I've done this before but running into a problem this time. Garage door has two springs on each side. One, just one spring, broke. I've replaced them before but can't imagine how I did it b/c this one just comes up way too short. My problem is I'm not heavy enough (I knew I should have been drinking more beer) to grab the spring from above, but at the low end, to force it downward to connect it. And I can't think of another way to do it. Or, now that I say that, perhaps connect at the bottom first and try to connect at top? If anyone has done this successfully tell me how you did it! Thanks.
replace garage door sprin
- Thread starter El Cazador
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
I'm guessing this is a one-piece door, rather than a sectional. I've never done one of those, but it seems that the door should probably be in the 'open' position to attach the springs.
-Spike
-Spike
I take it those are tension -not torsion- springs. Sounds like you want to attach a new spring that is too short.
Well, is it too short? Check length first.
Then, yes, figure out which position is least stressed.
Then nothing that could not be resolved with leverage, 2x4s and perhaps a High-Lift or a comealong?
I'll also say that in my dealings with little springs, I found that the best way to reset those is to put a rod through the spring end and use that to pull and leverage onto the mount. Maybe extrapolate?
Well, is it too short? Check length first.
Then, yes, figure out which position is least stressed.
Then nothing that could not be resolved with leverage, 2x4s and perhaps a High-Lift or a comealong?
I'll also say that in my dealings with little springs, I found that the best way to reset those is to put a rod through the spring end and use that to pull and leverage onto the mount. Maybe extrapolate?
I just replaced a couple of those types last year, but I don't remember having to really stretch it very much. Are you sure it's the right size? Is the remaining spring under a lot of tension right now?
If I remember correctly, I just attached the top spring to the top lever arm, then pulled down attached it to the bottom V-hook. It's easier if there's a second person to attach the hook while you're holding the spring. When the door is in the fully up position there shouldn't be much tension on it. Also, if that side of the garage door is sagging because of the missing spring, use a 2x4 to prop it up as high as it will go, that will move the attachment points closer together.
If I remember correctly, I just attached the top spring to the top lever arm, then pulled down attached it to the bottom V-hook. It's easier if there's a second person to attach the hook while you're holding the spring. When the door is in the fully up position there shouldn't be much tension on it. Also, if that side of the garage door is sagging because of the missing spring, use a 2x4 to prop it up as high as it will go, that will move the attachment points closer together.
And please, be careful.
If a spring under tension breaks, that could be last thing you ever did.
If a spring under tension breaks, that could be last thing you ever did.
Oh yeah... I saw (and heard) a spring break. Slammed a wall instead of me. There should always be a safety cable running thru the inside of the spring.
- Thread starter
- #7
Thanks, guys. Answered my own question. Attached at the bottom and stretched it upward. Smooth as butter that way. Why I didn't think of that before posting is a mystery.
Cause you need us to give you the wrong advice so you can say " I knew that".
