How are garage door springs kept under control?

Question

I understand the basics of how a garage door works – the opener motor is assisted by the spring’s stored energy, otherwise the door would require a *much* larger motor to lift it.

But, some of these springs really look monstrous, and I’m wondering – how is their stored energy controlled? How do we ensure the spring releases just enough energy to assist the motor, and doesn’t just launch the door into orbit?

In: 5

Answer 1

You wind them by hand and test with the motor to see if you need more or less spring assist. I’ve also seen it done to where you wind them by hand until the door stays where ever you put it when the motor is disengaged.