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Posted by Meat Plow on May 8, 2007, 10:35 am
On Tue, 08 May 2007 06:57:53 -0700, trader4 wrote:
>> On Tue, 08 May 2007 02:36:56 +0000, aemeijers wrote:
>>
>> >> On Mon, 07 May 2007 17:49:26 -0700, CWLee wrote:
>>
>> >>> I have an old style overhead garage door, which incorporates
>> >>> two springs on each side to more or less counter-balance the
>> >>> door as it is opened and closed. Each spring is about 24"
>> >>> long. I've lived here 27 years, and now and then one would
>> >>> break, and I would replace it, with a little grunting and
>> >>> straining.
>>
>> >>> Now, I'm not as strong as I used to be, and I cannot pull
>> >>> the springs enough to un-hook or re-hook them. I'm
>> >>> wondering if there is a tool or device used by garage door
>> >>> specialists to stretch these springs for easier installation
>> >>> and replacement.
>>
>> >>> Any ideas?
>>
>> >> Put the door up, make sure the springs are slack. Find the cable adjuster
>> >> on each side near the top rail and pulley. (looks like a little buckle)
>> >> you'll be able to see how they work. Also check the cable system and make
>> >> sure there are no binds, kinks etc.. It's all common sense.
>>
>> > And on a door that old, if there aren't any safety cables inside the
>> > springs, strongly consider adding some. Be a damn shame if a spring fails
>> > someday when you are standing beside the car as door is going down, and it
>> > tags you in the head.
>>
>> > aem sends....
>>
>> Very true indeed. Great advice.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> I also don't understand the comment that because repairs have added
> some weight to the door, it no longer opens fully. I can see that it
> won't just open fully on it's own, but surely is should if you just
> push it up a bit, then use vise grips or similar to keep it there.
> Once it's fully open, a lot less force will be required to move the
> spring hooks. But, depending on how much weight the repairs added,
> it may be necessary to go to heavier springs.
>
> First thing I'd do though is make sure they have safety cables. What
> you're doing is going to result in the springs being under more
> tension than before. If one snaps, you want to make sure it doesn't
> go anywhere.
>
> Last year, I was installing a garage door opener, not even touching
> the springs. When I was doing the final adjustment, KAPOW! Luckily
> it didn;'t hit me, even though I was only a few feet away. All mine
> have safety cables now.
I don't see how repairs to a door would increase the weight enough to make
a difference. If the springs are old and stretched (yes they do stretch)
then they need replaced for safety's sake and they aren't expensive at all.
And don't move the hooks to adjust tension, use the cable adjusters.
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