Loosening Torsion Springs Led To Disaster Until Tightening Restored Function

My garage door problems started small – it was moving slower than normal and seemed a bit stiff. But soon the door would barely budge, no matter how hard I pulled. That’s when I noticed the torsion springs were visibly looser than before. A quick fix seemed unlikely given the potential dangers, so I read up on the proper way to tighten them myself before calling a professional for Garage Door Spring Repair in Newport News.

Inspecting the Springs

Located above the garage door, torsion springs are what provide the lifting power and maintain proper tension. Mine were noticeably sagging more than the manufacturer specs. Using a winding bar, I carefully checked the number of coils to confirm they needed tightening. The last thing I wanted was a potential injury from springs under high tension.

Safety Precautions

I understood torsion springs must be treated with extreme care, as their stored energy can cause serious harm if they were to snap or fly off the brackets. So I took all recommended precautions, including using heavy duty safety glasses and gloves. I also disabled the automatic function to avoid any accidental openings during the work.

Tightening Process

With an extra set of hands for safety, I began slowly tightening each spring by making one full coil turn at a time on the winding cone. This prevented sudden, jerky movements. As each coil was added, I tested the door balance and ease of operation to avoid over-tightening.

Testing and Final Checks

When the proper number of coils was achieved according to the data plate, the door opened and closed smoothly with very little physical effort. I doubled checked that all springs, brackets and mounting hardware were still securely in place before declaring the repair a success. Function was fully restored without needing outside help.

Peace of Mind

I’m glad I took the DIY approach to re-tensioning my springs instead of immediately calling a pro. Not only did it save money, but I now better understand the safe operation and regular maintenance of this important component. While garage door spring jobs require caution, many homeowners can perform simple repairs on their own with the right information. Knowing how to troubleshoot basic issues gives me confidence to handle small problems and recognize when bigger help is truly needed.