DIY Garage Door Instructions
We get a lot of customers who ask us if they can work on their own garage door, or who want instructions on a garage door repair DIY so they can complete it on their own next time. While we aren’t against people working on their own doors, we don’t think that’s the best option for everyone.
After all, garage door springs are under a lot of tension and those doors are heavy! We’ve seen people injure themselves and damage their property just because they didn’t want to pay someone to work on their door! If you’re interested in garage door repair DIY, here’s what you need to know.
Should You Do a Garage Door Repair DIY?
As we mentioned above, garage doors weigh a lot. Their components can be under quite a bit of tension, and they can be finicky when you’re adjusting them or trying to get them to operate correctly.
If you are comfortable working on your door and you understand the risks, then maybe garage door repair DIY is for you. If you’re not comfortable with those things, though, it’s probably worth it to bring in an expert.
How to Change a Garage Door Spring
Understanding how to change a garage door spring means understanding a complex, multi-step process, which may be different depending on the type of door you have.
In general, you want to get the spring to a relaxed place, remove it, then purchase one that is identical to it. Make sure you note how it is installed when you take it out because you’ll need to put the new one in in exactly the same way.
You may want to take photos of your spring as you remove it. That way, you’ll have a record of each step that you can reverse to determine how to get the new one back on your particular door.
Garage Door Pulley Replacement
If your garage door isn’t opening and closing properly, the pulleys may be the problem. Garage door pulley replacement is relatively easy, except that, once again, you’re working with extension springs under quite a bit of tension.
ALWAYS replace your garage door pulley with the door open. You may need to push it open manually if the damage is keeping it from opening all the way. Wedge it open once you have it there so it doesn’t close on you by accident.
Follow the instructions to remove the pulley on your particular garage door. These may be available online and can vary significantly between doors. Purchase an identical replacement pulley, then follow the removal instructions in reverse to assemble your door.
If you’re comfortable with garage door repair DIY, you can save some money. However, if you’re not, we would be happy to help (and that might be safer, too!). Call us at Accurate Door today to find out more.
