DIY Garage Door Repair Videos
Here are some tips to help you work on your garage door safely and to get the job done right. These are our "Tech Tips" videos shot live from our in-house training seminars here in West Chicago. Additional tutorials can be accessed by following the "More Tutorials" link at the end of the video list.
Many of these have a narrow focus. It's also important to remember that proper safety precautions should be taken at all times when working on garage door systems. If you doubt your ability to complete a job safely, consider calling a professional. Safety first, then work!
Dan's Safety Tips: Understanding Garage Door Systems
This video shows how to understand the entire system of a garage door, with all of its components. Knowing your door can help you figure out what parts may need repair over time, and can help you identify what part may be the one causing issues.
Winding Torsion Springs: Where to Stand
This video shows you where to stand when winding and unwinding the torsion springs on your garage door. CAUTION: follow this tutorial, and our other tutorials on winding torsion springs, as well as proper safety precautions carefully, as failing to do so can result in serious injury.
Winding Torsion Springs: Determining the Wind
This video shows you how to determine the wind of a spring. Don't simply guess at what your spring's wind may be. Follow this helpful tutorial, which will make it easy for you to order the springs that you need. You don't need to take your spring off in order to do this: all you need to do is face the spring using your hands. Still, be sure to use caution.
Torsion Spring Replacement Safety
This video discusses some safety tips to keep in mind when replacing your torsion springs. These systems can be dangerous if not handled with caution; if you doubt your ability to complete this task safely, consider hiring a professional.
Troubleshooting a Squeaky Center Bearing
This video discusses possible causes of a squeak coming from your door, as well as the simplest way that you could fix it. The cause is often not what it may first appear to be, so be sure to look at your end bearing plates and cables as well, as these are other places to check to make sure they are in proper working order.
How to Remove TorqueMaster Spring Liners
This video discusses how to take out the liner of your TorqueMaster spring. The liner may get stuck to the inside of the shaft, and won't come out when you pull on the spring that you're looking to replace. If you can't get to the liner (if it's stuck in the shaft 6 inches or so), then you may need a broomstick or something like it to force the liner out the other side of the shaft. Since the shaft is hollow, this is doable once you have the cable drums off of the ends of the shaft.
TorqueMaster Spring Replacement
This video discusses where to place your TorqueMaster springs in the shaft. They should go in far enough that the winding cones are sticking out of the end of the shaft so that they can be used to wind the springs properly. The springs shouldn't touch each other inside the shaft, and if they do, you most likely have springs that aren't the right ones for your door.
How to Adjust the Tension of TorqueMaster Torsion Springs
This video explains how to adjust the tension of your TorqueMaster torsion springs. In order to do this properly, without damaging the springs, you will need a drill, a socket wrench, and an open-end wrench or a spanner. This also differs based on whether you have the TorqueMaster One or TorqueMaster Two system.
How to Install & Remove Garage Door Opener V-Belts
This video explains how to install and remove the V-belt from a garage door opener. It is important to install this part correctly, or else the opener will not function properly. The size of the V-belt can vary by diameter, and go up in thickness by 1/8" every time you go up a size (3L= 3/8", 4L= 1/2", 5L= 5/8").
How to Measure Garage Door Opener V-Belts
This video explains how to measure the V-belt of a garage door opener. This belt will get worn out from time to time, so it's important to understand how to measure it properly so that you replace it with the correct sized belt for your opener. The diameter and width vary based on the brand of your opener.
How Garage Door Openers Work
This video explains the parts of a garage door opener and how they all work together. Older openers have some different intricacies from newer ones, and you need to know what you're working with in order to know what parts may need repair.
How to Install LiftMaster Jackshaft Operators
This video explains how to install a LiftMaster Jackshaft Opener. The openers like the ones we show in the video are used for high lift and vertical lift doors, and are almost always for commercial use, but can in some cases appear in a residential setting as well.
Troubleshooting a Door That Won't Open - Check the Cables
This video explains how to troubleshoot a door that won't go up all the way, only going up by a foot or halfway. Sometimes the problem is improperly installed cables. This is one of the first things to check on your door because this is a much easier fix than the springs. Usually, if the springs are the problem, the door will have issues staying shut, not issues with opening.
How to Align & Secure Adjustable Shaft Couplers
This video explains how to align a coupler for a shaft properly. If your coupler isn't lined up properly, you will have issues with your shaft and possibly other parts not working from the same position at all times. You will need certain tools to do this right: a pair of vice grips, a socket wrench, and a file or marker.
How to Remove Winding Cones on Commercial Torsion Springs
This video discusses how to remove the winding cones on commercial torsion springs. These, like the spring in the video, are big cones that require more effort to take off because the ends of the springs tend to be bent in on the cones if they have a big inside diameter. Commercial springs can also come in 2", 2 1/4", and 2 5/8" inside diameters, which wouldn't require the procedure you see done here. They will need to be bent up still to get the cones on properly, but won't need to be heated.
How to Install Winding Cones on Commercial Torsion Springs
This video discusses how to install winding cones on commercial torsion springs. There are more steps to this process than with a residential spring, and the inside diameters of these springs will be bigger. Commercial torsion springs can have a 2" inside diameter, but the size can go up from there. This video focuses on the much bigger inside diameter springs, because the cones of those require different installation than springs with an inside diameter of 2", 2 1/4", or 2 5/8".
How to Cut Torsion Springs & Spring Blocking
This video discusses how to cut your torsion springs, as well as spring blocking. This is a dangerous process that requires the use of a blowtorch in order to heat up the spring to be cut, so it is not something that is recommended without proper training and safety equipment. Safety goggles are essential, as is common sense when working with a flame or anything that could possibly cause injury.
