Winding a garage door spring is essential for smooth door operation. These springs provide the tension needed to lift and lower the door, playing a key role in its functionality.
However, winding them requires care, as improper handling can lead to injuries or damage.
This guide will walk you through the steps to wind a garage door spring safely, explain when to do it, and highlight the necessary precautions to get the job done right.
How to Wind a Garage Door Spring?
Winding a garage door spring is tricky and dangerous! It’s best left to professionals. But if you’re determined, use a winding bar, and remember—safety first. Don’t attempt it without the proper tools!
Key Takeaways
- Garage door springs are essential for lifting and lowering the door, and they must be properly wound for the door to function smoothly.
- Winding the springs yourself can save money, but it requires caution as they are under high tension.
- If unsure or uncomfortable, always consult a professional to handle spring-related issues.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
Before we dive into the process of winding a garage door spring, it’s important to understand what the springs do.
Winding a garage door spring is a critical process for ensuring the smooth operation of your garage door.
Springs provide the necessary tension to lift and lower the door, and they play a crucial role in its overall functionality.
However, winding garage door springs is a task that should be handled with care. Improper handling can lead to injuries or damage to the door.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to wind a garage door spring, explain when to do it, and discuss safety precautions to ensure the task is done correctly.
Garage doors typically use two types of springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Both types perform the same function of balancing the weight of the door, but they operate differently.
1. Torsion Springs
These are mounted above the door and wind and unwind as the door opens and closes. They store energy when the door is closed, and release it to help lift the door when it opens.
2. Extension Springs
These springs are located on either side of the door and stretch as the door is lifted. They provide the necessary force to lift the door.
Winding or adjusting these springs is necessary when they lose tension or when they are not balanced correctly.
Why Would You Need to Wind a Garage Door Spring?
Winding a garage door spring may become necessary for a variety of reasons, including:
The Door is Hard to Lift: If your garage door feels unusually heavy or struggles to lift, it could be a sign that the spring is losing its tension.
Uneven Door Movement: If the door is uneven when opening or closing, it’s possible that one of the springs has lost its tension and is no longer providing equal force on both sides.
The Door Doesn’t Open: A broken or completely unwound spring will prevent the door from opening or closing.
In this case, winding the spring will restore the necessary tension to operate the door.
Steps to Wind a Garage Door Spring
Winding a garage door spring requires precision and safety precautions. If you’re not experienced or comfortable with the process, it’s best to contact a professional.
If you decide to proceed, follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
Before you start winding or adjusting the springs, safety is the most important consideration. Garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
Disconnect the Garage Door Opener: Unplug the garage door opener to prevent it from engaging while you are working on the door.
Use Safety Gear: Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
Make Sure the Door is in the Down Position: Always ensure that the door is fully closed before working on the springs.
This reduces the risk of the door accidentally coming down while you are adjusting it.
Step 2: Identify the Type of Spring
Determine whether your garage door uses torsion or extension springs. The winding process for each is different.
Torsion Springs: If your door has torsion springs, you’ll see a metal rod running through the middle of the spring. These springs require winding with a winding bar.
Extension Springs: If you have extension springs, these typically don’t need as much winding, but the tension may need to be adjusted by elongating or shortening the springs using hooks or additional tools.
Step 3: Winding a Torsion Spring
If you have torsion springs, follow these steps to wind them:
Locate the Winding Cone: Find the winding cone at the end of the garage door torsion spring, where the winding bar will fit.
Insert the Winding Bar: Use a winding bar (a long, sturdy metal rod) to insert into the winding cone. You will need two bars: one to hold the spring in place and the other to wind it.
Turn the Bar: Begin turning the winding bar in the direction that tightens the spring.
Typically, turning the bar clockwise will add tension to the spring. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications for the number of turns needed.
Even Turns: Make sure to wind each spring evenly. If you have two torsion springs, wind both springs equally to avoid unbalanced tension, which can cause the door to become uneven.
Step 4: Winding Extension Springs
Extension springs are simpler to adjust but still require care. Here’s how to adjust their tension:
Locate the Spring: Extension springs are located along the sides of the door.
Adjust the Hooks: Use a ladder to reach the spring and move the hook to a different hole to either increase or decrease the tension.
Moving the hook towards the center will increase the tension, while moving it away will reduce it.
Test the Door: Once you’ve made the adjustment, open and close the door to see if the movement is smooth and balanced.
Step 5: Test the Garage Door
After adjusting the springs, test the door to ensure it is balanced and operates smoothly. Open and close the door several times to check if it lifts evenly and stays in place when stopped.
Check for Smooth Movement: Ensure the door opens and closes smoothly without any jerking or uneven movement.
Look for Even Gaps: Make sure that the gaps on either side of the door are even when it’s closed. This indicates that the door is properly balanced.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Winding a Garage Door Spring
While winding a garage door spring can be done safely, many DIYers make mistakes that can lead to further issues. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Over-Winding the Spring
Over-winding the spring can put too much tension on the door, which can cause the door to be difficult to lift and even damage the opener.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the correct number of turns.
2. Using the Wrong Tools
It’s important to use the correct tools, such as a winding bar, to avoid damaging the spring or other components of the garage door.
3. Not Checking the Balance
After winding the springs, always check the balance of the door. An imbalanced door can cause additional wear on the system and may result in the door malfunctioning.
When to Call a Professional
Winding garage door springs can be dangerous if not done correctly.
If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with winding your garage door springs yourself, it’s always a good idea to call a professional.
Here are situations where you should seek expert help:
- If you experience difficulty lifting the door after winding the springs.
- If the springs appear damaged or broken and need replacement.
- If you’re unable to achieve an even tension on both sides of the door.
A professional garage door technician will have the right tools and experience to ensure that the springs are wound correctly and that your door operates safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my garage door springs need winding?
If your garage door is difficult to lift, operates unevenly, or you hear loud noises when it opens or closes, the springs may need winding or adjustment.
2. Can I wind garage door springs myself?
While it is possible to wind garage door springs yourself, it requires caution and proper tools. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, it’s best to call a professional.
3. How often should I wind my garage door springs?
Garage door springs do not require regular winding, but they should be checked for wear every few months. If the door feels heavy or unbalanced, the springs may need adjustment.
Conclusion
Winding a garage door torsion spring system is an important task to ensure the door functions smoothly and efficiently.
Whether you have torsion or extension springs, proper winding can extend the life of your garage door and prevent potential damage.
While many homeowners can handle simple adjustments, always remember to prioritise safety and consult a professional if you’re unsure about handling the task yourself.
