The Dos and Don'ts Of DIY Garage Door Maintenance

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Damaged Garage Door Springs: Think Twice Before Replacing Them Yourself

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Your garage door doesn't open and close as smoothly as it used to before, and you suspect that the problem could lie with the springs. As a DIY enthusiast, you decide to take up the challenge of replacing the springs yourself and save a few dollars in the process. After all, how hard can it be to remove extension and torsion springs and install new ones? Replacing garage door springs may seem like a relatively easy project, but it is one that is full of risks. So before you embark on this task, be aware of the following issues which make this project extremely risky.

The door can crush you

A garage door has two types of springs: extension and torsion springs. Extension springs are the ones that allow the door to move up and down when you operate the opener. If these springs are faulty, the door may not move up and down as it usually should. So to replace the springs, you should keep the door open to access them—they are located at the top of the door and are attached to a pulley and I–bolt. If the springs snap as you remove them, the door can crash down and hurt you in the process. If someone was underneath the door at the time, they can get severe injuries or even die due to the weight of the door.

Torsion springs can hurt you

Torsion springs are the springs that generate the torque required to lift the garage door when you open it. These springs tend to build a lot of pressure, as they have to bear the weight of the entire door as it moves up the tracks. Removing the damaged torsion springs releases them from all the built-up tension. This can cause the springs to snap back with such rapid force that they can hit your hand or arm and leave you with severe injuries. That's why you shouldn't attempt to repair these springs without expertise.

You lack the proper equipment

Most DIY projects are usually carried out with the basic tools: a screwdriver and socket wrench. However, when replacing door springs, you need additional tools to ease the project and promote safety. For example, you need C-clamps that will be placed at the bottom of the door to prevent it from crashing down in the event of an accident. You may also require lineman's pliers, a crescent wrench, duct tape and a ladder. If you don't have these tools, it would be best to leave the work to a professional.

A seemingly simple project of replacing garage door springs can quickly turn tragic. Contact a specialist for all garage door repairs to prevent accidents and fatalities.


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