Springs Not Eternal

On Monday evening there was a loud metallic crash that came from somewhere in the house. We looked at every bookcase and closet shelf. I also walked the perimeter, checking storage containers and trash cans. The satellite dish was intact.

A couple of hours later the mystery was solved. A loud crunching sound came from the garage door as we tried to open it. Disengaging the door from the motor, we could close the door manually only with great effort from two people.

One of the springs had snapped (picture).

Brian, the man who installed the door 21 years ago, had retired, so on Tuesday morning I called Bill's Garage Door Service (Brian knew Bill and had recommended him). I described the type of door and the likely problem. The lady on the phone said that a "technician" would stop by shortly.

The GDI Garage Doors van pulled up and a young man stepped out. Yes, Bill had retired and sold his business. Keith said it would cost $500 to replace the springs. I should also "keep an eye on" one of the cables, which was slightly frayed.

How much to replace the cables? $95. OK, do it. No offense, but I don't want to see you again next year.

Keith went about his business with alacrity. He brought out special tools that enabled him to replace the springs and cables. I couldn't have done the job myself even if I had months to do it.

After the parts were installed, Keith repeatedly opened and closed the garage door, continually making adjustments. He apologized for his "OCD" and said he wanted to get it right. When he was done, two hours after he arrived, the door moved more quietly and smoothly than it had in years.

The final bill was $629, about 50% above what Brian or Bill would have charged in 2016. It was worth every penny.