1. Test the door for sag and swing
Door springs will not work effectively if the door itself is not properly installed. Fix sagging doors and make sure they can swing smoothly before installing the springs.
2. Mark the screw positions
A smart drilling job can prevent improper screw installation, which will affect the performance of the spring or damage the mechanism or the door.
With the door closed, check the spring position and mark the screw holes before digging out the drill. Always check the manufacturer's instructions, because door spring positions vary from model to model. There will usually be photos to illustrate the correct position. However, the standard guidance is as follows:
The springs usually move to the right on the hinge side of the door at a certain angle.
There will usually be a label on the top of the spring, and there will be a tightening tension knob there.
Mark the screw holes for the bracket that connects to the door (on the hinge side) and the screw holes that connect to the door jamb, and position the spring as vertically as possible.
Right-opening doors usually have the upper bracket fixed to the door jamb and the lower bracket fixed to the door; left-opening doors are the opposite.
3. Drill holes and tighten screws
Drill pilot holes through the doorjamb and gate at the marked locations. Pilot holes help prevent the wood of the doorjamb or gate from cracking or breaking when screwing in the screws, and allow you to drive in the screws more accurately and efficiently. A 9/64-inch or 7/74-inch drill bit is usually sufficient. Drill the four provided screws securely into place.
Note: If you are attaching the spring to a thick metal door, you may want to replace the screws in the kit with strong self-tapping screws, which allow you to drill holes and screw threads at the same time. If you have a brick doorjamb, you will need to insert wall plugs into the drilled holes to securely fasten the screws to the masonry.
4. Adjust spring tension
If there is not enough tension, the door will either not open freely or will continue to swing. Close the door and use the wrench provided in the kit (sometimes called a tension rod or tension bar) to adjust the tension through the mechanism on top of the spring.
The process for adjusting spring tension varies, so be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions for details on the tool to use and in which direction to turn the wrench or rod to increase or decrease torque. Kits usually include a nail; loosen it to add or relax tension, then put it back in place to lock in the desired tension.
Typically, the wrench should not be turned clockwise more than three turns at a time to prevent over- or under-tightening and damage to the spring or door.
5. Test the mechanism and readjust as needed
You may get lucky and have the spring tension just right when you install it. However, it usually takes trial and error to get the ideal amount.
You want the tension to be tight enough to close the door and keep it firmly closed, but not so tight that the door slams shut, stays slightly ajar, or is difficult to open.
