Safety Tips for Repairing High-Tension Garage Door Springs

The torsion springs that help open and close a garage door are highly energetic devices that can cause serious injury if mishandled. With proper care and the right tools though, even basic spring repairs are manageable. Just keep these important safety precautions in mind:

Block the Door

Before starting work, use locking clamps or sturdy wooden bracing to secure the door and prevent it from moving up or down unexpectedly. Double check it cannot be opened from the outside or inside either.

Wear Protection

Safety glasses are a must to guard your eyes from any flying debris or tools. Thick work gloves help prevent cuts or pinched fingers too. Closed toe shoes are safer than sandals near sharp or heavy components.

Relieve Spring Tension

The first step is to remove tension from springs before working on them. Use winding bars to turn the winding cones (where the springs coil around the shaft) about five full turns counterclockwise so springs are loose. Mark cones’ locations so you can return them accurately later.

Handle Springs One at a Time

It’s safer and easier to work on and adjust one spring at a time, leaving the other anchored securely in place. With the winding cone holes accessed, insert a short pole to anchor the tool while winding or unwinding. One end braces against the header wall while the other turns the cone.

Go Slowly and Check Progress

When tightening springs, turn winding cones incrementally and check door balance frequently. Too much tension could cause damage or binding issues. It’s better to add small turns and test than risk over-tightening. Go slowly to feel for a smooth, balanced door movement.

Re-Anchor Winding Cones

Once springs are properly tensioned, securely fasten winding cones back into position with bolts or locking pins through holes in shaft. Double check cones did not unwind during the process by lining up marks made earlier.

For the highest safety conducting garage door spring repairs, leave it to professionals like Garage Door Spring Repair in Short Pump. They have heavy-duty tools, training and liability coverage to complete the job without risk. Your well-being comes before savings.