DIY may not be a good choice.
I am a committed do-it yourselfer and pride myself in the money I have saved by diving in and trying to fix something myself. I do have limits and here are the principles I apply before I try something new.
- Can I safely do the work?
- Do I have the tools and knowledge required to complete the job?
- I am physically able to lift and maneuver the pieces and parts.
- Will I be able to obtain the parts and how will I know they are the right ones?
If I can’t answer yes to all these questions, it is better to call a professional. I routinely change the oil and all the filters on some large diesel engines and don’t hesitate to install complicated electronics systems and carpentry or woodworking are in my skill set. Garage Doors are something I would not advise anyone without the skills and training to tackle. This is primarily due to the potential violation of rule #1, Can you do it safely?
Garage Door Repairs have some big danger factors that injure thousands of people each year. Simply stated they are; garage door systems depend on stored mechanical energy to operate, are very heavy, and can fall on you. The most dangerous component of a Residential Garage Door System is the energy stored in the springs. In a torsion bar system, the energy is stored when the technician winds the springs. This is a physically demanding job and extremely dangerous, if you are not properly trained. Releasing the energy is just as dangerous and not doing so, when you start a repair, is a very common cause of serious injury. The tools required are specialized as is the training.
Recently a DIY reporter for one of the local papers undertook the job of replacing a broken spring. While filming the segment they unbolted the end bracket before releasing the spring energy. The bracket was propelled into their face with several hundred pounds of force, breaking their jaw and cheekbones, dislodging several teeth and requiring extensive surgery to repair the damage. They were out of work for several months. I am sure the reporter had done research and read extensively the DIY information readily available on the internet, before undertaking the repair, but obviously missed something. Frankly people providing DIY information on the web, for dangerous jobs are irresponsible.
Avoid injuries and save yourself money by calling a trained and certified professional.