Repairing a garage door is not rocket science; however, due to its size, weight, and other factors, working on your garage door requires caution and a basic understanding of its mechanisms as negligence during DIY repairs can lead to accidents, injuries, or further damage to the door.

With that in mind, here are the top mistakes to avoid when repairing your garage door to help you stay safe and ensure the success of your next project.

1. Using the Wrong Tools

The main risk of using the wrong tools is personal injury. It can also damage your garage door, make simple tasks take longer, and result in less precise work.

For example, during a spring repair, using the wrong size winding bars or attempting to use screwdrivers instead can cause them to dislodge from their slot, potentially damaging the spring’s cone, the top section of the garage door, or injuring your hand.

Another example is using a 6-point wrench instead of a 12-point wrench. A standard 6-point wrench can strip the screw in certain areas of your garage door, making it challenging to remove. In cases where a stripped screw cannot be removed, you may have to cut out a piece of equipment or replace the entire part.

2. Using the Wrong Parts

Incompatible or substandard parts used during repairs can negatively impact your garage door’s performance, leading to repeated breakdowns and more extensive damage.

For example, using incorrect springs can cause balance issues and cause the door to come off the tracks. An additional example is using the wrong hinges, which can create gaps between the door and the frame, and in some cases, lead to increased friction and binding.

Over time, incompatible parts can accelerate wear and tear on your garage door system, creating a cycle of continual breakdowns and higher maintenance costs. Your overhead door system may not meet required safety standards, increasing the risk of accidents.

3. Not Following Safety Precautions

You may not be fully familiar with your overhead garage door system or aware of the correct way to approach repairs. Failing to follow proper safety precautions often occurs due to a lack of awareness, inadequate training, or disregard for established procedures. Common mistakes made in such situations include:

• Not using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when necessary or using inadequate protective gear.
• Being overconfident and assuming that some technical experience makes one immune to accidents.
• Misusing equipment and tools in ways they were not designed to be used.
• Unknowingly using incompatible parts in ways that may create significant safety risks and compromise performance.
• Working in unsafe conditions, such as extreme weather, poor lighting, slippery floors, or debris-filled work areas.
• Disabling garage door safety mechanisms and sensors for the sake of convenience.

4. Not Researching the Problem

Researching the problem that you’re having with your garage door is not just about making the repair process more efficient, it’s also about utilizing proper safety precautions and avoiding potential risks.

For instance, trying to repair an off-track garage door or replace broken torsion springs without understanding how the torsion assembly operates or the dynamics between its components can lead to degraded performance. In some cases, it could cause the garage door to crash down, damage the surroundings and even cause serious injuries.

Without understanding the scope of the issue, you may also act on incorrect assumptions, purchase incompatible replacement parts, or spend excessive amount of time on what should have been a simple fix.

The tendency to skip research is particularly common in emergency situations, such as when a broken garage door leaves your property exposed or blocks access to your garage and vehicles. Unfortunately, these situations often leads to mistakes that could have been easily avoided.

5. Hiring an Unlicensed Garage Door Company

While this isn’t a mistake related to DIY repairs, it’s a common error consumers make when seeking professional help. Hiring an unlicensed garage door company might seem like a harmless decision at first, but it is often accompanied by significant risks and issues.

Unlicensed companies usually lack the training, experience, and certifications required to perform safe and effective repairs, which can compromise your garage door’s functionality and safety.

Many consumers make the mistake of randomly choosing a company they find on the internet, assuming it’s legitimate and located right around the corner. Unfortunately, they often fall victim to garage door scammers who overcharge for substandard repairs.

To avoid this mistake, always verify the credentials of the garage door repair company before contacting them. Use the official channels relevant to your area. For example, in Orange County and throughout California, you can confirm a company’s legitimacy by searching for their business name on the CSLB website.

Avoiding Mistakes During Repairs

The best way to avoid mistakes is to conduct thorough research before starting any work on your garage door. Gather all necessary information, consult with authorized garage door experts when possible, review safety guidelines, read the owner’s manual, and familiarize yourself with the tools and procedures involved.

Approach each task systematically and remain attentive to minimize errors during repairs. Most importantly, know your limits. If a task sim too complicated or beyond your skill set, always contact and consult with a licensed garage door company.