How To Adjust Garage Door Extension Springs And Cables

To be able to adjust the springs the door must be in a position that release the tension on the springs.

How to adjust garage door extension springs and cables.

If the door falls when you let go add a quarter turn to each spring. Garage door cables can be adjusted by the home handyman with a little bit of patience and a few simple hand tools. Raise the door and release the garage door opener. Finish with a test of the garage door tension spring.

Lower the door and use 2 metal rods to adjust the tension in the spring. For extension springs this is in the up position. Adjust the tension there are two ways you can change the tension on the springs. If the door springs are properly adjusted the door should stay in place when you let go.

The cable is attached to the door and runs to an s hook that attaches to the track support. Typically you first move the hook then you make a minor adjustment by changing the length of the cable. If you need to increase the spring tension hook the spring onto a lower hole on the track hanger. Lower the garage door clamp or bolt it shut so it can t open and insert 1 metal rod into 1 of the holes around the perimeter of the spring.

To keep the door from falling it must be clamped to hold it in place. Because the garage door springs can be somewhat tricky to manage and are very dangerous things to adjust incorrectly you will need to ask a friend to help you. Once your garage door is secured remove the spring hook from the track hanger which will allow you to move the hook and adjust the spring s tension. Remove the clamps and pliers from the torsion tube and track and lift the door about 3 ft.

Adjusting the garage door cables and the springs is a typical do it yourselfer s kind of a job. Adjust the lift cable to make fine adjustments try adjusting the lifting cable instead of the spring.