Every good owner knows that any mechanism, even the most reliable one, can break down. And to prevent any unpleasant surprises, we recommend inspecting your garage door mechanism at least once a month for possible problems.
The most common problem with garage doors during their constant use is sagging of the cable, which is responsible for raising and lowering the garage door. This happens due to improper installation springs on sectional doors Oh.
First of all, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that adjusting or replacing the cable of sectional doors is unsafe, since the torsion springs are under high tension. Therefore, perform this work with great care and use only reliable and high-quality tools.
Here are the main stages of work:
- Check the marking strip on the spring to ensure it looks like a straight strip.
- Secure sectional doors so that they do not rise while repair work is being carried out.
- Insert the tension rod into the hole where the spring ends and turn.
- Perform the same operation with another rod, but pulling out the first one.
- Secure the spring using a key.
- Check the operation of sectional doors.
The installation of the torsion spring mechanism of Dorhan sectional doors is carried out according to a similar principle. If you still cannot adjust the tension of the sectional door cables, then our advice is to seek the services of qualified repairmen.
How to twist a spring on a torsion gate
Setting up torsion springs for sectional garage doors on our own it happens quite simply. Even a beginner in repairs can understand how to tension a torsion spring on a gate. The main thing is to take all necessary precautions and use only high-quality tools.If you are interested in how to tension and secure the cable on a large garage door, for example, made by Dorhan, then you should understand that the entire torsion shaft is assembled in parts. So here is a basic plan on how to adjust a torsion gate mechanism:
- Relieve the tension on the springs by lowering and fixing the structure.
- Unscrew the screw, which will give the drum mechanism free movement.
- You wind the cable.
- Screw the screw into its original position.
Figure 2: Basic parameters of torsion springs
Adjusting automatic gate springs
Adjustment of cables on gates with one torsion bar or several, as well as other types of gates, is carried out in the following steps:- We raise the gate and fix it with stands. This way we can reduce the pressure on the springs automatic gates.
- Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screw that helps secure the cable mechanism in the drum.
- Winds the cable to the optimal tension value.
- Screw the screw back in.
- We launch the gate and check the operation of the mechanism.
Figure 3: Spring Tension Steps
Adjusting spring tension on sectional doors
All renovation work on sectional doors they are carried out using the same method, but adjusting the cables of sectional doors with an electric drive still has some features. Since such structures, in addition to all components, have electrical components. Therefore, before proceeding with installation or repair, for your safety, you should disconnect the wires from the electric drive while performing work. Since accidentally touching the wires with a metal screwdriver can lead to electric shock.This technique is for gates with a spring, torsion mechanism, which is located above the gate opening. For correct and trouble-free operation of sectional doors, it is necessary to periodically carry out technical inspection and lubrication of moving parts.
In the absence maintenance gate, safety elements, such as a photocell, sometimes cases arise when the gate runs into mechanical obstacles when lowering. Mechanical obstacles mean any objects accidentally left in the gate opening. The consequences of a collision special case, different tension of the cables.
Possible typical manifestations of misalignment of sectional doors with a manual chain drive or motor:
- the lift gates no longer rise or fall;
- there is a skew to one side;
- the rise is not completed;
- The descent of the canvas is not carried out completely.
Typical design of a torsion shaft assembly. Single-shaft system for balancing garage and industrial door leaves. Split shaft.
For normal operation of sectional doors, the cables must be tensioned. Sagging of sectional door cables is not allowed.
As a result, the balancing cables for sectional doors fly off or get tangled.
Let's try to figure out how to regulate this nuisance.
You have the cables on the gates and rollers getting tangled, falling off, breaking, the brackets are still in place. This technique is also applicable when cables are skewed.
First of all, when starting the adjustment, we unlock the engine (if the control is automatic), if it is chain control, we unlock the chain.
We completely weaken the traction spring.
The next step is spring tension.
Let's move on to eliminating sagging; this technique also applies to broken gate cables.
With the spring weakened, we had the opportunity to remove the lower cable thimble. Next we untangle the cable. Having untangled the cable, we throw the cable into the groove of the drum, at least 1/4 of the drum. Next, we lay the cable behind the rollers. We attach the cable loop to the thimble depending on the design of your gate.
We move on to tensioning the traction spring and eliminating slack in the cables.
Rotate the shaft until the slack in the cables is taken out. To ensure tension of the cables, wind the springs by 1.5 - 2 turns and fix them in this position by tightening the bolts of the tension tips.
Elimination of uneven tension of left and right cables.
If one of the cables still sags, the sagging is eliminated due to the mutual rotation of the shafts, which is ensured by the design of the coupling (the presence of grooved holes for tightening screws).
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To do this, loosen the coupling coupling bolts, rotate the shaft on the side of which there is sagging, while holding the other shaft in its original position.
After eliminating the slack in the cable, tighten the coupling bolts.
The next step is to fully cock the springs in accordance with the recommendation. The number of turns must be indicated on the gate nameplate.
The torsion spring is responsible for balancing the door leaf.
It distributes all the weight evenly, thereby making it easier to lift the gate. Serves as a counterweight. The force of the spring is directed upward, and the mass of the gate is directed downward. The ideal setting of the door leaf is set according to the method recommended by the manufacturer. Data on the number of turns of spring tension is indicated in the product passport, on the gate nameplate, and is available from the gate supplier.
Checking the correct spring tension.
The spring sags a little in the middle - this is its normal charged state. The number of marks on the skein must correspond to the number of revolutions indicated in the passport for the set.
Variants of torsion spring state.
- Curved upward;
- wave-shaped;
- flat;
External signs of the spring indicate that it is overtightened.
If you hear clicks or grinding sounds from the spring when the gate is operating, the torsion mechanism must be lubricated with liquid lubricant; if the sound does not stop, you should call a specialist. Check the condition of the spring before changing seasons, and especially after severe frosts; the spring should sag a little in the middle - the main recommendation
After adjusting the springs, it is necessary to check the correct setting of the sectional door's balancing mechanism.
To do this, you need to lift and then lower the sectional door by hand. The applied force should be 10-20 kg. The gate movement must stop when the force is removed.
How to eliminate uneven tension of left and right cables with an uncut shaft.
What does it mean not a split shaft - it does not have a coupling. A consequence of the lack of parts is that the tension of the cables is adjusted not from the top, but from the bottom. The coupling, as described above, eliminates uneven sagging of the left and right cables.
The most important factor in the good and long-term operation of sectional garage doors is the tension in the cables. They are used to activate the work of the canvas, as well as to create balance of the entire structure.
A person who has this type of gate on his site should under no circumstances allow the cables to sag, because this is the main and main mistake when using them.
Due to such inattention, you may later encounter deformation of the guides and door leaf; the gate moves along the guides for opening and closing.
Adjusting sectional doors involves precisely adjusting the cables, but such a task cannot be called difficult. Each person can handle it with their own hands and without resorting to the services of specialists. The main thing is to understand how this is done.
Work algorithm
First of all, it is necessary to grab and strengthen the brackets at the bottom of the structure, after which a key is installed on each section of the gate. Next, the drum is fixed, and the set screw needs to be tightened.
At the second stage, the shaft is rotated until the traces of sagging completely disappear. To achieve the desired effect, a person will need to make one and a half to two turns of the springs. When the process is completed, each bolt is tightened on the tension lugs.
This allows the spring to be finally fixed, and the gate returns to the required state.
If the described algorithm and the adjustment of the garage door did not make it possible to get rid of the sagging, then it is necessary to use the principle of simultaneous rotation of the shafts.
Taking into account the fact that rotation can be done using the coupling design, initially each coupling bolt is loosened, and after that it is necessary to rotate the shaft from which the negative process is observed. The second shaft must be stationary, it is important to observe this.
Exhibiting structures with continuous shaft
If sectional garage doors are equipped with a continuous shaft, then the algorithm of work that will need to be performed will change slightly for the adjustment to be successful.
- The working panel rises, then it must be fixed in this position. This will be necessary to loosen the tensioned cable a little.
- The screw that secures the cable in the drum must be unscrewed.
- Try to adjust the cable to the amount that you need to get rid of the slack. Try to reduce the size to the minimum mark.
- At the next stage, the cable screw is tightened, with the help of which the fixation is carried out.
- The panel returns to its original position, check whether you managed to get rid of the sagging and whether you managed to tension both cables equally.
If the adjustment of the garage door was successful, and the cable no longer sags with the help of springs, then you can safely leave the structure, because you managed to cope. If even a slight sagging is observed, then the algorithm indicated above must be repeated.
Each cable should be stretched evenly, so do not overdo it by tightening one of them.
If you happen to encounter it again in the future and need adjustment, you can safely use the methods described. This will ensure that your garage door is always in good working order.
Do not forget that even if there is no sagging, the tension of the cables will have to be checked from time to time.
Very often, after installation, sectional doors require additional adjustment. And more precisely, in adjusting the cables. Why is this necessary? The fact is that unregulated gates deteriorate much faster and become unusable. Which in turn leads to unnecessary waste of money. So, first: What does adjusting a sectional door even mean?
The main idea is to eliminate possible slack and ensure that the cables are tensioned sufficiently, but, which is also very important, not overtightened.
I would like to immediately note that sectional doors come in two types:
- with continuous;
- with split shaft.
First, let's look at the installation algorithm according to the scheme: “adjusting sectional garage doors,” if you have a gate with a split shaft installed.
Algorithm of actions when adjusting cables
- First of all, take the bottom brackets and securely fasten them to the wall. It is very important to secure them firmly, as they hold quite a lot of weight.
- We install the key of the gate section. This must be done very carefully so as not to damage other parts of the sectional door.
- After the key is installed, we fix the drum. This is done by tightening the set screw.
- The next step is to turn the shaft until the sag disappears. This must be done slowly in order to stop in time. Since there is a possibility that you will overtighten the cables. Of course, this will require effort, but the possibility still exists.
- To achieve complete absence of sagging, you need to wind the springs. Usually, for the cables to take their normal position, it is enough to make only two or three turns.
- After the springs are adjusted, the bolt tips are tightened; this must be done in order to further secure the springs.
Adjusting the spring of sectional doors allows you to eliminate sagging cables, and, accordingly, premature wear of the mechanism. But, unfortunately, it does not always work. If this is your case, then you need to adjust the cables in a different way.
Loosen the bolts, then rotate the shaft on the side where there is sagging, and the opposite side must be held in its original position. Then you need to tighten the bolts again. This method is good because it always works, no matter whether you are adjusting Dorhan sectional doors or adjusting Alutech sectional doors.
How to adjust sectional doors with a continuous shaft?
This is a fairly simple process, so there is no need to describe a clear step-by-step solution to this problem. The gist is this:
- You must remove the operating panel, after which you will see the screw that holds the slack cable.
- Next, you need to loosen it and adjust the length of the cable; since you have some slack, it needs to be reduced.
- After completing all these steps, you must screw the vit back, while holding the cable in the position you selected, and install the working panel back.
- After the sectional doors are assembled into a standard form, you need to carefully evaluate each of the cables. After all, it may be that while you were tightening the screw, the cable weakened a little. In this case, you will have to repeat the entire procedure from the very beginning.
Using the above methods for adjusting sectional doors, you can always keep them in excellent condition, and only in this case will they serve you for many years without frustrating you with frequent breakdowns. But it is still worth checking the tension of the cables from time to time, because over time it may weaken and then you will need to tighten them again.
To ensure that sectional garage doors last for a long time long term, it is necessary that the support cables are always in a state of tension. These cables are simply necessary, since with their help all the work of the garage door is carried out. Thanks to the supporting cables, the structure is in balance. If you have sectional garage doors installed, then you must carefully monitor the condition of the support cables, periodically inspect and adjust them. Sagging cables are one of the most common mistakes when operating such garage doors.
Actually, adjusting garage doors is adjusting the cables. If the cables are in order, then in most cases the sectional doors themselves will function normally. Their adjustment is not complex process However, ignorant people may have a lot of questions about this.
Algorithm of actions
Adjustment of the cables is carried out in several stages. It is important to follow the step-by-step instructions so as not to miss anything and damage the design parts.
- At the bottom of the structure there are brackets that need to be secured to initial stage works Special keys must be installed on each section of your gate. After this, tighten the drum and setscrew. This preparatory stage adjustments.
- At the second stage, you need to turn the adjusting shaft until the cable is tensioned. As a rule, it is necessary to make two revolutions to achieve the desired result. Once you complete this process, you need to secure all the bolts to the tension lugs. This way you can fix the spring and the sagging of the cables will disappear.
It happens that the above process does not allow the sectional garage doors to function properly. In this case, you can try turning both shafts at the same time, which will allow you to achieve even tension. Initially, you should loosen both shafts and turn the one that gives the worst result. At this time, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the second shaft (it must be at rest), then both shafts are turned simultaneously and secured.
Features of adjustment of structures with a continuous shaft
It happens that sectional garage doors come with a continuous shaft. In this case, it is necessary to apply a different operating algorithm to adjust the gate.
- You need to raise the work panel. Lock it in this position. This is necessary to loosen the support cable.
- Loosen the screw that holds the cable in the drum.
- Calculate the cable adjustment in such a way as to get rid of its slack. Try to keep the size of the working part of the cable as small as possible.
- Tighten the cable fixing screw.
- Return the panel to its original state. Now you need to check if you got rid of the problem. If the result is negative, repeat the operation. Pay attention to whether both cables are tightened equally.
Try not to over-tighten one of the cables. Remember that both cables must be tensioned evenly. This is one of the key conditions for proper garage door adjustment. If you leave the gate in a state where one of the cables is more tense, this will inevitably lead to distortions and deformation.
In the future, you will probably have to deal with adjusting your sectional garage doors again and again. You can use the above instructions again. This way you can significantly extend the life of your sectional garage doors.
Remember that the tension of the cables must be constantly checked from time to time. If you notice that one of them gradually becomes unusable, is greatly stretched and worn out, then you need to replace it, or better yet, both cables at once. This will increase the service life of your sectional doors by at least one and a half times.
Sectional garage door maintenance
Regardless of the type and specific use, garage doors must be inspected and maintained from time to time. It is important to pay attention to the following factors:
- Corrosion. All iron components of your sectional garage door (including the support cables) are highly susceptible to corrosion due to exposure to moisture. It is important to clean problem areas in a timely manner.
- Damage. During use, the gate may become damaged, which must be noted by you and corrected in a timely manner.
- Pollution. Clean the gate from dirt in a timely manner. This way you will not only improve the aesthetic qualities of your gates, but also extend their service life.
Follow these instructions and your sectional garage door will serve you for many years.
