Things You'll Need:
- Gloves
- Helper
- New springs
- Vise grips
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Step 1
When getting started replacing or putting on a garage door extension spring, find at least one person who can help you lift and hold the door open. Once this is done you can then use vise grips to hold the door in place and keep yourself safe. Place the grips just under the bottom roller that the door slides to ensure security.
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Step 2
Remove whatever is left of the spring depending on whether it is broken or not. Look at all the sheaves and figure out if they need replacing depending on wear and tear. Check the bearings and the area around where the cables touch. Take your old spring to your local hardware store and find the appropriate replacement. Purchase any other parts needed, such as sheaves or cables.
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Step 3
Place the new spring back where the old spring was, and ensure that the spring is stretched no more than 1 inch when it is fully open. If the spring stretches farther, you can then move the door half open, and make adjustments to the spring and the clamps that hold the spring in place.
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Step 4
Remove the pliers and make sure that no one is standing under the door or near the springs. Watch the springs and sheaves as the door closes. and ensure that the springs will not come loose and the sheaves are not touching one another. Adjust where needed at this time. If the springs have too much tension and the door will not fully close, put the door back in the open position and stretch the springs up to an additional 1 inch.
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Step 5
Check and see if there is a safety cable already installed, running through the springs and attached past the ends of the springs. If not, consult someone at your local hardware store on how to identify the correct kind and how to install them.
