How to Check Garage Door Spring Tension Safely: Fix Common Issues

Is your garage door acting up? Maybe it’s slamming shut, refusing to open fully, or just feels heavier than usual. These can all be signs your garage door spring tension is off. As a homeowner, it’s smart to know when something’s not right, but it can be tricky figuring out how to check garage door spring tension safely.

At Level Up Garage Door, we know how frustrating a malfunctioning garage door can be in your daily routine. Let’s break this down so you can better understand your garage door’s spring system and when to make adjustments – or call in a professional.

What You Should Know About Your Garage Door Spring

There are two main types of garage door springs:

• Torsion springs: These are mounted horizontally above the garage door on the wall. They twist (or torque) to create tension.
• Extension springs: Typically mounted on each side of the door parallel to the door tracks, they stretch when the door is closed.
  

Both require just the right tension to keep the door opening and closing correctly. Incorrect spring tension can lead to unbalance, excessive noise, or even injury if a spring breaks.

Signs Your Garage Door Spring Tension Needs Attention

So how do you know if your garage door spring tension needs adjusting? Here’s what to look for:

• The door feels heavy when lifted manually.
• The door opens too quickly or slams shut.
• The door moves unevenly or looks off-balance.
• The door doesn’t stay open on its own.
• The garage door opener is straining or can’t lift the door.
  

These are all signs that the tension in the springs might be off. When spring tension is too tight or too loose, it puts stress on the garage door opener and other components, such as the cable, pulleys, and rollers.

How to Check Garage Door Spring Tension

If you’re asking, “How do I know if my garage door spring tension is right?”, follow these steps carefully. Always wear safety gear and keep children and pets away during this process.

Step 1: Disconnect the Opener

Start with safety. Use the release cord (a red cord hanging from your garage door opener) to disconnect the opener and switch to manual operation.

Step 2: Open the Door Halfway

Manually open the door halfway and let go. This simple test reveals a lot about your spring tension.

• If the door stays in place, your spring tension is likely good.
• If the door falls, increase the spring tension.
• If the door shoots up, the tension is too high.
  

This is sometimes referred to as the test the door method.

Step 3: Check for Unbalance

If your garage door looks crooked or moves unevenly, the springs may be worn or adjusted incorrectly. Unbalance can put extra strain on the entire system and needs fast attention.

Step 4: Visual Inspection

Inspect both the torsion spring and extension springs for signs of wear, damage, or rust. Check for loose set screws, worn rollers, or stretched-out safety cables. If springs have become deformed or frayed, it’s time to call a professional.

Spring Adjustments: DIY or Leave It to a Pro?

Garage door spring adjustments can be extremely dangerous. The springs are under a lot of tension (in terms of physics and mechanics), and one wrong move can cause serious injury.

That’s why we typically recommend a professional garage door repair service if:

• You lack the proper tools (like a winding bar, c-clamp, or socket wrench)
• You’re unsure what kind of spring you have
• You suspect the spring is close to breaking
  

Still, for experienced DIYers, here’s a simplified overview.

How to Adjust a Garage Door Spring (for DIYers Only)

For Torsion Springs:

1. Wear safety equipment – goggles, gloves, and long sleeves are a must.
2. Clamp the door to keep it from moving.
3. Insert a winding bar into the winding cone attached to the center shaft of the spring.
4. Hold the first bar firmly and insert the second into the next hole on the cone.
5. Carefully unwind or wind according to the issue:

• If the door feels heavy, tighten (wind) the spring clockwise to increase tension.
• If the door opens too quickly, unwind to reduce tension.

1. Tighten the set screws and check the balance again.

For Extension Springs:

1. Disconnect the opener and open the door fully so there’s little tension.
2. Use a s-hook to move the hook on the pulley to a different hole on the bracket.
3. To increase tension, stretch the spring by shortening the cable connection.
4. Lower the door and retest.
   

Important: Always conduct a safety recheck after adjustments by lifting the door halfway again.

Dangers of Improper Spring Tension

Improper tension can:

• Prevent the door from opening or closing correctly.
• Cause the door to become unbalanced and place excess strain on the garage door opener.
• Lead to a dangerous door from falling unexpectedly.
• Result in loud noises or a door suddenly jerking.
  

It’s not just about performance – it’s about safety too.

When to Call a Professional Garage Door Technician

If any of the following apply, it’s time to call a professional service tech:

• You hear a loud “bang” (a spring breaks).
• You’re unsure what adjustments to make.
• The door needs multiple adjustments frequently.
• You feel unsafe during any step.
  

Our team at Level Up Garage Door provides comprehensive garage door service in the League City, Texas area. From inspecting springs to full garage door repair, you can count on a job done right.

Need help? Our professional garage door repair experts are here to help.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Garage Door in Good Shape

• Lubricate your springs, hinges, and rollers every few months with a silicone-based lubricant.
• Check the balance and adjust the tension if needed twice a year.
• Keep an eye out for signs of wear and schedule preventive maintenance.
  

In Conclusion: Safety and Maintenance First

Understanding how to check garage door spring tension gives you the power to keep your home safer and your routine uninterrupted. If the garage door feels heavy, it’s jerky, or the door closes too fast, the issue may be spring-related.

You don’t need to be an expert in torsion mechanics, but knowing when something’s off and when to call a professional can save you time, money, and stress.

So keep your door in good working order, lubricate regularly, and don’t hesitate to bring in a garage door service specialist for those tougher jobs.

Have questions or need a garage door service call in League City, Texas? Schedule an appointment with Level Up Garage Door – the trusted name in all things garage.