DIY Steps to Replacing Garage Door Springs

The garage door is the gateway to your home. For most people, this is where we store our car, a lot of our possessions as well as a space where we work. When we approach the garage door, we will lift it up and allow it to roll back until it comes to a resting position allowing us to enter. However, over time, the springs that allow us to easily move the door in and out may become damaged. If this happens, you will need to know the steps to replace them.

Inspect your door

The first step is to inspect your door. You will want to stand on a step ladder making sure it is safely secured on the ground. Then grabbing both sides, carefully step up each step of the ladder until you are close enough to inspect the damage.

Next, shine a flashlight onto the track where the springs are located. There you can see if the springs look warped, corrupted or damaged. If they are, you will want to replace them.

Get help

The first thing before you jump into any project is to know if it is too much for you to handle. If so, look for a friend or family member to help you, or start looking for an affordable garage door service in Oklahoma City or one in your area. You don’t want to do more damage to your door than there already is.

Type of springs

You want to discover what type of springs you need. Your springs will come in two types, extension and torsion. The one that you should be able to replace on your own are the extension springs. These have a little less technical aspects to them which make them easier to do it yourselfers.

Be careful

No matter what you do, be careful. Each of the springs that we talk about is dangerous. When in use, these springs are controlled by built up tension. When you release this tension the spring can easily snap back and cause you bodily injury. If the springs are really damaged, small pieces of spring may also come loose that could get in your eye, slap you in the hand or otherwise injure you. This is why getting assistance or having a professional do your install is highly recommended.

Use C clamps

To replace the springs, you want to open the door and using a series of C clamps you will want to lock the clamps against the springs so that they won’t spring back on you. Once secure on both ends you can begin to release the tension on the springs by disconnecting it from the top bracket and the pulley. Once this is done, removing the spring is easy. Just remove the C clamp and pull the spring down.

Repeat the process

When installing the replacement spring, you will want to do the same thing. First hook up one end of the spring to the bracket and pulley. Attach the C clamp and once secure, stretch the spring so it connects with the other end. Once secure, remove the C clamp so that the spring can start absorbing the tension from the door.

The process of removing a spring is fairly straightforward. The best thing to do is ensure that you take your time and ensure that the tension on the springs is secure. You don’t want to have an accident with a spring that decides to bite you.