When the torsion springs for your home's garage door become loose or damaged, they show telltale signs that they are about to break, such as loud popping or screeching noises and difficulty working the door. If they do break, you will be unable to work the door at all, so it is imperative that they be replaced before this happens.
However, if you are thinking about buying new springs and replacing the old ones yourself, you should stop and reconsider doing so because handling torsion springs without the right tools and skill can lead to serious injuries. There are a couple of reasons why replacing garage door springs is dangerous and should only be done by a professional.
1. Uncontrolled Release of the Springs' Tension While Using the Wrong Tools Is Enough to Break a Bone If They Slip and Hit You
One reason why replacing the springs on the garage door yourself is dangerous is that they can release unexpectedly. If you do not have the right tools or the knowledge of the techniques required to handle the springs, they can unexpectedly release and snap back toward your body.
Because the springs are under a tremendous amount of tension, the force at which they can hit your body is enough to break a bone and cause other serious injuries. Only a professional with the right tools and knowledge of proper handling techniques should even attempt to replace the springs.
2. Weakened Metal of the Springs Can Cause Them to Shatter
Another reason why it is dangerous to try replacing the torsion springs yourself is that the metal they are made of becomes weak when they are loose or damaged. If you do not have the experience needed to recognize subtle signs of cracking or splitting, putting extra tension on the springs while trying to remove them can cause the metal to shatter.
When the metal shatters, it creates flying shards that can cause serious cuts if they were to strike you or someone nearby. Only a professional with the proper experience should handle weakened and damaged springs to ensure this does not happen.
Unless you have the proper tools and extensive knowledge on how to handle torsion springs on a garage door, you run the risk of being seriously injured. Not only can the springs snap back and strike you, but if handled improperly, they could shatter and send shards flying. Because of these dangers, you should only have a professional take care of replacing them for you.
For more information, contact a company like Plano Overhead Garage Door.
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