Torsion Spring Winding

[Jheathma]

I have two 9x7 garage doors. Each has a single torsion spring. The spring on one of the doors broke and I purchased a replacement. It has black paint on the winding cone so I believe that makes it a left hand spring. Most of the info I've researched says that it should be mounted on the right side of the bracket. However, mine was mounted on the left side of the bracket. I think it's a low headroom setup and the cable drums are on the outside of the tracks. My question is how to wind it. Most videos demonstrate people pushing the winding rods up toward the ceiling. But since mine is on the left side of the bracket, I'm wondering if I should pull the rods down instead.

 

[KenC]

You need to wind it in the direction it will move when the door lowers as that winds the spring.

 

[Jheathma]

That makes sense. I believe that means I will wind it by pulling down. Thanks.

 

[gayler]

Be carefull with them! There will be a lot of stored energy in it and could do some real damage if your hand slips off of the winding bar.

 

[930dreamer]

I know a few friends that suffered some hand carnage working on a door spring.

 

[dusterdude]

I had a garage door company out this week to look at my door,also 9x7.my spring is on the left and my drums are on the outside,he told me to wind down to tighten.

Sent from my LM-X420 using Tapatalk

 

[mnmarlin]

Be careful, but don't fear the spring. I find it safer than using a table saw, use proper precautions and you'll be fine.

 

[engineer2]

University of YouTube for this.

 

[Ike Carlson]

I used to work on overhead doors. Make sure the rods are bottomed in the holes and have a snug fit. A fellow worker had a rod slip out and the other one hit him over the head when the spring unwound. He lived but it did a number on his head. I thought he was dead when it happened.