How to Size Garage Door Replacement Springs Like a Pro

How to Size Garage Door Replacement Springs Like a Pro

Hey dude! So, you’re finally going full-on DIY mode and tackling that garage door spring replacement thingy, huh? First off, big high-five for even thinking about it instead of calling some fancy repair guy. Honestly, garage door springs sound freaky, like those alien things in sci-fi movies that could snap and fling you to the moon. But don’t worry! We’re gonna make this fun and maybe just a tad less terrifying. Here’s how to size those bad boys like a total pro!

Step 1: Gather Your Gear

Okay, before we jump into the wild world of springs, you gotta get your stuff together. Grab some measuring tape, a notepad (or your phone if you wanna be all techy), and probably should wear some gloves or something. Safety first… unless you’re like me who once tried to fix something without goggles and ended up blind for two days lol!

Step 2: Measure the Spring Length

Now it’s time to measure the spring length. You wanna measure from one end of the spring to the other end when it’s not stretched out. But do it carefully! Don’t pull it too hard or you’ll end up with spaghetti springs and then what are ya gonna do? Just lay them down flat on a table or ground and measure it like an architect or whatever people who build stuff are called!

Step 3: Measure the Diameter

Next is measuring the diameter of the spring. Sounds fancy right? All you need is that tape again. You wrap it around the spring’s center – sort of like how I wrap my arm around pizza when I’m about to munch down. Make sure it’s snug but not tight like your auntie’s hug at Thanksgiving! Write that number down too so we don’t forget because our brains are like sieve sometimes lol.

Step 4: Count the Coils

Oohh this one’s fun! Count how many coils there are in your spring. That sounds kinda creepy but you can totally do this without needing ghostbusters. Just give each coil a little look-see and count them while doing your best ‘counting’ face—trust me, it’s super funny when others see you doing it! If you lose count just start over cause no one will know except YOU…well until I tell everyone haha!

Step 5: Know Your Door Weight

Okay let’s be real for a sec: now you gotta figure out how heavy your garage door is. Yeah, yeah I know… weight’s no one’s fave subject except maybe bodybuilders but listen up! A regular garage door weighs between 100-400 pounds (or more depending on if you’ve stuffed grandma’s old furniture in there!). Jump on that scale while holding your door or ask someone really strong to help you weigh it (like your buddy who thinks he’s Thor or something). Just don’t drop it on their foot cause then they’ll be mad and ruin your whole DIY vibe!

Step 6: Choose Your Springs

Alright hotshot now pick out those springs. You want new ones that match all those numbers you’ve written down so far – length, diameter, coil count, all that jazz. You can buy these at any home improvement store (just try not to cry when they say “What size are you looking for?”). Use those notes you took like Sherlock Holmes finding clues! If all else fails just show them pics of what you’re working with—no shame in asking for help if you’re confused.

Step 7: Installation Time!

Woohoo we made it!!! Now let’s put those springs in place! This might feel more like an episode of wrestling than DIY so remember safety first again okay? If you’re feeling good about yourself—it’s go time!! Follow instructions online or even better ask someone who’s done this before because trust me these springs can snap back atcha faster than Aunt Edna’s remarks at family dinners!

Fun FAQ Section

Question: What happens if I get the wrong size springs?
Answer: Oh boy that’s gonna be awkward…it’s like trying to wear mom’s shoes—too big or too small equals disaster lol.

Question: Can I use old springs again?
Answer: No way dude—old springs are just waiting to go boom! Better play safe here.

Question: How long will new springs last?
Answer: They usually last about 10 years unless they face some weird mishap with an angry raccoon.

Question: Is this hard?
Answer: It can be reeeally easy or reeeally hard depending on if you’re cut out for home repairs—or just love pizza more haha!

Question: How much will it cost me?
Answer: Think around $30-$100 per spring but check your funds first because nobody wants broke season folks.

Question: Should I really try this myself though?
Answer: Only if you’ve got your phone ready for Googling “how NOT to injure myself” at every step!

Question: When in doubt should I call someone?
Answer: If you’re questioning whether you’ll live after installation… yeah definitely call someone please!!!

So there ya have it bud—how-to-size-garage-door-replacement-springs shenanigans explained ridiculously simple-like! Happy wrenching!!