Question:
Would it be considered attempted suicide if I were to try to replace a
torsion spring over my garage door? I have a fair amount of mechanical
aptitude, but I don't know if I want to try this. Looking for websites and
advice regarding this matter. I appreciate the knowledge of thiswebsite in
general.
Answer:
I paid to skydive; a bunch of times. I also paid to have my garage door
spring replaced. The only suggestion I have is if you get one replaced,
consider getting the other one replaced too. If one broke from fatigue,
it's probably time for the other.
Not doing it cost me an extra $40 service call when the second failed 4
months later.
I installed my own garage door including the springs. Yes, I've read all
the warnings of having someone else do the springs always mentioned here and
in the handy magazines. No problem. Wouldn't say duck soup, I was sweating
after having read all that. But it wasn't the hardest part of putting the
door up. I used 2 - 1/2" x 2' stainless rods (scrap from my welding class).
Following the directions was probably the most important point. However,
most magazines tell you not to touch them, so there isn't many places to get
the instructions. My door does have a dual spring setup which reduces the
force required to each spring.
I wouldn't advise it, having a garage door pro come to replace a spring is
not that expensive. My dad managed to break his finger trying to fool with
ours once, and there have been people that have had worse things than that
happen to them.
