garage doors
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 9
From: midwest
garage doors
i plan on installing some new commercial garage doors. i think i might be a little over my head and would like to know if anyone has any experience or suggestions with removal and installation
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
I've never installed commercial doors, but I've worked on 'em. I installed a new hurricane rated door at my house recently. The springs can be dangerous, depending on the type. Many use a torsion spring wrapped around a shaft. Apparently the danger comes when you tension or un-tension them. You have to stick an 18" rod in the hole, turn a 1/4 turn, stick another rod in the next hole, etc. The problem is people lose control of the force, and of course they have their FACE directly in line with the 18" rod when it flies out. I've heard that it is illegal in some areas for non-licensed people to work on them! The doors in my business used a similar system but I never had them apart. My new home door uses a torsion spring, but it is controlled by a worm gear that you wind/unwind with an electric drill. Great invention! The door itself is a giant erector set; not very difficult, but follow the directions carefully. You'll need a strong helper,too.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
From: Dixon, Il
You can also go to Raynor .com. I think that you should at least talk to a distributor and installer before you do anything. The springs can get tricky. Raynor is located in northen Illinois and has a lot of distributors in your area.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: okc
garage doors
I tried to save $100 by installing a new door in a rental house, ended up paying the $100 plus $5000 for medical bills, off work for 2+ months. Hard to do anything with both hands broke. Watch out for the springs, they are extremely dangerous and hazardous to health and limbs and fingers. Happened just about 10 years ago on the evening of Dec 23rd. wonderful Christmas, best present was Bi-lateral re-construction of both Hands!!!!
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 9
From: midwest
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Oregon
If you've never done it, it's one of those jobs better left for the pro's. And if you buy the door from them, the installed price can be very reasonable. And they'll usually take the old door with them.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
I'm a do it yourself kind of guy and I've worked with the doors and those springs long enough to know what I'm doing and be comfortable with them. However for the price that some of these places are charging to install it's just not worth fiddling with them yourself. Kind of like changing your own oil when Jiffy Lube runs a $15 special.
New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Southwest Iowa
Yes torsion springs are a job for the pros. Not that you can't do it but it is better to watch it done once before experimenting, especially with a commercial door. Now if you are a do it yourselfer and can understand the directions well go for it. I have done several doors just be aware of which way to hold the bars before loosening the set screws and keep yours and others bodies out of the way of the bars line of fire.
Terry
Terry
