How To Install A Garage Door

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Shannon from www.house-improvements.com shows you how to install a typical residential overhead garage door. If you have any questions about your home DIY projects, stop by the forum on our website and ask.
Website: www.house-improvements.com
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Video © 2014 SKS Media. Videos produced by SKS Media (House-Improvements.com) are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in the videos is intended to give general guidance to simplify DIY (do it yourself) projects. Because tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, building codes and local regulations are constantly changing, SKS Media cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Further, SKS Media will not accept any claim for liability related to, but not limited to, omissions, errors, injury, damage or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there are any questions or doubt in regards to the element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional. SKS Media conducts all matters in accordance with the laws of Saskatchewan, Canada.

[@crimestoppers1877]

Thanks! A local garage door specialist just gave me a quote of over $2,000 to install one 8' X 7' un-insulated replacement garage door including all including hardware which was ready to hang. The previous door install already had the flag brackets, vertical rails, flashing and existing spring and shaft. The only requirement was to hang the door. All new cables, rollers and hinges came with the new door. I decided to save $2,000 by watching this video and doing it myself. It took me three hours to attach the two horizontal 2" tracks, assemble the door panels, hinges, rollers and vinyl strip floor gasket. Bravo!

[@skepticalobserver7484]

Wow! It’s a “how to install a garage door” video that actually shows how to install a garage door! Thank you for your time in doing this and the clear instructions. I am actually a fairly skilled carpenter who was too intimidated to replace my own garage door until watching this. Now I’m ready to go with a greatly-diminished fear of being decapitated by an unfortunate spring accident.

[@TomasArnos]

Yes it is great, but where can I buy garage door kit or every thing I would need to complete that...? I have 11x11 ft opening.

[@moonlit6569]

@@TomasArnos good luck, that is definitely special order

[@Cherrycola14]

@@TomasArnos I have the same size but I've added to the sides to put in a ten ft door. Another option is to cut down a 12ft wide door. I bought my door off of marketplace for a 100 bucks

[@byronadonis9507]

P

[@jasonmccoy4769]

Why use nails to hold it up when you can use the tracks to hold it in place tears what its there for 😅

[@adamguitar90]

This guy. Is who I’d love to work for. He’s knowable and very articulate. He definitely knows his stuff

[@fgaryam]

Clearly the best DIY video I've ever seen anywhere. Super well organized, 1), by showing the finished product first. 2), by showing every step in order with just enough talk to make sure the audience understood. 3), by skipping thru all redundancy and picking up again at the relevent point in the process. 5) By covering every detail, even some for a different kind of door/hardware to cove other types of doors. Thanks. You get and A++ from an old DIYer with 70 + years of DIY experience...always work alone...

[@rustybuttrusty9960]

I watched this video yesterday in advance of my installation of a new garage door today. Thanks for your great explanation of all the steps. What would have been a two day job turned into a three hour install for two first timers. All I have left is to wind the springs. Thanks for all you do.

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it helped

[@lastminute4154]

a@@@@h

[@wesleycaneup8734]

Best garage door installation on KZbin! All other videos skip what seems to be some important steps. This one was very informative and detailed. Thank you for explaining every step and why it’s that way.

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RJ-lk5pj]

I’ve worked for a company that was in business for over 40 yr servings & installing ohd & entrance doors and got a first hand view of door issues in a commercial and residential setting. Learned a lot of knowledge to say the least. The owner was a perfectionist. We would typically install the vertical tracks after the second panel is stacked to ensure the panels don’t fall while stacking eliminating the use of nails. Keeping the track brackets loose for future & final adjustments. Making sure to center the door inside the garage opening & to make sure they’re equal on both side when looking from the outside. Also, the vertical tracks should not be installed directly on the concrete as water will cause rust over time. Along, with the ground will raise and lower cause track issues when the concrete pushed the tracks during freezing & thawing cycles. We also would recommend struts no matter what the manufacturer requested solely do to the fact the opener with cause stresses on the door especially when it’s used primarily. @$15 per struts will save a head ache in the long run. When winding the springs, we would use white spray paint and spray a fine thin line the length of the spring from the center bracket to the winding fitting. This shows how many turns are on the spring in case someone like the customers decides to visit during this process. Typically if the door is 7’ in height it’ll take 7 1/2 turns or so.

[@jeffdriver6657]

This, this is what I want to come and say. I am an Ironworker who does doors. Mine range from 3’x4’ to 180’x60’. But to me it seems the ones that cause the most problems are the simple panel doors and it’s usually not braced properly. Struts are so important. Not a lot of company’s will install them just to save a few bucks.

[@danielwake2430]

I hate servicing doors with the bottom of the track tight against the floor or buried in the concrete. I always appreciate it when the previous installer set it up with future service in mind.

[@riaanvisser4323]

Here in South Africa we install the vertical tracks,upper tracks and headgear springs and drums first. Then the panels and finally wind the spting then youre done. Its the easiest and fastest way

[@RJ-lk5pj]

@@riaanvisser4323 Interesting. One thing I miss about doing that work.. no two days were the same and over time I’ve gotten to almost perfect doing certain jobs to a “T” and the other; was the owner never threw ANYTHING away so troubleshooting was always def. possibly. I enjoyed that work very much.

[@holyfreakinguacamole]

I just watched another video but was left wanting. I saw this guy's face on a thumbnail and knew I'd get everything I needed. I really appreciate your instruction. Always so clear and complete.

[@intelin123]

Hes a beautiful amazing person that wants to share his knowledge.theres a special place for him in heaven

[@duncanmacrae8458]

Shannon is by far and away my favorite do-it-yourselfer instructor. He is clear, thorough, and knowledgeable and his overall personality / disposition is perfect for the average person to feel like they will be able to tackle whatever job he is describing. Two thumbs way, way up!!

[@zeldaaawooodsss]

I totally agree - Shannon is always "go to guy" for my DIY projects!

[@markackerman9788]

This is a perfect example of teaching someone how to do the install. Good job!

[@Ford_Raptor_R_720hp_V8]

*Good Audio. Good Visuals. Knows what he's talking about. Talks in a Clear Voice. Good Job.*

[@kelvinreed853]

Thank you!! Door installation instructions were terrible and this helped it go so much smoother.

[@kevinhill5596]

This is probably the best instructive video on how to install a garage door I have seen. Shannon is an excellent instructor and I appreciate his patience for covering every detail. I really enjoyed being taught by him.

[@CaptRon817]

I have watched countless numbers of "how to" videos over the years and this one is, I believe, one of the best that I have ever seen. Thanks for your time and valuable information. You have answered many question for me on this very subject.

[@dwaynewatson4399]

I am installing a garage door for the first time on a garage built myself. I purchased the special order 10x7 iDeal garage door kit from Menards. The installation manual that came with the kit had everything except how to install the Torsion Spring. I called the manufacture of the door for this information but never received a callback. Talked to Menards and was told to contact a professional. This video was perfect. No more head ache. Thank you very much.

[@timmatteson3959]

I’m contemplating doing my own door replacement. So far I’ve watched videos from This Old House and Menards. Yours is, by far, the best.

[@craizihorse]

The wealth of knowledge provided in this video is priceless. Absolutely outstanding.

[@jseemanmusic]

This is the best garage door installation video I've found yet. Professional quality - it's the most thorough start-to-finish, his explanations are clear, and a number of useful tips and refinements are included that Shannon has obviously incorporated over time. If I had only this one video I'd be good to go. Great job, thanks, Shannon.

[@jimcazier7893]

Really good video, very informative. It really helps us Rookies. and its still getting views 8 years later.

[@kobeplays8572]

This instructor is very good ,he knows what he's talking about

[@paultetreault9458]

Just wanted to say thank you The local installers in this area start at $400 to install a roll up door and your video is such a great step by step manual My 15 yr old daughter and I installed it in 4 hours Keep up the great work!

[@deeplorable8988]

Doubt it

[@johnwallace1729]

@@deeplorable8988 Why not its not rocket science?

[@deeplorable8988]

@@johnwallace1729 It's obvious that you're not a *rocket scientist* but you be you, rocker lmao

[@johnwallace1729]

@@deeplorable8988 We just did 1 in 2 hours so yaa , rock on {you got me on the clerical lol}

[@deeplorable8988]

@@johnwallace1729 You're a dumbass

[@flatroc1]

Thank for the vid. I always enjoy watching these. But as a seasoned tradesman myself, I can't imagine having to narrate my work. lol. There is so much I do subconsciously, after years, that I couldn't explain it to anybody. Great job.

[@HouseImprovements]

You are correct , it is not easy . As pros we are used to doing many of theses things each day by muscle memory and we dont even think about what we are doing, so now for me to stop and explain each step takes a real effort .LOL. We even tried to script videos but that does not work at all .

[@williamwintemberg]

I would have been in for a lot of grief had I not watched this video ahead of installing my garage doors. This video is the Bible for installing your own doors. I can't thank you enough for this video!

[@alansue4]

Nice job. Very complete. The others that I have seen seem to leave bits out here and there. Thanks very much

[@bobconner4277]

This was a great video. I just installed a garage door all by myself with only this video. I am not trained. Took me a while but got er done. Thanks

[@womanualaborhs2013]

Bob Conner & Shannon: I'm About To Do The Same!!! By Myself & Untrained...Thank You For The Added Inspiration!!!

[@michaelbrock3374]

One of the very best instruction video's I have seen. And I have reviewed hundreds.

[@johnhowe6426]

What I like about this guy is that if he makes a mistake or forgets something he admits it and doesn't try to hide it

[@chuckjones5379]

Extremely helpful! Detailed and straight forward. Great job man. Helped me get ready for mine tomorrow.

[@markgriffiths3028]

Excellent explanation. I will be installing my first door. I now feel confident after watching your video. Thanks

[@brotherbax4083]

Great video! I watched this last year when considering buying new doors. Doors are ordered, so I watched this again. When the doors arrive in five weeks, I’ll watch this for a third time and be confident that I’ll get a good install. Thanks for the clear explanation of all the steps.

[@HouseImprovements]

Dont forget to click the "thumbs up " icon when you watch! Thanks

[@taracarson1630]

with your help I was able to fix my garage door from a stupid teenager trying to pick up on a door going down.....saved his parents some pretty good money

[@mikequilla1967]

Best step by step instructions. You are very knowledgeable and articulate. Straight to the point without over instruction. I like how you do cover the little details and how you emphasized the most dangerous part (spring installation and setting). Your camera person does an outstanding job as well. True professionals, thank you!

[@lesliedycke9795]

Excellent video Shannon. I'm just in the process of building my garage and will now be doing the garage door myself. Definitely the best instructional video I've seen to date. Thanks again for your great work! Two thumbs up for sure.

[@whoami2708]

best explanation ever, also the cam not moving all over the place is the best I can focus thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@jimidavo]

i had no idea , how to install this door , this video is extremely helpful , thankyou for making the video ... very very informative .

[@marsflee3815]

Nice work Shannon. You talk very clearly and cover every detail. Once you reach installing the spring it becomes rocket science though. I'll have to watch your video a few more times. Peace bro.

[@dchase20]

Wow, talk about getting rid of any worries I had about doing my 5' door by myself with just a little bit of help! GREAT video, thank you tons.

[@jiwbink]

I'M NOT KZbinR,VIDEO MAKER. I'VE NEVER HUNG AN OVERHEAD DOOR. THIS VIDEO IS VERY THOROUGH,VERY DETAILED! CAN T WAIT FOR THE GUYS TO FINISH FRAMING MY GARAGE! EXCELLENT EFFORT,GREAT VIDEO!!

[@thehelter2559]

A two-man install tech job is one of the most gratifying jobs. you build routine with your secondary. after a while youre hanging a door in 45minutes together. I remember we used to do 5 garage doors a day for my building company. everything is just clockwork after a while. the troubleshooting. the winding. one is preparing the hinges on the other panel while your second is making sure the measurements are correct. we used to put the struts up after the first panel never did nails on the side though but its verbatim exact and precise work. One cutting braces with a bracecutter, your second is placing them. Shannon did a stellar job. Gave you a proper run through of how its done. Nostalgic of when i used to work on the gulf florabama area. you explained full rotations, the vice clamp, the color direction on the cable drums. i enjoyed watching this.

[@cryhavoc38]

Excellent step by step walk through from start to finish. This is what KZbin is all about! thank you

[@iangagnon2368]

What a great video! Really appreciate your time taken to shoot this.

[@msjsel]

Thank you for your videos. You make it look so easy, yet a professional finished project. Now I'm off to install my garage door feeling a lot better now that I watched this video..

[@octavianoguzman3640]

BEST VIDEO ON INSTALLING GARAGE DOOR - You have a wealth of knowledge and do a great job explaining it!

[@seymourscagnetti1413]

Best sectional door tutorial on youtube, period! Well done "friendo"!

[@philrozario4740]

You’re a master teacher because your instructions are from the point of view of the DIY student. Thanks!

[@VirgiliusRomanus]

You are the man. Whoever sold the door should pay you big $ for the install video. Awesome job. Awesome.

[@customcraftsbybruceslaton4872]

I've put a 10x10 door and a 12x12 door up, to the point of hanging the overhead parts (I have 12ft side walls and a 20ft peak, the doors are in the middle on each end of 60x60 metal building). I installed the upright track first (as per instructions),12x12 is electric and manual chain, 10x10 is manual. I got 4 panels up on the big door before my help arrived, what a job for a 63 year old! I found out on the 10x10 door that I could stack each panel up and then put wheel and hinge on. Instructions said to mount hinge and wheel to panel and put into the track at an angle, what a pain! Your way is much better and easier that what I did. Now I just have to install top pieces, and spring bar on both, and the BIG motor on the 12x12 door, not looking forward to that!

[@StevenHerndon-gc2gb]

Very well done. If you need help installing a garage door, watch this video.

[@stefanmeyers2808]

Good job, lots of info, very thorough and knowledgeable. Putting a chalk line on the spring helps me if I forget my count. Thanks.

[@tonyl1984]

I would usually put a spray can line across but there's many ways

[@eazzzye2003]

Great, great instructional video. I've got a 25 year old door original to the house that's going to need replacing before we sell the place. Wasn't concerned about assembly, but was concerned about the spring..always heard bad things. Your methods make it look very easy and instills confidence that I'll be able to tackle this without hiring it out. Thanks again!

[@tobyhayes6393]

My doors sales wanted $275 / 300 to install two 8x8 doors no openers. I have more time than money. You video helped me and is very thorough. Thanks for your time. I was able to install myself. Thanks again.

[@HouseImprovements]

You saved more then enough money to buy openers if you want them.

[@danielmoore8111]

Shannon Is the best for instructional home improvement videos that I have utilized!

[@colbyjarrett925]

Thanks for taking the time to instruct and teach us on the ease and pitfalls to install a garage door. Thanks for keeping it simple, beautifully filmed and lighted. It's easy to see that your as concerned about training as the quality of the installation. Best Regards, CNKJ1

[@dutchvandermorgan6226]

I just started working for an overhead door company, and this video helped me a whole lot. I watched the day before I went in and knew a little about what I was doing, and they appreciated that. So I say thank you for this video and all the videos you post that help people. Thanks Shannon!

[@TRIGGGERhappyHONKEY]

Im doing the same. How has your experience been ? Do you like it still ?

[@dutchvandermorgan6226]

@@TRIGGGERhappyHONKEY I’m 2 years 6 months in and have learned a whole lot. I could install pretty much any residential or commercial garage door by myself if I needed to, but I’m glad I have a helper. Storage unit door or roll up doors are a piece of cake. I think I’m pretty good at what I do.

[@anthonybowling57]

@@dutchvandermorgan6226 I had a company put my door in and they messed up the out side trim, had it so the opener bar bowed like a bow & arrow, and the railing is not even close to level. Having trouble getting them to come out and fix things. Hope you do better than them.

[@faulte2120]

@@dutchvandermorgan6226 you still working there?

[@johnholley1826]

This is a great video on installing a garage door. Shannon covered every single detail. Last weekend I installed two 9x8 garage doors and had no issues with neither one. Thank You!

[@HouseImprovements]

That is awesome!

[@happyday5396]

My garage door has problems. I didnt have a clue. First I watched a video about replacing parts of the door but I realized I needed to see a door installed from beginning to end. I then watched your video twice with no sound, like I usually do. Then watched with sound. I now feel empowered to fix my problem. Thank you! One of the best how to videos I have seen ever

[@troythomas8758]

Shannon, Awesome videos. I'm a building contractor and I use your videos on a regular basis for refreshers and general know-how. I recommend your videos to DIYers and contractors alike. Keep up the good work. Troy

[@edwardmckervey5146]

I am doing a repair on an existing door. Your clue as to the direction to turn the hub to load the spring was a big help. My door is very heavy as it is heavily insulated with two springs. I have had some trouble but I think with your information I will do Okay. The video was well done, thank you.

[@MrTangaroa]

Thanks bro ! Got one to put up tomorrow with no clue what so ever Instructions were no help at all . Now I have a pretty good shot at it after watching your video bro.. churr

[@user-ym1tm4eb6p]

Quick response to our call and very easy to work with. Had me back up and running with new springs fast. Great job!

[@doorsdirect276]

Great video that shows how to install a garage door in clear straight forward steps. Very helpful to the DIY'er. This video will save you several hundred $$$'s.

[@danmekeel7758]

Your are a very good Instructor/Teacher and the camera person deserves major Kudos.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks, Dan.

[@brianhund8177]

I agree, this is a very good, step-by-step, video on installing a garage door.

[@user-rx6dz8ds7d]

This by far is the best how to video on garage installation..thanks brother I'm ready to tackle my garage door now...✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽🙂🙂🙂

[@HouseImprovements]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@DocSprocket]

I'd like to take a moment to thank you for this video. I purchased a used garage door assembly, with no clue how to set it up. You answered all my questions in this video. Thanks much!

[@siemenscs]

I am in the market for a new garage door and i was thinking about paying for installation, not after watching your video. I always know there are small details which is crucial for every install and you pretty much went thru everything sir. Thank you very much for this detailed tutorial.

[@josebarboza396]

Thank you from Houston Texas, good explanation of this installation.

[@aliciamarie3661]

I always look for your DIY KZbin videos first. This one for example: bought a used garage door and other than the torsion specs for the spring I did not need to research anything, it worked first try. I cannot recommend this DIY KZbin channel enough.

[@HouseImprovements]

Wow, thanks

[@michaelrodriguez4314]

Mike I used to hang garage doors residential/comm. I was taught once the spring is mounted take a piece of white Chaulk and draw a straight line across the spring from left to right and as you wind the spring two or three times you will see white coils on the spring and each white coil represents one full turn .if you have to replace an old door spring look to see if it has chaulk coils and count them then read your instructions to see if they match . I hope this helps everyone.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks, good idea.

[@jimmybrown9845]

ive done this with spray paint as well

[@jmg5310]

I put one sides vertical track up while holding the bottom section...saves you about 20 min and having to pull nails...

[@carlynnswope6504]

I meen yeah you can do that with the chalk or spray paint...but if u worked with a good company...you most likely would be replacing both spring opposed to just one..because with one broke..the other is likely just as worn..but every new set of spring comes with a tag and how many winds to put around the torsion tube..so putting paint on in a sense just handicaps you

[@tracybrislin]

Well your the best! Perfect speed for me anyway,Talking that is. Excellent details. No music is a plus. You explain stuff really well! I can really do this!

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks 👍

[@ernestlunsford3964]

Ernest L ,I was a general contractor and in building business 55 yrs, you boys get 5 stars!!! awesome video, NO stupid music , keep making videos GREAT JOB

[@HouseImprovements]

Wow, thanks

[@jwiz3690]

i think you have the best informative videos on the internet for diyers. as a diyer if there is something i dont know or havent done before i always come to your channel and 99% of the time youll have a video about it. that being said thanks for taking the time to make these videos and being as thorough and instructive as you are.

[@TheCaptearl]

Thanks to these videos I've learned so much

[@willholder9161]

I've never installed a garage door before. After watching this how-to video, I feel like I can do it. For my house. Maybe save myself some cash. New follower here buddy. Keep it up.

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad to help

[@gregwolfe4950]

You get the Championship trophy on installing a garage door video!! Thanks for sharing, what an excellent teaching video.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks for watching!

[@Boxcarphilly]

I did a Google search for this topic, clicked on your video in the search results, thank you very much. My neighbour was installing a garage door and neither of us had ever done it before. Your video was extremely helpful and because of you I now know that this is not a difficult job. Now I only wish my house even had a garage, so I could install my own door. Will definitely be subscribing to your channel, your presentation style is superb. Thanks again. Phil in Alliston, Ontario.

[@daleramage7389]

Ausome video I'm installing one very soon didn't know exactly how to do it .Your video was like going to a garage door installation school, very informative. Thanks so much Dale

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it helped

[@eliasquintana1738]

It won't, this is not how you install a door in a professional setting.

[@markwhite9668]

Great video as usual, always good info for the DIY guys out there!

[@johnathankeller1948]

Still the best video for this type of door, thanks!

[@eddiefoy3701]

Awesome video! Great delivery, good info, no fluff. But I chuckled and cringed when you used the level to hammer over the bracket.

[@cameronlange3448]

Awesome. You just saved me $1000 on two doors I need to install. Great video, thank you.

[@mehdih2005]

how perfect and step by step instruction which everyone can understand , very helpful . thanks

[@bethanyfalafel1745]

I send all my customers here to get a better understanding of what it takes to put a door up themselves!! Thank you for this excellent resource (:

[@wrthrash]

Great step-by-step, now I know what to expect on my upcoming 2 doors, thanks.

[@emmanuelvalencia1400]

waoo the way you explain everything in detail at least the most important part of the process, was great . keep going great teacher

[@sotchris9888]

This is an excellent video, I have watched several but this one covers all aspects of the install in a way that is clear and understandable. Great Job!

[@JBMOTORSMORE]

Agreed top notch!

[@shaunlavoie6183]

This video helped so much! Saved me so much money just installing it myself

[@trebordrawde8481]

Terrific video. Well planned and just the right amount of detail. I gotta say though… when he used the level as a hammer, I literally gasped and choked up a little!

[@TriggerShims]

Excellent Video, Very Helpful, Thank You!

[@drstock2k]

After tensioning springs on a double overhead door, I would like to caution you to keep your body to one side as much as possible. An accident can do a lot of damage if one of the tensioning rods accidently slips out. (one guy lost his nose, another almost severed the tendon in his thumb, etc) Both very serious injuries.

[@jkl8350]

One guy at my door completely split his four head open because of that exact reason.

[@delare4]

You make it sound and you instruction is very easy to do, we are going to do our door now that we saw how simple you made it, very informative and your English was just spot on, no big words everything simple, can not thank you enough.

[@hattermanmark]

Bro thank you! Always on topic and not rambling useless information. I appreciate your knowledge! Thanks for making this video!

[@MrAndrade79]

Definitely a great video, thank you for sharing it.

[@ksingleton101]

Awesome instruction, Thank you for sharing.

[@saulflores4538]

K Simpson ,

[@johnbeer5242]

K Simpson chubby

[@debbievaughn3845]

Your video is the best one on KZbin describing how to install a garage door because of the amount of detail you give. Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesthawnghmung4799]

Telling me the actual door opening size was so helpful, Thank you

[@dombutler7959]

Oh ll m mmm mm m m m my eu

[@KW4Sale1com]

Great instructions, thanks for shearing.

[@tronixster]

Dude this is the best garage door installation video on the internet. Thanks a lot man

[@Wallaceshead]

I'm starting a new job as a garage door installer in two weeks, this will definitely give me an edge, and keep me from looking like too much of an idiot on my first day. Thank you!

[@shaneyousef9868]

howd it go?! thinking of applying for this job

[@Wallaceshead]

@@shaneyousef9868 so far so good! I'm learning a lot. It's pretty cold, since garage doors are one of the last things to be installed in a building before the heat gets turned on. It's hard work but learnable if you're taught. Lmk if you apply and get the job!

[@danielwake2430]

If your drums spool in the standard direction, around the back (frame side) of the drum, and the wire at the rotating end of the spring points down when it is facing you, your springs are on the wrong side. You don't have to hold the spring with both bars the whole time when you're winding, it's totally acceptable to rest the bottom bar against the door if you need a break. If you're worried about scratching the door, just wrap a tape ball on the non business end of the winding bar to rest against the door. Most doors actually use pins to attach the cable to the bottom fixture, and you can't put them in after you install the panels without taking off the bottom bracket. So just attach cables when you hardware the panel. Also, instead of counting quater winds as you go, just draw a line across the spring, and count full rotations from there. The standard residential door drum retracts about 1 ft of cable per full rotation, so if your door has a 7 ft height, you need 7 full turns plus a half turn to keep able tension so they don't bail off in the up position.

[@drew7608]

Great explanation, I’ve been installing doors for about 5 years and couldn’t have said it better myself.