DIYClinic - Garage Door Torsion Spring Replacement (Part 3)

[megoto1972]

For all the so-called pros that badmouth this video, I have a question for you. Where are the comments from people that tried doing this and were hurt? So far I see no single comment complaining that it was "harder than he made it look"! The only negative comments I see are from those trying to sell this service! DIY is not for everyone, so look for those people. But as for sloppy DIY, please call the pro!

[MOTTRIEU]

thanks ! really help !

[KingPenguin2112]

Good video, I fixed mine a few months ago after watching this. 31 turns for 7 foot tall door worked for me. Total cost to me: $55 for the spring and rods.

[sel36]

I just used these videos to fix my door myself with very little effort on my part. The right hand guide wire had popped off it's roller and my door did the lopside thing. Watch this and easily fixed mine. Great video.

[erkme73]

Gary, just wanted to thank you for the video. I was prepared to fork over $350 because I'd always heard how messing with these springs was like playing Russian Roulette. Your video removed the mystery and provided the confidence I needed to order the parts ($68.00 w/shipping from eBay). They're out for delivery this AM. Big thumbs up for your help!

[erkme73]

@erkme73 Installed with 30 turns - perfect on first try. Thanks a bunch Gary!

[jorma420]

also this video privides no information on the springs themself.springs should never be guessed based on what springs are currentl on your door that broke it should be determined by the weight of your door.what if the broken spring was replaced by some idiot before you bought the propety and was the wrong spring to begin with? ect....anyway this is not a plug for me and love DIY youtube stuff but i strongly recomend staying away from this one

[KarazhanIsCake]

@jorma420 Yeah I think UMAD.

[jorma420]

holy S#@T is all i can say after watching this video.i repair garage doors for a living and i still hate torsion spring jobs.do not under estimate the forces involved here this can be a very dangerouse job.did u see in the video when the door poped up after he overwound the spring?what if the DIY guy puts the clamp on wrong or somthing?that door would shoot up slamming him off that ladder into the hospital.this is for pro's.one small mistake could be real bad news.

[KarazhanIsCake]

@jorma420 UMADBRO? 

[bananaduckproduction]

Thanks Gary. Just finished replacing my torsion spring and it works great. I was nervous about doing it but I'm recently unemployed and had to it. -12C 1 day and finished it when it got warmer. Your video was extremely helpful, gave me a good understanding of what needed to be done, had a few probs but figured it out. It is dangerous though, but I was very careful. Glad it's over and done with. Phew!

Thanks DIYers

[Stagosaur]

Great vid, had to replace a broken spring in a truck overhead door. Dude wanted 300 bucks, got the spring online for 40 and it took an hour and a half. Awesome!

[Stagosaur]

This was a tremendous help in replacing a broken spring in one of my trucks. Dude wanted 300 bucks, spring was $40 and it took me an hour and a half. Sweet!

[gwmadrigal]

Thanks to this video I was able to transform from not knowing what to do after my spring broke to prepare and do it myself. I learned that for the winding bars you can just purchase some rods in any hardware store for a couple of bucks. I only ordered the spring and the cables online. Took me a week to get them here. It also took me four hours to replace the spring after several tries to balance the force of the spring with the weight of the door. Thanks Gary for posting this informative video.

[AceHogg]

Thank you so much for these videos. They were extremely informative and showed me that it is possible to change the torsion spring by myself.

A few things to pass along. I don't know if it was just the fact that my bar was extremely old, but every time I would add a few torques to the spring from my original 35 the wheels would unwind and so I had to unbolt my wheels and run the line tight. The left/right wound can be confusing. If you buy the wrong one just switch the side it was on.

[boflexboy]

Again, good job. This is high risk DIY stuff. My wife would joke and call it a 2 part job. Part 1 is the job, part 2 is the trip to the ER...

I have "parked the bar" but am acutely aware of the force involved. I tighten down the set screw ASAP. Also, be aware of what is on the other side of the door. Kids playing? Anyone that might try and use the door while you are working on it? I was just getting ready to set the tension when a teen arrived and attempted to lift from the outside. Bad for me

[21stOPFOR]

Worked perfect! $735 for "a pro" on a Saturday or $68 and 1 hour of my time? Easy choice. The tension is not as intimidating as many websites show, but I know we have to "idiot proof" oursleves. Many thanks!

[MrSk8ordye]

I really appreciate your video. I will be helping a friend do the same job and this was an excellent explanation of the process. Thanks!!

[dabom0282]

I seen a hole in the wall left from one of these springs flying threw it the guy didnt have a clue what he was doing I would rather pay $200 for a professional

[dharama2000]

that was great sir.

it has solved my problem , how to tension the springs

[5x5skate]

Get you winding bars from Lowes - they sell 3'x1/2' round steel stock that I cut in half to make two bars. Cost 5.50. Your video was super helpful ! THANKS

[rob7278]

Extremely dangerous? A trip to the hospital will cost far more? you could kill yourself? I challenge any of you so called "pros" to submit pictures of anyone that has ever severely maimed themselves trying to change torsion springs- fricken liars!!! To those of you that use this project as a measuring stick for the difficulty of DIY projects- If you think this is dangerous and challenging you are the ones that should leave DIY projects to the pros and stay away from power tools.

[echolibre]

Thank you, that helped a lot.

[TheCesar1171]

hi my name is jose angel thank you for helping me by watching your video by fixing my garage door by watching this video i did't spend alot of money cause right now um not working thank you teacher my email is elchino.176@live.com

[websuspect]

I have a pully system and made several repairs myself. Yeah we could have paid someone to do it but. We have some money but were not wealthy and overall in a home many things are broken and need to be fixed. Just be thorough and take your time and be safe.

[cleosify]

hey Gary, thanks a lot for the tutorial, felt quite confident unwinding and winding the springs applying safety measures. Just one question, when do you actually tight the drums, before or after? for some reasons I'm having a hard time keeping the cables in the right place ... I tried with the drums tight from the beginning and when applying the torsion, cables are miscarried, I'm starting to think the drums where originally reversed. Thanks

[alb12345672]

No one should attempt this unless they have done some major home or car DIY projects. This is not a first timer DIY job Its a Nice video but its extremely dangerous, as he said in the first video. I still can't justify the risk, you usually replace both springs, the tools and springs are around $100, if you call around you can have a pro do this for $175 - $200. If you screw up your ER copay is going to cost more, then pain and suffering. Its the same story with replacing mcpherson struts.

[urmommawasfun]

@alb12345672 okay well were i live the so called pro's charge around 500 for this job. i can do it myself...

[James1toknow]

I do suggest to have the proper tools and safty measures in place. You can get hurt and if your not good with tools you should have a friend over and help you out,,,, Hey I have two torsion bars for sale LOL like brand new only used once.

[James1toknow]

Mine broke after only 10 years and they where, .207gauge 2" in dia by 20" in, long. I replaced them with .207gauge 1.3/4" in by 22 in long and 28 1/4 turns each side. I have a 17 ' ft by 7 ' ft aluminum door, it came off without a hitch, no adjustments needed.

[James1toknow]

I did my own and just installed it with the safty measures in place. It only took me about 2 hours and no adjustments, just wound it per specs and no other adjustments needed it opens and closes with ease but be careful I suggest anyone to do alot of research before attempting this it's not that hard but there is a process but I am a Do it yourself guy anyway. oh and where a tool belt if you have it, then your tools are where you need them and not falling on the floor. ,,LOL

[cegoth]

If you backed it down to 7 turns...you are doing it wrong. Your springs are too short. Also you had one spring replaced already...one had paint and one didn't. As a professional I would have changed the springs again. Of course it only takes me 20 min.

You don't need to stretch the spring so much...it only takes a few taps with the "winding bar" (not turning bar...lol). The springs are stretched as soon as you start to raise the door.

Last person I saw do it themselves...needed a new door.

[vall4224]

this guys is a douchebag and will see how helpful this is when some dumbass kills himself. I laugh at all you cheap fu#ks that won't spend the money to fix your spring by a professional and for the guy that hurts himself or even dies hope it was worth the couple hundred bucks.

[ninjerman21124]

hello good video  do you know where i can buy Sectional garage door Torsion Springs in the UK?

[dzpure57]

Very helpful video. I thank you very much you've saved me a lot, Man... I spent only $100 for springs + bars and 2 hours work...got it right first shot!

[hendep]

wish me luck.... I learn a lot from you. Im about to do mine tomorrow

[DoorsByDavid]

Not everyone is helpless, and it's people like you and I that believe people can do thinks with a little help, that makes these video's great. good work! but there is a lot of different variables and not all spring jobs are the same, so if you need help call In Atlanta Georgia Area?

Call A Pro. DoorsByDavid

Since 2001

678-618-2275 Atlanta Georgia Surrounding areas. Thanks For the video's Diy'ers becarefull.

[sticksbass]

@DoorsByDavid how are you supposed to know how many times to torque them? 

[gwmadrigal]

@sticksbass yuo just keep trying back and forth until you find the sweet spot.

[dogstar79936]

thanks diyclinic

[MotoCasa]

good job

[alexanderetc]

Thanks! very helpful. And the people talking bad about this video. they just don't have anything else to do.

[doncorley]

NOTE: THIS LAST VIDEO SHOWS THE INSTALLER BEATING ON THE WINDING BARS WITH A HAMMER IN ORDER TO STRETCH THE TORSION SPRINGS 1/4". DON'T DO THIS STEP AS IT IS SIMPLY NOT NECESSARY NOT TO MENTION VERY DANGEROUS! (This note is from the DIY Web Site)

[lacbos]

I watched video and its as easy as 1 +1 =2 just take your time and youve got it made Amigos. Piece of Cake!!!!!

[lacbos]

I will never figure these State Licensed Contracters??? I got a estimate to repair 2 of my Torsion Springs and they gave me a estimate of $225.00 without garage Windows and $250.00 With Windows????????????

I thought they are pro's ?? whats with the additional $25.00 bucks?? well to end this I will end up doing the job myself. GoodBye Contracters. Adios Amigos Contracters.

[qwerty1978420]

I don't know where this guy learned how to work on an over head door, but he obiviously has no clue what he is doing, thats a half hour job for one guy.

[MrBeckett74]

I plan on doing this job myself with his videos as inspiration. But he said it took him 4 hours! Seriously?! I think half an hour is fast too, but 4 hours?

Just be cautious and use your brain.

[BudgetGarageDoor]

Call:

Budget Garage Door

of St. Louis (636) 208-8856

[gggunit99]

thanks vid was very helpful.  i was able to fix my door! just make sure the rods you use to load the spring are a snug fit. mine were 12mm diameter. got them at home depot. btw spring didnt break... the set screws must have disengage the bar due to cold weather (-40C) causing the spring to unwind.

[nimbusncirrus]

Thank you for creating this video. It was very helpful. Best wishes!

[MrFatonosmani]

thank you very much

[TMartinus]

I've been working on Garage doors for 10 years now, just helping my brother-in-law, don't make a living at it... Nowhere in this video does he explain how to set the drums and cables once the springs are replaced prior to winding. Also, just scribe a chalk line across the face of the springs to count how many winds you have, no need to count to 30-31 when winding, that's stupid. As mentioned... Too much weight with all those 2x4 struts, not necessary...

[ajs828]

Thanks for the good video. I did my springs without any problems using the information I learned here. It is a very easy task, just be careful and take your time.

[rnoyoda]

not bad but how did you measure the spring to tell which one you needed and i am surprised that the door balance out with that wood on there like that. that had to make those spring unbalance able.

[joelstein64]

I understand all of the pros on here saying not to do it yourself, because it cuts into their paychecks and some probably genuinely care. However, if you have the ability to operate tools and understand safety and how things work, there is no reason not to do it yourself. Good luck and be safe!

[rnoyoda]

you are defently correct it does cut into my paycheck. i have seen lots of blood trail in the 11 years that i have been changing spring. and i only have one this to say if you are going to attempt to do this your self then please use the correct equipment and respect what you are doing. cause one slip and you could lose you finger at the least. be safe and take you time.

[CraigMacFTW]

Ok, Comment under me is nonsence. ya use your inpact gun and turn that shaft into a tyangle doing it back up. also notice comments about safty glass's,.... if something hit you winding and unwinding a spring. its comin at you at about 400 pounds per square inch, no idea how to change that to KM, but it cracks your skull, and shatter most safty glasses.. K quick and simple people, Ive been doing this for 8 yrs now, fully trained thru major door manufactures in the greater Toronto area,

[CraigMacFTW]

i also operate a small busness doing such work, This is not safe for someone to do. From time 45sec - 3:37. hes asking you to kill youself, and im not kidding. After adding 29! total quarter turns to the spring, it should be streached 1-2 inches, not after winding ,stretch the spring, hes lucky he didn;t beat his bar out and hurt himself., also, he fails to mentoin what the springs are for!, there TORSION spring, Counter weights to the door. If you have a big thick door,

[CraigMacFTW]

(3) you will have much stronger springs, and with the incorrect tools, this can rusult in death.... DEATH! he has what looks like a 16x7 2 car garage, NON INSOLATED! this door, with no spring tentoin might weigh 200-300 pounds, maybe. Insolated weigh close to 500-650 depending on thickness. and wood doors, well depends on thickness, age, how much water it has absorbed, what kinda wood? oh did i mentoin there not all the same springs? neither are the door sizes. ;-) finding the right spring?

[CraigMacFTW]

(4)not easy.. so please if your watching a self help video on how to do something think, if i screw this up am i dead? Because when it comes to your garage doors..... the awnser should be pretty clear.

[CraigMacFTW]

last thing, to have a company with trained techs come in and do this job will cost you about 300$ Springs + Labour..... Anything more is a rip off. Springs break due to age / lack of Lube (Silicone based spray) Dieing Vs 300$? Hm, Nailing shingles to a roof isn;t hard. but the grounds a long way down.

[rnoyoda]

actually the spring breaks due to going up or down that is why they call it a cycle life. the more you use the doors the faster the spring breaks. the only thing lube does is reduce the rub of the coils. and if a company is chargin around 300 that is a rip off we only charge around 175 for replacement of both springs.

[shine1light]

@rnoyoda Where are you located and do you have a website?

[cmassey23]

i do this for a living. this guy goes through a lot of unnecessary steps. first unwind springs also you can loosen your set screws with a 12 pt 7/16 socket attached to an impact instead of that 3/8 wrench. makes things a lot quicker. loosen set screws on wheels on each side. remove torsion bar with wheels and springs attached. remove old springs put new ones on. put your torsion bar back up. hook cables to wheels and make sure cable tension is the same on each side. wind springs 30 1/4 turns

[cmassey23]

for a 7 ft door and your done

[jimjumpn48]

The only thing I see that is good is that Gary is using winding bars instead of screwdrivers. If anyone of you are thinking of doing this type of repair youeself, forget what you just saw. Find a video that was made by a professional that knows what he is doing. (sorry Gary) Let me point out a few facts about replacing torsion springs. Step1: if you have 2 springs unwind the one that is not broken, and replace both of them. Wind the springs 7.5 turns on 7 high doors. DO NOT stretch the springs.

[bransonjeep]

his springs are too strong for the door. it goes up by itself when he shuts it and doesn't go high enough by itself when it's completely up. When you order springs you may order the wrong ones and have to order a second pair which will end up costing more in the end. Its not worth the danger, GET A PROFESSIONAL!

[garagesandmore]

you should never hit the winding bar or winding cones with a hammer!!! the winding cones are made with cast aluminum and this material is very easily broken and pieces of cone or the winding bars can hit you and even kill you it has happened . lubricate!!! use common sense

[dancingrizz]

Then why not place 1/4in worth of shims in the coil and remove after screws are set?

[uranidea]

Great information, although no safety glasses and at times he had his body in harm's way if something unexpected were to take place. With common sense and a good understanding of what you are doing, you will see where to be extremely careful and where to put the ladder. Never physically be in the path of the winding bars. If you are unsure of anything, then don't do anything until you understand the situation

[tony8512]

I did mine by just watching this video and it was just that straight forward. I took my springs to a professional and he made a set for me within two hours. I think that was fair at least the trades man that I purchased the springs with caps made some money and I did the install saving some money.. Very good instructional video,

[somegeek]

Great set of videos here man! Saved my family some $. :-)

I ordered my springs off EBay for $80 shipped.

Had to buy my winding bars locally - picked up a 36" x 1/2" solid steel bar at Home Depot for $7 and cut it in half.

One thing that didn't work for me was to hammer the winding bar to push the cup over 1/4" to relieve friction on the loaded spring. Cup didn't move. Instead I simply held the winding bar and pulled the bar/walked the cup over 1/4" very easily and then secured it.

[glenmann62]

DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS UNLESS YOU LIKE TO GET HURT INTENTIONALLY!, some things are better left to the proffesionals and if you have two broken torsions you,ll have twice the danger ! STAY FAR AWAY

[glenmann62]

Dont even attempt this if you have,nt done one before ! EXTEEMLY DANGEROUS! my boss had his wrist broken from a defective spring that broke as he was winding it !for the cost of the repair it,s well worth it! and also the peace of mind that it,s adjusted perfectly , The winding bars will cost you along with the spring and not to mention measuring for the correct wire size,o.d. and cone shaft diameter,

[ric29777]

Thanks for posting your video, it helped, watching the steps you took to do the job. And with the right tools I went out there with safety in mind, and did the job myself, in a little over a hour. Thanks for helping me install 2 new springs, and not hiring someone. The door works perfect ! thanks again

[RSNelsen]

I have been in the garage door industry for 33 years. I charge $185 to replace both springs on a average 16x7 door. I can do this job in 15 minutes on average.

I have personally and literally on three different occasions stood in another mans blood while repairing a door. A door perviously worked on by the homeowner that was in the emergency room being stitched up while I finished his do-it-yourself project.

[secondopiniongarage]

yes he replaced his springs, a pro knows better! Never use the same spot on the torision tube, and check the balance all the way up and check the cables for equal flexing at the top!

P.S. make sure you do not break your wrist when dealing with the springs, he showed very bad arm placement, if your do hurt your self try not to fall off the ladder!Did he say what he spent? bet you are $65-95$ so pay and extra $95 for correct springs and get them delivered and installed and have a warranty!

[zimmy00]

PLEASE READ THIS. I saw this and read up on it but unfortuantely could not find a spring for sale locally and my car was trapped in the garage so i had to get some one to come out. 220 dollars and I knew what he was doing before he did it...I even told him what size spring to use. Don't doubt yourself...it really IS this easy.

[usmanchandu]

great video. thanks

[manorin]

most people are idiots....

Garage doors are probably one of the most dangerous things in people homes., and professionals should be consulted if not used when servicing their doors.

The door in this video has five or 6 2x4 or 3's that are at least 16 feet long... that's alot of unnecessary weight that probably contributed to the spring's demise along with the future guide

"DIYClinic Replacing a Garage Door Opener"

I'm not a professional, and not associated with the Garage Door Industry.

[justbecuz41]

You really do not need to hit the spring with a hammer, I have seen people get seriously hurt trying this by themselves. You really only need 1 full turn for every foot high the door is, and usually add an extra quarter or half turn. You did a solid job though. Usually takes me 15-20 minutes to do :P

[sethmillermd]

Great video -- thanks!

Best price quote for 'professional' repair: $200 (spring, parts, and labor).

My cost: $40 for spring, two hours of time, and then beers for my friend who helped.

[Johnny95746]

This answered my question of how to stretch the springs out to original set on shaft. Thanks

[davcon113]

Great job! Thanks

[pheasanthunter122]

However the TORSION SPRINGS "CAN" HURT YOU myth still stands

[mytubeisabunchbigger]

Thanks Gary, You squashed the "TORSION SPRING WILL HURT YOU" myth. I just removed and replaced my door, rails and torsion spring counter balance. No stitches and no cuts. Get lost garage door companies that rip off hard working Americans.

[tifosogrosso]

This man does a great job explaining how to do this repair safely. All you idiots who posted dumb remarks ... please do yourselves a favor ..get someone to do it for you because you obviously are not able to follow simple instruction and you really shouldn't be doing jobs like this. Don't criticise the man when it is really your basic understanding that is lacking.

[sk123usa]

I just wanted to write and express my gratitude. Your video allowed me to do the repair myself. Thank you for making and putting this video up for all to see!

[fishingindeepwater]

Man,what a bunch of dumb ass remarks on this vid. I think he did good. If you have any brains you can do anything. You all probebly have teeth missing from beeing stupid. I'm going to do this project today and then I'll get back with you all on how a real man who's not scared of backlash like you little Babbys.

What a bunch of pussys.

[vbman689]

Leave it to the professionals unless you dont mine lossing a finger or 2.

Ive seen it happen to an artist he has now fucked up his whole carrer.

[matthewkeyes]

I have been installing doors for twenty years and i have seen som bad things happen to people

[FightingIrishBastard]

at least he didnt have sears do it. they're the worst.

[FightingIrishBastard]

this guy must have worked for sears. they once told one of my customers they didnt need cables on his door, and that the operator would do all the work. needless to say that guy lost a few fingers cutting his cables and tore his top section in two while running the motor. leave this to the pros. and save yourselves some money and a trip to the er.

[sibco96]

Regular folks should really not try this, but good video, and thanks for not making us watch all 31 turns.

[captainshiner3]

Call a professional. End of story. Unless...you like ripped flesh.

[rshfn44]

that part about binding it when ready to hammer, left & right can be confusing, so could you rather say bind it inbord to hammer it outboard ? also when toqueing the springs It seemed that on both springs you were prising upwards,are the springs made opposite of one another?

[FightingIrishBastard]

you have two different winds on torsions springs, right and left, right hand wind goes on the left side of the door and left goes on the right side. but thats when you wind them up. if you reverse them, you can down wind them so the cones dont come off. cuz thats not fun when that happens. i see it with rookies all the time.

[geotracker30]

he can stretch the spring,but all he needs too do is hit the bar wiht his hand

[billie240]

yeah no dont listen to this guy you do this and your asking for trouble and y do it your self when you can call some one and they do it for a little more but you get the warrenty i know the company i work for offers life time warrenty so think

[ethanair1]

For the average homeowner to buy torsion springs the cost would be approx. $70-$80 if you found someone who would sell you the springs. Labor that a homeowner would save would be $60-$70. The cost of repairing your face and teeth....priceless..not to mension the medivac helicopter ride to the hospital. ever try this to save 60 bucks.

[yetigoose]

Thanks a lot for putting the videos up - I spent two days struggling with my new door. I didn't realise that half or a quarter turn had so much effect on the power of the springs. Very clear, helpful instructions and I liked the 'regular diy guy' approach. Good luck with all your projects! Best wishes from Norway.

[haweye79]

I've been looking for a video like this for years,my hat is off to you great job..Bravo

[ANDRO445]

muy bueno sigo en el aprendizaje yo soy cerrajero yo creo que estoy en un 95% muchas gracias y en español tambiem pueden

[mastansari]

I was able to fix my garage door with your help. thanks and keep up the good work.

[wtfuwtf]

if you change a spring like this guy have a cell phone next to you so u can dial 911 this guy is not a pro safety first!!!

[dorman2007]

Please don't EVER use a hammer like this, The winding cone is made of cast aluminum and can break very easily, This particular spring does not need to be streached at all.

From a door professional.....Dorman2007

[sant7ago]

Very helpful video. thank you for sharing it.