On May 7, 10:51 pm, Meat Plow wrote:
On Tue, 08 May 2007 02:36:56 +0000, aemeijers wrote:

"Meat Plow" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 07 May 2007 17:49:26 -0700, 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.

Any ideas?

Put the door up, make sure the springs are slack. Find the cable adjuster
on each side near the top rail and pulley. (looks like a little buckle)
you'll be able to see how they work. Also check the cable system and make
sure there are no binds, kinks etc.. It's all common sense.

And on a door that old, if there aren't any safety cables inside the
springs, strongly consider adding some. Be a damn shame if a spring fails
someday when you are standing beside the car as door is going down, and it
tags you in the head.

aem sends....

Very true indeed. Great advice.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I also don't understand the comment that because repairs have added
some weight to the door, it no longer opens fully. I can see that it
won't just open fully on it's own, but surely is should if you just
push it up a bit, then use vise grips or similar to keep it there.
Once it's fully open, a lot less force will be required to move the
spring hooks. But, depending on how much weight the repairs added,
it may be necessary to go to heavier springs.

First thing I'd do though is make sure they have safety cables. What
you're doing is going to result in the springs being under more
tension than before. If one snaps, you want to make sure it doesn't
go anywhere.

Last year, I was installing a garage door opener, not even touching
the springs. When I was doing the final adjustment, KAPOW! Luckily
it didn;'t hit me, even though I was only a few feet away. All mine
have safety cables now.