The ABCs of Adequate Garage Door Component Lubrication

As a homeowner who has a garage, you likely have at least one garage door that you use consistently. This fixture is a fairly straightforward home component that is meant to perform the simple task of opening and closing as needed, but because this is a moving home component, it does need a little maintenance attention from time to time–especially where lubrication is concerned. Before you grab a can spray lubricant and get started on lubricating the moving parts of your garage door, there are a few simple rules you should keep in mind to ensure you hit all the important parts of this chore. 

Always use the right kind of lubricating products on the different components. 

If you are like most homeowners, to lubricate your garage door, the first thing you will grab is a basic can of WD-40 or other spray product to do the job. While spray lubrication will suffice for some points, this is not the best form for every moving part. The thin consistency of most forms of spray lubricant make it only logical for things that do not sustain a great deal of friction because the oil will wear away quickly. So, for example, you can spray things like the hinges of the door sections. However, for those areas that sustain much more wear because of movement and heavy-duty responsibilities, like the torsion springs and guide rollers along the side, it is best to use a thicker material, such as automotive grease. 

Be sure you wipe away excess lubricant on the door surface. 

Lubrication and spray-greasing products are wonderful thing for the metal moving parts of your garage door, but this stuff should not be left to hang out on the door itself. Whether your door is painted, sealed, or otherwise, the products used can cause discoloration on colored surfaces, so wipe away any excess immediately. 

Choose elongated application attachments to ensure the lubricant is making it to its intended areas. 

When applying lubrication to the moving parts, make sure you are using an elongated distribution tool to apply the solution so it makes it inside of the moving parts that may be a little more complex in structure. For example, the torsion springs should be well lubricated on the outside, but also a hefty layer should be applied to the inside of the springs rings as well. Use a needle-point attachment on the grease gun to shoot the lubricant inside of the spring. 

If you need more assistance with repairing your garage door, contact professionals like J & D Door Sales Inc. 


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