Door Balance Testing
Testing and evaluating overhead door spring balance for safe operation
Warnings
A severely unbalanced door (one that drops rapidly or rises on its own) indicates a spring problem. Do not attempt to repair springs without proper training and tools.
Stand to the side of the door when releasing it at the halfway point — not directly in front or behind.
If the door is equipped with an operator, you must disconnect it before performing a manual balance test.
Required PPE
- Safety glasses
- Leather gloves
- Steel-toed boots
Tools Required
- None required (manual test)
Procedure — 5 Steps
Disconnect the operator
Disconnect power to the automatic operator. Pull the emergency release handle to disengage the trolley from the door. The door should now move freely by hand.
Manually lift the door to the halfway point
Grasp the door at the bottom edge and lift it slowly to approximately waist height (roughly halfway open). The door should lift smoothly without excessive effort.
Release the door and observe
Carefully release the door at the halfway point. A properly balanced door should stay in place — it may drift up or down by a few inches, but should not move significantly. Observe the door's behavior for 30 seconds.
Evaluate the result
If the door stays within a few inches of where you released it: the springs are properly balanced. If the door drops toward the floor: the springs are weak or undersized (common with aging springs). If the door rises toward the ceiling: the springs are over-wound or oversized. Both conditions require spring adjustment by a qualified technician.
Reconnect the operator and document
Re-engage the trolley and restore power to the operator. Test the door through a full cycle. Document the balance test result — note whether the door drifted up, down, or stayed in place, and by approximately how many inches.
Training Videos
Disclaimer: These videos are produced by third-party YouTube channels and are not affiliated with Doorbot. Video content may not align exactly with the procedures above, may depict techniques that differ from DASMA or manufacturer recommendations, and may show tasks that are dangerous if performed without proper training and equipment. Always follow the written procedure, your company's safety policies, and applicable industry standards. Use these videos as supplementary reference only.