Garage Door Springs, Oiling??

[BR549]

Just had to replace the springs on my overhead garage door.
The door is a single door, but for a double car garage. The springs are mounted above the door opening. Should I be oiling these springs??? Thanks

 

[ChiTDI]

I use a spray dry lube, same as in the channel for the door rollers. PB makes a specific product for "garage" doors, probably used by truckers more than homeowners though.

 

[duaneb9729]

no dont oil the springs, they break from use not lack of oiling.

The metal becomes work hardened and then the spring breaks

 

[mrsilv04]

Originally Posted By: duaneb9729
no dont oil the springs, they break from use not lack of oiling.

The metal becomes work hardened and then the spring breaks


Well, I had my springs replaced a few months ago, and the installer said to keep them lubricated.

 

[greenaccord02]

I forgot what I used on mine last time I did it... White grease, maybe?

 

[labman]

I use spray silicone. I am sure the smoother operation lubed adds to the life. The replacements I have kept lubed may have outlasted the originals that weren't.

 

[mechtech2]

That PB stuff seems OK. Ace Hardware is a good bet.
It dries dry, and leaves silicon and whatever else.
But of course the springs should be lubricated.
Don't forget the rollers and pins, hinges, chain or screw, and guides.

 

[greenaccord02]

I don't know how much it costs but the chain lube 3M makes for motorcycles dries dry and works well. Might be good for both the springs on the door and the drive chain on the opener, if so equipped.

 

[Turk]

I had a long time installer tell me to lube them. He used WD-40, but silicone or similar works well also.

 

[kaboom10]

I just let them wear out and call my repairman. All he ever told me was to lube them twice a yr.

 

[labman]

So how often do springs wear out or break? My house was built in 1970. It has a single 16' garage door with 2 springs. It is a big, heavy thing, wood framed and sheathed in 1/4'' hardboard with cardboard honey comb.

Eventually both springs broke, long enough ago it is hard to remember, but they must average close to 20 years.

 

[kaboom10]

we've had 3 sets replaced in 17 yrs but the door gets a lot of opening and closing for tool acces along with leaving. Still have the same age door to. Just liberal lube.

 

[mechtech2]

WD40 is good for a week. It is too light. Even WD makes a new thicker version for people who need actual lubrication.