Question:
Anybody have recommendations for someone to do a fairly minor garage
door repair? One of the support cables snapped (rusted at the bottom),
and while I think I could replace it myself without too much trouble
everyone I've mentioned it to has been of the "don't do it - those
springs can kill you" school of thought.
Answer:
If you have torsion springs & the door is closed they can easily hurt
you and should not be touched, but a good repairman would never touch
the springs (do not loosen the drum set screws either) while changing
a cable anyways. If the door is already fully open there is very
little load on the springs & alot less risk but do not force the door
open w/ one cable. It will cause alot more problems than what it's
worth.
The key is to get the side w/ the broken cable an inch or two higher
than the side w/ the good cable (Move the door as little as possible
so you don't bend the tracks.) Use vice grips above a roller on the
side w/ the good cable. Use a cum-a-long or jack on the side w/ broken
cable to lift that side of the door higher. Replace cable (cable must
be the exact length as old one)and lower door back down making sure
the cable stays in the proper groove on drum. If other cable is also
rusting or frayed simply replace them one at a time (both cables must
be the exact same length) by repeating the same steps.
Had a service call, to replace a cable, adjust, grease, and lube. Wasn't
bad, price wise if memory serves, from a few years ago.
Bought a replacement door from them earlier this year.
There was a company I think in River Grove called Malkumus and Schowe. I
had them do my door, with the top torsion spring and I remember the
service only being $50-70 for the tune-up.
