How to Lift a Garage Door with a Broken Spring
Introduction
A broken spring can be a frustrating issue to deal with when it comes to your garage door. It can render your door inoperable and can cause a great deal of frustration and inconvenience. Fortunately, it is possible to lift a garage door with a broken spring, so you can still access your garage and its contents until you are able to repair or replace the broken spring. In this article, we will discuss the necessary steps to lift your garage door even with a damaged spring.
Parts Needed
The tools needed to lift a garage door with a broken spring are few and relatively simple to obtain. Most hardware stores will have the items you need, so you will not have a difficult time finding them. The two main items you will need are a rope and a pair of vice grips. The rope should be strong and durable enough to support the weight of the door. Also, it should be long enough to reach from the bottom of the door to the end of the rope where you will hold it with the vice grips.
Opening the Door
Once you have the necessary items, you can begin the process of lifting the garage door. First, open the door by hand and slide the rope underneath. Be sure the rope is evenly spread underneath the door, so the weight is evenly distributed. Next, pull the rope up so that the door is lifted off of the ground. The door should be only a few inches off the ground, as too much pressure on the door from the rope may be damaging and should be avoided.
Secure the Rope
Once the door is lifted off the ground, you must secure the rope in place to keep it from slipping. To do this, you will need a pair of vice grips. Put the jaws of the vice grips over the rope and tighten them until they are secure. Make sure the vice grips are tight enough that the rope will not move, but not too tight as to cut the rope.
Tighten the Spring
With the rope secure, you can now begin to tighten the spring. This task is best done with a pair of pliers or wrenches. You will need to find the adjustment nuts at the end of the spring and begin to turn them in a clockwise motion until the spring is tight. The spring may be stiff and you may need a bit of force to turn it. Make sure not to turn it too much, as this could cause further damage to the spring.
Lower the Door
Once the spring is tightened, you can begin to lower the door. Start by slowly releasing the vice grips, while still maintaining a light grip on the rope. This will allow the rope to loosen and the door to be lowered. As the door is lowered, the spring will start to take the weight of the door and the rope should eventually slide out from underneath the door. Once the rope is completely removed, you can finish lowering the door and it should be functional again.
Maintenance
It is important to remember that a broken spring is a sign of a problem with your garage door. It is best to have the spring repaired or replaced as soon as possible, as a broken spring can cause further damage to the door over time. Make sure to contact a professional for any repairs or replacements, as this will ensure the job is done properly and safely.
FAQs
1. What type of rope should I use to lift my garage door?
You should use a rope that is strong and durable enough to support the weight of the door. Ropes made of nylon or polypropylene are the best options, as they are capable of supporting heavy weights without breaking.
2. How much should my garage door be lifted off the ground?
Your door should be lifted off the ground only a few inches, as too much pressure on the door from the rope may be damaging and should be avoided.
3. How tight should I make the spring?
The spring should be tight enough that the door will stay in place and not come back down, but not so tight that it causes any further damage to the spring.
4. How much does it cost to replace a broken spring?
The cost of replacing a broken spring can vary depending on the type of spring you have and the company you are using to do the work. Generally, you can expect to pay around $150-$200 for the replacement.
5. Is it safe to lift a garage door with a broken spring?
It is best to contact a professional for any repairs or replacements when it comes to your garage door, as this will ensure the job is done properly and safely.
6. Do I need any special tools to lift my garage door?
The tools needed to lift a garage door with a broken spring are few and relatively simple to obtain. Most hardware stores will have the items you need, so you will not have a difficult time finding them. The two main items you will need are a rope and a pair of vice grips.
7. Can I still open my garage door if the spring is broken?
Yes, it is possible to lift a garage door with a broken spring, so you can still access your garage and its contents until you are able to repair or replace the broken spring.
8. How do I open my garage door after I’ve lifted it?
Start by slowly releasing the vice grips, while still maintaining a light grip on the rope. This will allow the rope to loosen and the door to be lowered. As the door is lowered, the spring will start to take the weight of the door and the rope should eventually slide out from underneath the door.
9. How often should I replace my garage door springs?
Garage door springs usually need to be replaced every 5-7 years. However, if your springs are showing signs of wear and tear, it is best to have them replaced as soon as possible.
10. What should I do if my garage door won’t open after I’ve lifted it?
If your garage door won’t open after you have lifted it, it could be due to a lack of tension in the spring. Try tightening the spring with a pair of pliers or wrenches and see if that helps. If not, you may need to contact a professional to have the spring replaced.
