Most homeowners don’t think twice about opening and closing their garage door on a daily basis. But did you know those metal springs that help lift your heavy door can pose serious dangers if they become loose or broken over time? Failed or loose garage door springs are one of the top causes of garage door injuries each year. Let’s take a closer look at the potential risks and how you can safely re-tension them yourself with basic tools.
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What Happens When Springs Become Loose?
All garage doors use torsion springs installed on each side to help counterbalance the weight of the door. Over thousands of openings and closings, these springs will naturally lose tension. When springs become too loose, they may no longer be able to fully support the weight of the door. This puts extra strain on other garage door components like rollers, tracks, and cables. Worse yet, loose springs could suddenly fail or slip off their mount, causing the door to drop unexpectedly. The force of a falling door weighs over 150 pounds on average and can lead to serious impact injuries or damage.
Is it Safe to Re-Tension Loose Springs Yourself?
While it’s always best to call a garage door pro like Garage Door Spring Repair in Petersburg if springs are severely worn, you can safely re-tension mildly loose springs at home. Re-tensioning simply requires tightening preset screws or bolts to wind the springs more tightly. You’ll need basic tools like a socket wrench, gloves, and eye protection for safety. However, it’s critical to use the correct tools and techniques. Springs under high tension can potentially flick rapidly if not properly wound, posing risk of injury. With care and following guide instructions, do-it-yourself re-tensioning avoids the need for a service call if springs just need a slight adjustment.
Safety First When Re-Tensioning
Before attempting any garage door spring work, disconnect the door from the opener by pulling the red emergency release handle. This ensures the door cannot be activated accidentally during the process. Wear sturdy gloves and proper eye protection to guard against any potential broken spring coils. Work with a partner standing by in case assistance is needed. On extension springs, use a winding rod or bar specifically designed for the task, not improvised tools, to wrap the coils correctly and avoid injury. With torsion springs, re-tension using a socket or wrench of the appropriate size on the winding mechanism, not by trying to grab or push the spring itself. Go slowly, ensure tools are secure, and don’t force any bolts or screws beyond their rating.
Know When It’s Time to Replace
While re-tensioning with basic tools is an affordable DIY option for mildly loose springs, there comes a point where they are simply at the end of their lifespan and replacement is necessary. Signs it’s time for new springs include coils that are significantly deformed, separated or frayed, inconsistent tension on opposing springs, or if re-tensioning does not fully resolve issues like failed lifting or uneven door motion. Replacing both springs at once is recommended for optimal safety and functionality. Spring replacement demands some technical skill and should only be attempted by experienced garage door technicians.
With proper precautions, loose garage door springs that still have some useful life left can often be safely re-tensioned at home as a low-cost solution. But never hesitate to call a local pro either if unsure about attempting the task or if springs appear damaged beyond tightening. Their expertise helps ensure your continued safety around one of the top hazardous components in any garage.
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