Garage Door Spring Tension ?

[billt460]

I have both double and single garage doors. Both doors were replaced about 4 years ago. Both doors are insulated. The single door has a single coil spring. The double door has a double coil spring. (One on each side of center).

Last week we had a power failure, and I had to leave. So I disconnected the opener, and raised the door myself so I could get out. I did it with one hand, and the door stayed up when I let go of it.

I thought the tension might need adjusting, so I called the guy, and he told me if I could open and close it with one hand, the spring tension was just fine. And to adjust it tighter so the door was at a neutral weight both up and down, would shorten the life of the spring.

He told me he would by happy to come out and adjust it anyway I wanted. But recommended to leave it as is. And of course to keep the rollers and hardware well lubricated. I feel he's being truthful, because he could have had a quick and easy service call. (I live just up the street from him). What say you guys?

 

[kenners]

Release opener, open door 1/2 way to open position. If door stays put it typically is balanced. Adjust springs if it starts to raise or lower on it's own.

 

[NUTTSGT]

One hand open and stays put, you're good to go.

 

[kbuhagiar]

He told me he would by happy to come out and adjust it anyway I wanted. But recommended to leave it as is. And of course to keep the rollers and hardware well lubricated. I feel he's being truthful, because he could have had a quick and easy service call. (I live just up the street from him). What say you guys?

I'd say he's correct, and you are correct. He's a keeper.

Make sure you give him first crack next time you need any garage door work.

 

[billt460]

I'd say he's correct, and you are correct. He's a keeper.

Make sure you give him first crack next time you need any garage door work.

For sure. I bought both doors from him 4 years ago. He was the best and the cheapest by far. Never took a dime from me until everything was finished.

 

[Viper98912]

I did it with one hand, and the door stayed up when I let go of it.

I thought the tension might need adjusting

Out of curiosity, what made you think that it might need adjusting?

 

[BurtEggley]

generally a door should stay still when it is disconnected from the opener and hand opened about 3' - 4' off the ground. Above 3' - 4' it will rise slowly at first, below that it will go down slowly at first. 3' - 4' is an approximate position. If it was slightly more or less I would be happy. Below is a video from Chamberlain.

 

[billt460]

Out of curiosity, what made you think that it might need adjusting?

I had always heard they were supposed to "float". That is remain stationary in the middle when let go of. That is apparently not the case for achieving the longest spring life.

 

[BurtEggley]

it has to float part way or you will hurt or worse some kid or pet by slamming it down on them if the rope is pulled. Also there is the strain that goes on the garage door opener. It isn't just about the springs. The springs should be replaced every 10 years or so anyway. They get replaced before they break as proactive maintenance.

 

[Viper98912]

I had always heard they were supposed to "float". That is remain stationary in the middle when let go of. That is apparently not the case for achieving the longest spring life.

Yes, the door should hold itself up when it's about halfway up; it shouldn't shoot up nor come crashing down.

Now this is "within reason", depending on the design of your setup - for example, if you have a high lift door, it is much harder to get the door to stay at a neutral position without it slightly drifting upward

 

[firebirdparts]

I disconnected the opener, and raised the door myself so I could get out. I did it with one hand, and the door stayed up when I let go of it.

I thought the tension might need adjusting, .......

I don't get it.