Adjusting or loosening Mckinney Overhead & Garage Doors springs can be a potentially dangerous task that requires careful attention and proper tools. Garage door springs are under a significant amount of tension, and improper adjustments can lead to serious injuries. If you’re not experienced with garage door systems, it’s recommended to seek professional help for spring adjustments.

However, if you have the necessary knowledge and tools, here’s a general guide on how to safely loosen garage door springs:

Tools and Materials You Will Need:

  • C-clamps or locking pliers
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves
  • Ladder
  • Vice grips (optional, for torsion springs)
  • Proper winding bars (for torsion springs)

Important Safety Precautions:

  • Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working with garage door springs.
  • Disconnect the garage door opener before attempting any spring adjustments.
  • If you’re uncomfortable or uncertain about adjusting springs, it’s safer to consult a professional.

1. Identify the Type of Springs:

Garage doors typically have two types of springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Identify which type you have before attempting any adjustments.

  • Torsion Springs: These are located above the door, usually mounted on a metal shaft parallel to the door opening. They’re wound with tension to counterbalance the weight of the door.
  • Extension Springs: These are located on both sides of the door and stretch along the horizontal tracks. They’re responsible for helping the door open and close.

2. Loosening Torsion Springs:

2.1. Gather Safety Gear:

  1. Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any potential spring-related accidents.

2.2. Release Tension:

  1. With the door closed, use C-clamps or locking pliers to secure the garage door track just below the bottom roller to prevent the door from moving.

2.3. Identify the Winding Points:

  1. Locate the winding cones on the torsion spring shaft. These are typically at the end of the spring, secured with setscrews.

2.4. Insert Winding Bars:

  1. Insert a proper winding bar into one of the winding cone holes. The winding bar should fit securely into the hole.
  2. Hold the winding bar securely while applying slight pressure to the winding cone in the opposite direction of the wind (unwinding).

2.5. Loosen the Spring:

  1. Slowly and steadily turn the winding bar to loosen the tension on the spring. Each quarter-turn of the winding bar should release some tension.
  2. Repeat the process on the other winding cone if your door has two springs.

2.6. Test and Adjust:

  1. After loosening the spring, manually open and close the door to check its balance. The door should stay in place when partially open and move smoothly.

3. Loosening Extension Springs:

3.1. Disconnect Opener and Secure Door:

  1. Disconnect the garage door opener from the power source and secure the door in place by clamping the track near the top roller.

3.2. Locate the Springs:

  1. Extension springs are typically located on both sides of the door, parallel to the horizontal tracks.

3.3. Loosen the Springs:

  1. Using an adjustable wrench, turn the adjusting nuts on each side of the springs counterclockwise to release some tension.
  2. Loosen the nuts a few turns at a time to gradually release the tension. Be cautious not to over-loosen the springs.

3.4. Test and Adjust:

  1. After adjusting the springs, carefully test the door by manually opening and closing it to ensure it moves smoothly and stays in position when partially open.

4. Conclusion:

Loosening Mckinney Overhead & Garage Doors springs requires caution and precision. If you’re not experienced with garage door systems, it’s safer to hire a professional to make spring adjustments. These steps are provided for informational purposes only, and any adjustments should be made with a thorough understanding of the specific spring type and garage door mechanism. Always prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to prevent injuries or accidents.

Mckinney Overhead & Garage Doors

3804 Landsdowne Dr, McKinney, TX 75072, United States3804 Landsdowne Dr, McKinney, TX 75072, United States

1-972-848-7414