Introduction
If your garage door feels unusually heavy, opens unevenly, or doesn’t stay in place when partially open, the problem could be incorrect spring tension. Springs control the door’s balance, making it easier for you or your opener to lift and lower it. In this guide, you’ll learn how to adjust garage door tension safely and correctly to restore smooth, balanced operation.
⚠ Safety Warning: Adjusting garage door springs—especially torsion springs—can be dangerous due to high tension. If you’re not confident in your skills, hire a professional.
Why Adjusting Garage Door Tension Matters for Your Garage
The springs on your garage door counterbalance its weight, ensuring smooth, controlled movement. If the tension is off:
- Too little tension – The door feels heavy, may not open fully, and can put strain on the opener.
- Too much tension – The door may not close fully or could fly open unexpectedly, posing safety risks.
- Uneven tension – The door may tilt to one side, causing uneven wear on rollers, tracks, and cables.
Proper tension adjustment:
- Improves safety for you and your family.
- Extends the life of your garage door system.
- Prevents damage to the opener and tracks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Garage Door Tension
1. Identify Your Spring Type
Garage doors typically use one of two spring types:
- Torsion springs – Mounted horizontally above the door; adjusted with winding bars.
- Extension springs – Located along the sides above the upper tracks; adjusted by repositioning hooks or clips.
Torsion springs are more dangerous to adjust because they are under significant torque.
2. Gather Safety Gear and Tools
Safety Gear:
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
Tools:
- Winding bars (for torsion springs – never use screwdrivers)
- Adjustable wrench
- Ladder
- Clamps or locking pliers
3. Disconnect the Garage Door Opener
Unplug the opener or disconnect it using the emergency release cord. This allows you to move the door manually without interference.
4. Secure the Door in Place
With the door fully closed, place clamps or locking pliers on the track just above the rollers on both sides. This prevents the door from opening unexpectedly during the adjustment.
Adjusting Torsion Springs
⚠ Extreme Caution: Torsion springs store a large amount of energy. A sudden release can cause severe injury. Proceed only if experienced with this type of repair.
5A. Loosen the Set Screws
Position your ladder to reach the torsion spring’s winding cone. Insert one winding bar fully into a hole in the cone to hold the spring’s tension. Use an adjustable wrench to carefully loosen the set screws.
6A. Adjust the Tension
- To increase tension: Insert the second winding bar into the next hole and rotate the spring upward (usually ¼ turn increments).
- To decrease tension: Rotate the spring downward in ¼ turn increments.
Most adjustments require no more than 1–2 full turns in total.
7A. Tighten the Set Screws
After adjustment, hold the winding bar firmly in place and tighten the set screws securely before removing the bar.
Adjusting Extension Springs
Extension springs are generally safer to adjust than torsion springs.
5B. Open the Door Fully
Lift the door until the extension springs are fully extended, then secure the door open with clamps on the tracks.
6B. Adjust the Hook Position
- To increase tension: Move the S-hook or clip to a hole further away from the door.
- To decrease tension: Move the hook closer to the door.
Adjust both sides equally to maintain balance.
8. Test the Door’s Balance
Remove all clamps, then slowly lift the door halfway and let go (with one hand ready to catch). A properly balanced door should stay in place without rising or falling.
- If it moves upward → Tension is too high; reduce it slightly.
- If it moves downward → Tension is too low; increase it slightly.
9. Reconnect the Opener
Once satisfied with the balance, reconnect the opener and test automatic operation. The door should open and close smoothly without straining the motor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Improper Tools
- Problem: Using screwdrivers instead of winding bars for torsion springs can cause slips.
- Solution: Always use proper winding bars.
- Over-Adjusting
- Problem: Too much tension can cause damage or dangerous movement.
- Solution: Make small adjustments in ¼ turns or single hook changes.
- Ignoring Safety Stops
- Problem: Working without securing the door can cause it to move suddenly.
- Solution: Always clamp the track before adjusting.
- Uneven Adjustments
- Problem: Adjusting only one side can cause the door to tilt.
- Solution: Adjust both sides evenly.
- Skipping a Balance Test
- Problem: An unbalanced door can cause long-term damage.
- Solution: Test the balance after every adjustment.
Extra Garage Tips & Hacks
- Lubricate Moving Parts: After adjusting tension, lubricate springs, rollers, and hinges for smoother operation.
- Inspect Cables and Pulleys: Worn cables can snap unexpectedly—replace them if frayed.
- Upgrade to Safety Cables: For extension springs, add safety cables to prevent accidents if a spring breaks.
- Related Tip: Read our guide on how to replace garage door rollers for more maintenance tips.
Conclusion
Knowing how to adjust garage door tension can save you money, improve performance, and extend the life of your garage door system. With careful, small adjustments and the right safety precautions, you can keep your door balanced, smooth, and safe to use.
Bookmark this guide to keep your garage door operating smoothly and safely year-round.