Back to Top Torsion springs are usually mounted above a closed door, parallel and horizontal to the top section of the door. They provide lifting power for the door by winding and unwinding while the door is opened and closed. The torsion spring is under high tension and requires special tools for adjustment. Because of the high tension, the torsion spring and any part associated with the counterbalance system should be adjusted only by a professional. Back to Top A garage door opener is a separate product from a garage door.
Openers are electric motorized devices that open and close garage doors.
Most garage door openers include an internal reversing mechanism that causes the door to reverse when it hits an obstruction. However, garage door openers with inadequate or poorly maintained reversing mechanisms have caused injury and even death to children who are caught underneath motor-operated garage doors. The sensitivity of these internal reversing mechanisms can fall out of proper adjustment so that the door will not reverse when it hits an obstruction. You should check your reversing mechanism monthly by setting a block of wood or a full roll of paper towels on the floor in the path of a descending door. If the door does not reverse after contacting the obstruction, call a garage door technician to examine and repair your door system.