Installing garage door springs can be a pretty tricky and very dangerous task which is why most people will go to the experts. If you are handy around the house, like a challenge and want to save some money then you can install the garage door springs yourself. It is highly recommended however to call a professional.

Extension garage door springs run along the upper, right and left door tracks and can be easier to repair, replace and install than the torsion spring counterpart. Extensions springs are also called side mounted spring and work by counterbalancing the garage door.

Torsion springs exert their counterbalance force or energy in a twisting motion and can be harder to install or replace. In fact, most experts recommend that you call in the help when it comes to torsion springs.

If you want to attempt to install either garage door spring system then you will need to follow the below tips.

1.First and foremost, make sure you always read the instruction manual of your garage door when you are installing garage door springs, regardless of if you are repairing or replacing the springs.

2.Second, always work with a friend. Some of the steps require heavy lifting that cannot be accomplished on your own. Furthermore, installing garage door springs is an incredibly dangerous job and, if anything does happen, it is good to have an extra pair of hands to help you and call 911 if the job gets out of hand.

Before you begin installing garage door springs, you will need to test to ensure that your old garage door springs needs replacing. First, disengage the garage door opener. Open the garage door by hand and close the door down only three of four feet. Back up and see what happens. If the door remains open on its own, then your springs are fine. If the garage door begins to descend on its own, then they will need replacing.

It is a good idea to replace both springs at the same installation. If one is faulty, there is a good chance that the other will be soon go as well.

Torsion springs can be replaced and installed with an electric drill. You will need to install the springs while the garage door is in a closed position. However, because all spring are different, you will need to look into the specific manufacture instructions to determine if, and how, to get the job done right.

Extension springs will be mounted on the side of the garage door. In order to correctly install extension springs, you will need to have the garage door fully opened to ensure that the tension is released.

Always read the instructions and ask for advice from the experts at the hardware store. If you think the job is a little too big to handle, look into hiring an expert.