Does anyone know how to uninstall/install a Garage Door?

[Lex_Luthor]

We have a garage door sitting out back, that's been here since we moved in. We'd like to get the old garage door off, and install the new one. I don't know if all the hardware is there, and I'd be willing to bet that the old door's hardware is not good. I would definitely not want to re-use it.

My question is this: has anyone done this before and would be willing to lend a hand? It has an overhead spring that will need to be decompressed in a way that doesn't result in death. Then I know we'll have to take apart the hinges and uninstall the door one piece by piece, and re-install the new one the same way. We'd like to do this sometime in the early spring if possible.

[ray1970]

I've done a couple of garage doors. Not a big deal. Even did one all by myself. A little trickier without a helper but doable. Just be careful with those springs.

[MarkCO]

Yes, be careful with those springs. I've worked a few fatalities due to those. Andy at 303Arms also owns a Garage door installation business if you get stuck.

[BPTactical]

Andy at 303Arms also owns a Garage door installation business if you get stuck.

This would be the correct answer.

[Lex_Luthor]

We are renting, and our landlord, although very relaxed and lenient is a cheap skate. I would be doing this with his approval, but on my own in exchange for maybe a couple hundred dollars off rent. I could budget that money aside, and pay - say Ray1970 - to come help... If that makes the load a little lighter. I have no idea what it would cost to have it professionally done. Which I also know is the best choice. If it was my OWN house, I'd definitely go that route.

[newracer]

I would at least have a professional remove the tension from the spring and them tension the new spring. Shouldn't cost much. The rest would be easy.

[ray1970]

I just don't have time to lend a hand. Sorry.

The spring isn't that big of a deal. Especially if you have a second set of hands. I just took a couple of long 3/8" extensions out of my tool box and used them to unwind the old spring and wind the new spring. The spring is really easy to control with some leverage. I wouldn't suggest using a big screwdriver as it could slip out. The extensions I was using fit the holes in the spring thingy very well. The short one I used was probably about 18" long. The other one was probably a 24".

[Lex_Luthor]

You know what, come to think about it, I don't think that the landlord has a new spring... So that would be trying to tension an old spring with a new door, with weight differences too, since the new door is aluminum.... Hmmm, I might have to give the LL a call and see if he knows any thing specific about this. Thanks guys! I'm sure I'll be back here in this thread soon with some other developments.

[Great-Kazoo]

We are renting, and our landlord, although very relaxed and lenient is a cheap skate. I would be doing this with his approval, but on my own in exchange for maybe a couple hundred dollars off rent. I could budget that money aside, and pay - say Ray1970 - to come help... If that makes the load a little lighter. I have no idea what it would cost to have it professionally done. Which I also know is the best choice. If it was my OWN house, I'd definitely go that route.

Get it in writing. The well you said you'd deduct $$ off the rent ain't going to fly come end of month.

[trlcavscout]

Someone get good at them then fix mine.

[SideShow Bob]

Uninstalling is real easy, hit the down button while the wife is flying up the driveway as she is yakking on her cell phone.....

[crays]

My old lady is an EXPERT at garage door demolition.
If she could only learn to install them back to original.......

Oh well. Good luck, man.

Sent via my Mobile Work Avoidance Device

[Wulf202]

You might be better off locking the spring in place than loading and unloading the spring

[SideShow Bob]

You might be better off locking the spring in place than loading and unloading the spring

Different tensions and or spring strengths are required for different doors.

Stamped aluminum, insulated aluminum, wood, composit.........

[rondog]

I've hired a pro to work on our door a couple of times. After watching him do it, I know it ain't something I'd even consider!

[Wulf202]

Different tensions and or spring strengths are required for different doors.

Stamped aluminum, insulated aluminum, wood, composit.........
Yup, just adjust tension if needed since he said there's no new spring.

I've got 86 at work.

[Fentonite]

..... Andy at 303Arms also owns a Garage door installation business if you get stuck.

Bumping up this old thread. I had Andy come out and replace broken garage door springs today. He realigned the tracks and adjusted everything beautifully, it works better than original. Great guy. Give him a call if you need a garage door fixed. 303-522-4354 (tel:303-522-4354).