How to Adjust an Overhead Garage Door With Compression Springs

Overhead doors installed on garages are usually too heavy for a person to raise without the aid of powerful springs. For this purpose, a spring is installed on each side of the garage door. One end of each spring connects to a cable and pulley assembly attached to the door and the other end attaches to an “S” hook, which is anchored in one of several tension-adjustment holes. The springs extend when the door is down and compress as the door is raised. Adjusting the spring tension requires the proper tools and basic home-maintenance skills.

Helper
Stepladder
2 “C” clamps with 4-inch jaws
Combination pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the power off to the automatic garage door opener if one is installed. Pull the release cord to disconnect the door from the opener. This allows for free manual opening and closing of the door.
- 2
  Open the garage door until it is fully open. Ask a helper to assist if needed. A stepladder may be also be used if necessary.
- 3
  Attach a “C” clamp to each of the two door rails to hold the door in the full open position. The clamps prevent the door from inadvertently lowering while the springs are disconnected. Tighten each clamp clockwise by hand.
- 4
  Release the “S” hook from its hole in the guide rail end of the spring on one side of the garage door using combination pliers. The springs are fully relaxed when the garage door is open allowing the hook to be removed.
- 5
  Adjust the spring tension equally on both sides of the door by inserting the “S” hooks into the same respective holes on each side.
- 6
  Remove the “C” clamps from the guide rails.
- 7
  Close the garage door.
- 8
  Check the spring tension adjustment by opening the door and closing the door. If it operates to your satisfaction, the automatic door opener, if one is installed, can be reconnected and the power restored.

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