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....

I was standing in the garage a few years back when one of mine let go. They
make an awful BANG, and I had to use a crowbar to get the spring end out of
the beam at the door end! I have safety cables now ;-)

Pop`