Garage Door Install

[Cudajas]

I need to replace my garage door (single) due to some accident damage (long story). No its not fixable.

I am toying with the idea of doing the install myself in order to try and save a few bucks. Really just need to replace the door itself, the spring etc. all look ok.

I am pretty handy, and it looks pretty straight forward, but what do you guys think...is this something that a DIY kind of guy can handle.



Jason

 

[BPJOOP93]

Re: Garage Door Instal

It will probably require new springs track torsion bar and all the other hardware. Not impossible but could possibly be dangerous.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Re: Garage Door Instal

I think it's definitely a DIY job. I have one I've been looking to replace on the back of my garage, but it's not a high priority so it's been sitting in the garage for now.

There's a couple episodes of Ask This Old House where Tom goes through the steps of replacing one with a homeowner..

Edit: I've never worked on a door with a torsion bar/spring, so that may be out of the scope of a DIY'er. I'm not sure. But for a door with regular springs it shouldn't be too difficult.

 

[homebuilt burner]

Re: Garage Door Instal

I did mine with my 16 year old assisting. Not to tough, be careful with the torsion springs. A lot of people will say just hire it done but I figured I saved $200, it took @3 hours, I think that is pretty good wages. Read up watch a couple videos you should be ok.

 

[henrysgarage]

Re: Garage Door Instal

I have done two garages, both double doors myself with no issues. The 10 X 10 to the back bay I had the door supplier do.

 

[BillK]

Re: Garage Door Instal

Jason,
I have done two. On was a new install when I built my detached garage and the second when I replaced the door on my attached garage. Both were 16x8 doors. No problems with either one including adjusting the torsion springs. I did it mainly to make sure it was done properly

This guys site has a lot of good info and videos: http://ddmgaragedoors.com/diy-instructions/replace-garage-door-torsion-springs.php

 

[PassnThru]

Re: Garage Door Instal

I need to replace my garage door (single) due to some accident damage (long story). No its not fixable.

I am toying with the idea of doing the install myself in order to try and save a few bucks. Really just need to replace the door itself, the spring etc. all look ok.

I am pretty handy, and it looks pretty straight forward, but what do you guys think...is this something that a DIY kind of guy can handle.



Jason

Make sure you have proper winding bars - not just whatever you have laying around.
I understand - I had to replace the bottom two sections on one of my doors one time due to an 'accident'. I didn't own that 'accident' but I owned the fix.
Funny how it works that way

 

[493 scamp]

Re: Garage Door Instal

Easy to do as a DIY project. I used the easy set spring winder style, just adjust with a socket and ratchet.

 

[Chris705]

Re: Garage Door Instal

I purchased a replacement OH door at lowes or HD and followed the instructions that came with it. I was careful when winding the torsion spring and followed the instructions, it's been 5 - 6 years and all is well. My old wood door rotted on the bottom rail. Wasn't a difficult install, I just followed along and crossed off steps along the way to make sure I didn't miss anything.

 

[matt_i]

Re: Garage Door Instal

I think its easily doable with the instructions. It will take longer than the pro installers.

I have done one [Haas] and modified another track/cable setup.

 

[Cudajas]

Re: Garage Door Instal

Hey folks,

I realize this is a little over due, but I did finally get my garage door installed.

I decided to do it myself and I certainly glad that I did.

The install went fairly smooth...except that I installed the spring backwards. Fixed that and it worked like a dream.

The only difficult part is unwinding and winding the spring (well and maybe reading the instructions). I used some 1/2 inch round stock to make two winding bars, and while it takes some effort and I can see how it could be dangerous, if you take your time and are aware of what you are doing, its really not that difficult.

Another project crossed off the list.

 

[rwhite692]

Re: Garage Door Instal

Hey folks,

I realize this is a little over due, but I did finally get my garage door installed.

I decided to do it myself and I certainly glad that I did.

The install went fairly smooth...except that I installed the spring backwards. Fixed that and it worked like a dream.

The only difficult part is unwinding and winding the spring (well and maybe reading the instructions). I used some 1/2 inch round stock to make two winding bars, and while it takes some effort and I can see how it could be dangerous, if you take your time and are aware of what you are doing, its really not that difficult.

Another project crossed off the list.

Good job! As they say, it ain't Rocket Surgery!

 

[PassnThru]

Good deal! Thanks for checking back in.
Those springs do require some effort at the end don't they

That's why good winding bars are important. At this point, I think I've messed with those springs about a half a dozen times. I recall the first time I did it - my tools consisted of a punch and a big Phillips screwdriver

The second time, I also purchased round stock and made some winding bars.

 

[livinlife]

Be extremely careful with those springs. They can be deadly.....