How to Adjust the Angle of an Older Manual Garage Door

Minor Angle Adjustments

• 1

  Raise the garage door. Secure it in place so that it doesn't come down while repairing the track. It may be propped up in place with boards or it may be secured into place with rope.

• 2

  Loosen the track screws on one side of the track. If the screws have been in place for a significant amount of time, a screwdriver may not be sufficient. Use the drill and flat head or Phillips head bit depending on the screw type. Do not fully remove the screws; only loosen them enough so that the track can be adjusted.

• 3

  Pound the track with the rubber mallet to the desired angle. Retighten the screws to hold the modified track into place.

• 4

  Repeat the procedure for the other track. Remove the prop and test for proper door operation. Adjust as needed.

Major Angle Adjustments

• 5

  Open the garage door. Unscrew or detach the spring mechanism. Have a helper make sure the door does not come crashing down when the spring is removed.

• 6

  Lower the door into the closed position. Remove the screws on both tracks with a screwdriver or drill. Have at least one helper in place to remove the door when the tracks have been unattached.

• 7

  Bend the track to the desired angle. The rubber mallet should be used to persuade the metal. Make certain that whatever modifications are made to one side can be duplicated on the other track. If the existing track cannot be modified, new tracks will be needed. Measure the height of the door and opening so that new tracks can be obtained and custom-fabricated to the desired angle.

• 8

  Measure the space between the garage walls and ceiling to the point where the modified track will need to be placed with the adjusted angle. Cut the 2-by-6-inch stock to length to construct a frame for the track. Use a cross-cut or reciprocating saw.

• 9

  Attach the frame pieces to the garage ceiling or walls. Use a wood-boring bit to create holes in the 2-by-6 material to receive the bolts. Attach the pieces for the track frame with nuts, washers and screws.

• 10

  Attach the new or modified track to the newly constructed frame. Do not tighten the screws all the way until the door has been replaced in the tracks. Use a helper to fit the door back into the track.

• 11

  Raise the door and reattach the spring.

• 12

  Tighten the track screws and test the door for proper operation. Adjust as necessary.