Convert Your Garage Door Springs: Extension to Torsion System

As a garage door technician at Unity Garage Door Repair & Installation in Fort Lauderdale, one of the most common problems we encounter is broken garage door springs. These springs are an essential part of your garage door system as they counterbalance the weight of the door and make it easier to open and close. There are two main types of garage door springs – extension springs and torsion springs.

In this article, we will guide you on how to convert your extension springs system into a torsion springs system. The conversion process can be a bit complicated, but with the right tools and instructions, you can do it yourself.

Step 1: Secure the door in an open position

First, you need to secure the door in an open position, which means the extension springs don’t have any tension on them. You can use a vise grip on the track just under the bottom roller to secure the door.

Step 2: Take down the extension springs

Next, you need to take off the cable from the bottom bracket and release it from the pulley. Then, take down the extension springs and unscrew the pulleys from the track.

Step 3: Lower the door to the floor

Carefully lower the door to the floor. Depending on the situation, you may need to add a piece of jamb wood above the door from the torsion spring center bracket to attach to. Cut the wood to the correct size and put anchor screws in it to the wall.

Step 4: Assemble the torsion spring system

Assemble the torsion spring system. The system is built of a torsion springs (or a few torsion springs), drums, center bracket, side bearings, and a shaft. Take the garage door spring and slide it onto the shaft. Then, take a drum and slide it on the shaft, one on each side. After that, slide the side bearings on the shaft. The torsion springs, drums, and bearings come in left and right sides, so it is essential to put the parts on the correct side of the garage door. Connect the center bracket to the spring in the correct side (up or down) using two bolts and nuts.

Step 5: Lift the garage door torsion spring system into place

Lift the assembled torsion spring system to place it above the garage door.

Step 6: Connect the side bearings and center bracket

Connect the side bearing to the horizontal track using two bolts and nuts and fasten them using an impact driver. Then, connect the center bracket to the new wood jamb using 2-inch screws while ensuring that the shaft is leveled.

Step 7: Add the metal cable and tighten the drum

Put a garage door cable on the bottom bracket and the other side of the cable on the drums, starting with the right side. Turn the drum to make the metal cable tight. Then, close the set screws of the drum to the shaft to secure the tension of the cable, using a vise grip to hold it in place. Do the same on the left side of the door, put the metal cable, make sure it is tight in the drum, and the set screws are close to the shaft.

Step 8: Secure the door in place

Before adding tension to the spring, secure the door in place by putting a vise grip on the vertical track above one of the garage door rollers.

Step 9: Add tension to the torsion spring

Now, add tension to the new garage door torsion spring using a sure winder and a drill.

Step 10: Test the garage door

Take the vise grips off the shaft and the vertical track and test the door. If you need to add or reduce tension from the spring to balance the door, do so.

Your garage door is now fully functional with a garage door torsion spring system.

In conclusion, converting your extension springs system to a torsion springs system can be a challenging but rewarding task. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully replace your garage door springs and enjoy a safer and more efficient garage door system. At Unity Garage Door Repair & Installation in Fort Lauderdale, our expert technicians can assist you in converting your garage door system, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process. Contact us today to learn more about our garage door services and how we can help you maintain and repair your garage door.