On Fri, 2 Feb 2007 10:08:32 -0500, "Buck"
wrote:

One of the springs is unwound but not broken. Looks like a the set screws
came loose. I Googled for info & only found lots of stuff on how to replace
the springs. Can I simply wind this spring back up? Should I unwind the
other first to make sure both springs are equal?

Thanks!


I did the same repairs. Simple safety precautions should get your
there. You do not need to unwind the other spring to wind up the
"sprung" one. You need two half inch diameter steel rods to fit into
the holes on the spring's boss and use those as levers to rewind the
spring. You can buy the rod from HD or Lowes. It is 30" or 36"
long, cut into two and they will provide a lot of leverage to wind
the spring with. The safety precaution is stand aside, away from the
arc of the rods, but in a comfortable and efficient (to crank the
levers) position. Should you somehow slip or let go of the rod the
backlash won't hit you. Also wear work gloves so that if you have to
take a rest while winding the spring you can ease the rods to a rest
position without getting your fingers pinched. Its a good idea to
have a friend to watch you in case you need temporary help hold the
rods while you catch your breath for example. Paint a straight line
across the spring before you start. As you wind the spring it will
develop a spiral and give you a good idea of how many turns you made.
The paint spiral should roughly match the other spring's. Make one or
two test runs, by doing a few turns without getting to any significant
tension, to get a good feel of how to manipulate the rods, tightening
the set screws and the cable, etc., Finally wind the spring as tight
as you can. Then tighten the set screws, run the cable, etc. and test
the door. Any unevenness in the spring tension will be obvious.
Increase or decrease the spring tension as necessary.