Adjusting the tension on a Garage Door Repair Lantana TX is an important maintenance task that ensures the door operates smoothly and safely. The tension, also known as the spring tension, affects the balance and ease of movement of the door. If the tension is too loose, the door may not stay open or close properly, and if it’s too tight, it can strain the opener and cause other issues.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of adjusting the tension on a garage door.

Before we begin, it’s essential to emphasize that adjusting garage door tension can be dangerous, as the springs are under high tension and can cause injury if mishandled. If you are uncomfortable or unsure about performing these tasks, it’s recommended to contact a professional garage door technician.

Tools and materials you will need:

  • C-clamps or locking pliers
  • Adjustable wrench or socket set
  • Ladder
  • Safety goggles
  • Lubricating spray (optional)

Step 1: Safety First Before starting any work, make sure to disconnect the power to the garage door opener to prevent any accidental activation. Put on your safety goggles to protect your eyes during the process.

Step 2: Identify the Springs Most garage doors have either extension springs or torsion springs. Extension springs are located on both sides of the door track, while torsion springs are positioned above the door. Torsion springs are typically enclosed in a metal shaft or tube.

Step 3: Determine the Current Tension To determine the current tension of your garage door, close the door and disconnect it from the opener by pulling the release cord. Slowly raise the door about halfway and let go. If the door stays in place, the tension is most likely correct. If it falls or rises, it indicates that the tension needs adjustment.

Step 4: Loosening the Springs If the tension needs to be increased, start by loosening the existing tension. For extension springs, place a C-clamp or locking pliers on the track just below the bottom roller to prevent the door from moving. Using an adjustable wrench or a socket set, loosen the set screws on the spring cones by turning them counterclockwise. Loosen them gradually and evenly.

For torsion springs, you need to secure the door in place. Use locking pliers or a C-clamp to grip the track just below the bottom roller. Then insert a winding bar into one of the winding cone holes on the spring. Slowly unwind the spring by turning the winding cone counterclockwise. Repeat this process on the other spring if necessary.

Step 5: Adjusting the Tension To increase the tension, tighten the set screws on the spring cones for extension springs. Turn the screws clockwise, but be careful not to overtighten them. For torsion springs, wind the spring by turning the winding cone clockwise using the winding bar. Again, make sure not to overtighten the spring.

Step 6: Testing the Tension Once you have adjusted the tension, remove the clamps or pliers securing the door. Reconnect the door to the opener and slowly raise it fully. Observe its movement and listen for any unusual sounds. The door should open and close smoothly and remain in the desired position without any sudden movements or imbalance. If the door still exhibits issues, you may need to readjust the tension further.

Step 7: Lubrication As an optional step, you can apply lubricating spray to the springs, hinges, rollers, and other moving parts of the garage door to ensure smooth operation. This can help reduce friction and prolong the lifespan of the components.

In conclusion, adjusting the tension on a Garage Door Repair Lantana TX is a task that requires caution and attention to detail. Following the steps outlined above, you should be able to safely adjust the tension to ensure your garage door operates smoothly and efficiently. However, if you are uncertain or uncomfortable with this process, it is always recommended to consult a professional garage door technician for assistance.

Lantana Garage & Overhead Doors

3501 FM 407 #15, Lantana, TX 76226

940-400-3038