Ever install your own garage door?

noquacks

People,

No, not a huge 20' door for a 2 car garage, but a one car width. I believe its about 9' wide. Everywhere I look , even home depot, they want to sell me the installation. I dont want to have it installed. Just thought I would ask around before searching more.....

Thanks!

oh'mike

They are not that difficult to do. What do you need to know?

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waterman1971

I did mine, the door manufacturer will have a downloadable pdf on their website.

Pay particular attention to the orientation of the cable drums and the tensioning springs.

On my door these items were color coded, seems like red was left, and black was right.

Ask me how important it is to have these items placed correctly.

mustangmike3789

people are giving away garage doors on craigs list. some you have to take down and others are ready to go.

rossfingal

I've done a number of them - "torsion" springs and "extension" springs.
For a "DIY" person - it should probably, be an "extension" spring system.
Easier and a little safer to deal with.
We've purchased them from local door companies, Home D. and Menards.
Read the instructions - carefully!

rossfingal

waterman1971

Thanks for the clarification.

You are absolutely correct, the risk of injury should always be taken into consideration.

I apologize for my lack of thoughtfulness.

Some door companies will not sell the "torsion" springs over the counter.

rossfingal

The first garage doors I installed (a long time ago) were "torsion" springs.
No problem.
However, over time, I acquired friends that did garage door installs/repairs for
years.
Sitting with them, in a local "watering-hole" and hearing "horror stories" - concerning the amount of force that "torsion" springs have - and what can result (I love trips to the Emergency Ward! - don't you?).
If we run into a garage door with "torsion" springs - I call one of them!
Knowledge and experience!
It costs more money - but, I like everybody's fingers and other "extremities"
intact.

rossfingal

drtbk4ever

We installed one two summers ago from HD. It was a small door. It had some new fangled torsion spring set up where we tightened it with a drill. It seemed very DIY friendly as it removed that issue from the install. Still took a little trial and error but we got it.

__________________
Bill

A DIY Noob that knows just enough to be dangerous.

noquacks

Thanks to all for your advice. Good tip on the torsion vs extension type springs. I didnt know that. Giveaway doors on craigslist?? Cool.

Well, first, I guess I need to confirm that all doors are a "standard" size, right?

vsheetz

I have installed a couple - and while not overly difficult they take some time and effort to get right - and there is the safety factor. The garage door places do them all the time and can install quick and right - and pretty cheap. The last few I have needed I have just hired out - quick, easy, and reliable operation.

rossfingal

Measure the opening, inside to inside: if it's close to 9 ft. (it will probably
be slightly under) - it's a 9 ft. door - standard.
Read the instructions - take your time!

rossfingal

noquacks

just got off the phone with HD. They have them, just out of stock. Looks like Im going there maybe late week, and buy one. Yes, I will measure to the mm first.

Thanks!

rossfingal

If you have any problems - just, get back to the people here.
We'll all try to help.
RF

ThatDaveGuy

Like anything else, it's doable if you have the right tools- the most important one being common sense. It is not that difficult a process, even w/ torsion springs but don't just "have at it" without getting an idea of how to tackle the job and in what order. If you're going to do this, definitely post here before you start.

And I know it's just my opinion, but the HD here sells Clopay, and I wouldn't take one for free.

SPS-1

I installed one, I think it was 1976. I was 16 or 17 years old. Door and opener. The paint keeps coming off the door, but to this day, you can bearly hear it as it goes up and down. It was an extension spring style. Was not hard at all. One thing to check is if there are any beams or obstructions in your garage that may interfere with some doors as it opens.