CWLee wrote:


I have an old style overhead garage door, which incorporates
two springs on each side to more or less counter-balance the
door as it is opened and closed. Each spring is about 24"
long. I've lived here 27 years, and now and then one would
break, and I would replace it, with a little grunting and
straining.

Now, I'm not as strong as I used to be, and I cannot pull
the springs enough to un-hook or re-hook them. I'm
wondering if there is a tool or device used by garage door
specialists to stretch these springs for easier installation
and replacement.



Those are extension springs. I hope to hell you are not adjusting
them with the door down!

Raise the door and put a set of vise-grips on the track to keep it
from falling. Then, you can adjust the springs in the relaxed
position. There should be hardly any tension at all, unless you are
very weak - then I would not even recommend being on the ladder.