Retensioning a Garage Door Repair Laguna Hills CA spring is a critical task that ensures the proper balance and smooth operation of your garage door. Garage door springs play a crucial role in counterbalancing the weight of the door, making it easier to open and close. If your garage door feels heavy or uneven, it might be time to retension the springs.
This guide will walk you through the process of retensioning garage door springs step by step, prioritizing safety and precision.
Step 1: Safety First
- Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment, including safety glasses and gloves.
- Disconnect the garage door opener from the power source to prevent any accidental activation during the retensioning process.
Step 2: Identify the Spring Type
- Garage doors typically have either torsion springs or extension springs. Identify which type of spring your garage door has, as the retensioning process varies between the two.
For Torsion Springs:
Step 3: Gather Tools and Materials
- Torsion springs require specific tools like winding bars, a ladder, and a tape measure.
- Ensure you have a clear workspace with no distractions.
Step 4: Release Existing Tension
- If your torsion spring is already wound, you need to release the existing tension before making adjustments. Insert a winding bar into one of the winding cone holes and slowly unwind the spring using the appropriate size wrench.
- Repeat the process for the other side if your garage door has two springs.
Step 5: Retension the Spring
- Using a tape measure, measure the length of the spring in its unwound state. This is your starting point for retensioning.
- Insert a winding bar into one of the winding cone holes and begin winding the spring in the opposite direction of its original wind. Wind the spring according to the manufacturer’s specifications or as recommended by a professional.
- Keep track of the number of turns you make, ensuring an even number of turns on both sides if you have two springs.
- Use caution while winding the spring, as it stores a considerable amount of energy. Keep your body clear of the winding cone area to prevent injury.
For Extension Springs:
Step 3: Gather Tools and Materials
- Extension springs require safety cables, vice grips, a ladder, and safety glasses.
- Make sure the garage door is closed and secured before you start.
Step 4: Release Tension and Disconnect
- Attach a safety cable to the end of each extension spring and secure them to the track or the wall. This prevents the springs from flying off if they break.
- Use vice grips to clamp the track above the bottom roller to keep the door from moving.
- Disconnect the safety cable from the bottom bracket of the spring.
Step 5: Adjust and Retension
- Determine the correct amount of tension required for your garage door based on its weight and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Adjust the position of the “S” hook on the end of the extension spring to achieve the desired tension.
- Reattach the safety cable to the bottom bracket and remove the vice grips from the track.
Step 6: Testing
- With the retensioned springs in place, carefully open and close the garage door manually to ensure it moves smoothly and evenly.
- If the door is balanced and operates properly, you have successfully retensioned the springs. If not, make further adjustments as necessary.
Step 7: Regular Maintenance
- Periodically inspect the springs for signs of wear, such as rust or fraying cables. Replace any damaged components promptly to ensure the continued safe operation of your garage door.
Retensioning Garage Door Repair Laguna Hills CA springs requires careful attention to detail, patience, and adherence to safety guidelines. If you’re not confident in performing this task yourself, it’s always best to seek the assistance of a professional garage door technician who can ensure that the springs are retensioned properly and safely.
Laguna Hills Garage & Overhead Doors
25361 McIntyre St #5, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, United States
1-949-776-5549