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Message |
    
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 350
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 2:23 pm: |     |
Yesterday afternoon I thought something large fell down -- couldn't find it -- until I went down to the garage -- and the door didn't open! Found a broken spring.
So I check on the web -- its an "extension spring" -- seems reasonably easy to replace? Seems to me that unless the cables are shot this is not too tough a job.
Anyone done this?
thx Pete |
jgberkeley
Supporter
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 3331
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 2:34 pm: | |
Many times. Very easy to do.
When the door is in one position the springs are relaxed, the other they are under tension.
Measure the good one when relaxed and Home Depot sells replacements. Replace both to keep the pull even. They are standard sized based on door weight.
If both broke, gather and measure the parts. You will be close.
When you replace the spring make sure you have a 'keeper' wire. Most come with a wire system thru them and I even like to add a metal wire in addition. Run the wire thru the sping and mount the ends to metal parts that don't move and are not in the way.
The purpose is so that if the spring breaks again, the parts do not fly and hurt someone.
Or dent the car. BTW. I buy this old house. 70 year old door springs so I know that I have to replace them.
Third week with the house I go out to pull the car out; while the door is opening, Wham-Bang!!!!
Broken spring and one heck of a dent on the top of my car. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 351
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 2:53 pm: | |
Ouch for your car! Thanks for the information. I figure with the door up -- and with 1 side still ok -- I should be able to do this.
Pete
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jgberkeley
Supporter
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 3332
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 2:59 pm: | |
And do not forget to disconnect the drive unit to the garage door opener, and then use rope and tie the door off to a rafer, thus holding it open and the weight.
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blackcat
Citizen
Username: Blackcat
Post Number: 124
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 3:42 pm: | |
Just make sure you get the proper size for the door (size and weight). We had replaced the springs that broke and it seems that they weren't really the correct ones. We had Skillman Doors come out with the correct size and haven't had a problem since. They were pretty quick to come out for a slight adjustment also. We have a double wooden door and Home Depot etc. does not carry the heavier ones. Good luck. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 352
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 10:07 pm: | |
Thanks for the help!
Job done tonight -- was pretty straightforward. The spring that broke recoiled with such force that it actually bent backwards and cracked the eye bolt it was connected to (yes, I replaced that, too)!
The previous owners greased the tracks up like crazy, and as a result I look like I've just replaced the engine on a '56 Chevy.
The springs were cheap at HD -- just $12 each with the safety cable. I'd gladly pay twice that if they lasted longer.
Again, thanks -- Pete
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