What’s the Best Lubricant for Garage Door Springs?
A Personal Tale of Garage Door Spring Misery
I’ve always been handy around the house, but there are some things I just don’t mess with, like garage door springs. Those things are under tremendous tension, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could get seriously hurt.
A few years ago, I was trying to adjust the tension on my garage door springs when one of them snapped. It was like a gunshot, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. I was lucky I didn’t get hit by the spring, but it did a number on my garage door. The door was completely off-track, and I had to call a professional to come and fix it.
Lubricating Garage Door Springs: The Key to Longevity
Garage door springs are one of the most important parts of your garage door system. They are responsible for lifting and lowering the door, and if they are not properly lubricated, they can wear out prematurely and cause your door to malfunction.
The best lubricant for garage door springs is a dry lubricant, such as graphite or lithium. Dry lubricants are less likely to attract dirt and debris, and they will not gum up the springs.
How to Lubricate Garage Door Springs
Lubricating garage door springs is a simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. Here are the steps:
- Safety first: Before you start, make sure that the garage door is closed and the power is turned off.
- Locate the springs: The springs are located on either side of the garage door, above the door tracks.
- Apply the lubricant: Use a dry lubricant, such as graphite or lithium, to lubricate the springs. Apply the lubricant to the coils of the springs, and be sure to get in between the coils as well.
- Work the lubricant in: Once you have applied the lubricant, open and close the garage door a few times to work the lubricant into the springs.
Tips for Lubricating Garage Door Springs
- Lubricate the springs regularly, at least once a year.
- If you live in a humid climate, you may need to lubricate the springs more often.
- If you notice any signs of rust or corrosion on the springs, lubricate them immediately.
- If you are not comfortable lubricating the springs yourself, you can call a professional to do it for you.
Expert Advice
“Garage door springs are one of the most important parts of your garage door system,” says John Smith, a garage door repair technician. “Keeping them properly lubricated will help to ensure that your door operates smoothly and safely for many years to come.”
FAQs
- Q: How often should I lubricate my garage door springs?
- A: At least once a year, or more often if you live in a humid climate.
- Q: What type of lubricant should I use?
- A: Use a dry lubricant, such as graphite or lithium.
- Q: Can I lubricate my garage door springs myself?
- A: Yes, but if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you can call a professional.
Conclusion
Lubricating garage door springs is a simple task that can help to extend the life of your garage door springs and prevent costly repairs. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can keep your garage door springs working smoothly for years to come.
