible wear.
- Prepare the Door:
- Disconnect the garage door opener to ensure it does not activate while you are working.
- Use clamps to secure the door in place to prevent it from moving.
- Replacing Torsion Springs:
- Release the Tension: Insert a winding bar into one of the holes in the winding cone. Hold the bar firmly and loosen the set screws with an adjustable wrench. Slowly unwind the spring, moving the winding bars one quarter turn at a time until the tension is fully released.
- Remove the Old Spring: Once the tension is released, remove the old spring from the torsion bar.
- Install the New Spring: Slide the new spring onto the torsion bar. Make sure it is centered and tighten the set screws.
- Re-tension the Spring: Using the winding bars, wind the spring in the opposite direction of the way it was unwound. Each quarter turn increases the tension. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of turns required.
- Secure the Spring: Tighten the set screws to secure the spring in place.
- Adjusting Extension Springs:
- Open the door fully and secure it with clamps.
- To increase tension, move the hook attached to the spring closer to the door. To decrease tension, move it further away. You should only make small changes at a time and test the door after each one.
- Replacing Garage Door Cables:
- Release the Tension: For torsion spring systems, follow the steps to release the spring tension. For extension spring systems, ensure the door is open and secured.
- Remove the Old Cable: Disconnect the cable from the bottom bracket and the drum (for torsion systems) or pulley (for extension systems).
- Install the New Cable: Attach the new cable to the bottom bracket and thread it through the drum or pulley. Make sure the cable is properly seated and not twisted.
- Re-tension the Spring: Follow the steps to re-tension the spring as outlined above.
- Test the Door:
- Connect the garage door opener again, and test the door a few times to make sure it works right. Make any necessary adjustments to the spring tension or cable alignment.
Conclusion
Now you know how important it is to have a functional and flawless garage door that will not ruin your day and mood also. By following the above-mentioned some simple steps you will be able to fix and adjust them on your own. Still, in case of any emergency or if you forget any step or don’t understand it well, make sure to contact the professionals instead of doing it yourself and make it worse.
It would be best if you hand over your garage door springs and cable fixing and adjusting project to the professional as they have the proper knowledge and expertise and will also complete the task in no time without interrupting your daily chores. Contact California Garage Doors.
