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Garage Door Repair Do it Yourself

Medha Godbole
Repairing a garage door is not exactly a cakewalk, but all the same with a bit of common sense and common tools, you would be able to do a good job.
Do screws, metal tracks, garages, door tensions and the like excite you? If they do, well then I am sure that you might be indulging in home repairs too often. A garage door repair entails checking if it properly opens and closes. The things you need are common sense and some common household repair tools. Further, the task becomes easy with the instructions which come with the repair kit and tools.
Things you need - Mallet, level, screwdriver, household cleaner, powdered graphite and lubricant.

Repairing a Roll-up Door

  • Start off with checking the metal tracks holding the wheels in case of a rolling door for obstacles or blocks. Too much of dirt in the tracks leads to sticking of the door.
  • If the track is damaged, bent or not in a good shape, use the mallet to get the tracks in shape by working on the ridges. This will facilitate smooth movement.
  • A level will help you know if the tracks are in alignment. Over time loose screws can result in shifting of the tracks at an angle which is not perpendicular to the garage door.
  • So, with the screwdriver, tighten all the screws holding the tracks in place.
  • If the tracks are in a very bad condition, well, they would need to be replaced.
  • For repairing a dysfunctional garage door, first clean and lubricate the wheels. An irony is that the grease used to lubricate the parts of the garage door earlier, sometimes hardens in the crevices rendering the door dysfunctional.
  • For cleaning the debris, use normal home cleaner and re-lubricate with a garage door lubricant or powdered graphite.

Repairing a Swing Door

  • The mounting plate is an important part of a swing mechanism door. So, first see if the screws are loose. Mounting plate is crucial as it fastens and secures springs on the inner side of the garage. If the mounting plate is not in proper alignment, it inhibits the opening and closing action of the door.
  • Check the springs for extra tension. Majority of the spring doors have a hook at the end of a spring that can be adjusted in a different hole.
  • For doing that, you would need to detach the spring from the mounting plate by removing its screws. If the springs are worn out, replace garage door springs.

Some More Tips

  • Door panels undergo wear and tear over a period of time. Therefore, using a wrench or a socket pipe or a plier, secure all the fasteners you can see on the garage door.
  • Pull the emergency handle if need be, in case the door is connected to the door opener.
  • Check for loose hinges, nuts and bolts and replace them with new parts.
  • Take stock of the rollers of your garage door. Ideally you should be able to spin the stem with your fingers with minimum resistance. If they are badly worn out, replace them. Steel rollers would need a bit of oil for its bearings to work properly.
It was not that tough, was it? If you did think it was, you can always refer to the door installation guide to ensure that you are not stuck anywhere. If you start doing the repair and feel that it is not your cup of tea, then grab the phone and call a professional. He will definitely get you out of the garage door woes!