How Do I Adjust Garage Door Spring Tension

Garage door springs offset the weight of the door and allow it to open and close with ease.

How do i adjust garage door spring tension.

Adjusting a spring loaded hinge must be done with the door closed. Start by removing the locking pin photo 1. A problem with the spring tension could cause the door to open or close unevenly improperly or at the wrong speed and adjusting the springs will likely solve the problem. Open it just as wide as you can without hitting the garage door opener s stop bolt and place a clamp on the track on both sides to keep the door in.

The springs are located at the top inside part of the garage door. Torsion springs must be adjusted with the door in the down position. If the garage door isn t opening or closing properly then check the tension on the torsion springs for needed adjustments you may need to have someone helping you to adjust the torsion spring because it can be potentially dangerous. You need proper tension on a garage door to operate the door by hand or with an automatic opener.

If the tension is too loose the springs that help lift the. Once the spring is free of tension remove from its track hanger. Be sure to have all your tools inside before closing the door unless you have an alternate access door to the garage. If the self closing door to your garage isn t closing hard enough to latch properly or the door slams shut you can adjust the spring hinge tension with a hex wrench and pliers.

To avoid injury make sure the spring is completely free of tension before removing. With an extension spring door the goal is to take all the tension off the door before you even think about touching a spring you can do this by opening the door all the way and propping it up with a ladder. Then add or release tension until you get the proper close rate photo 2. If it was opening too quickly move it to the next lower hole.

If the door was closing too quickly move the spring to the next higher hole on the bracket. Adjust the springs on both. Remove the locking pin. How to adjust garage door tension.

Adjustment to torsion springs can be dangerous because they must be adjusted with the door down and the spring under tension.