UPDATE 1: Review #931
2026-023…read more
During 12/2025, I worked with Ben from Mike Stevenson Garage Door Repair to replace my garage door opener because of stress likely from unbalanced operating torsion springs installed by POGDS (refer to Review #830), & it may cause operating issues with the new Chamberlain garage door opener.
It's barely been a month & true to Ben's word, the new garage door opener is starting to have minor issues from PODGS mismatched torsion springs that was installed in 12/2024. Ben said I could reach out to him directly, & scheduled the springs replacement on Sunday, 02/01/26 & also added a keypad so I don't have to carry to remote with me (our garage isn't attached to our townhouse). Good timing too... MSGDR is currently running specials on garage door repair/installation (15% discount), springs repair ($100), spring repair/installation (15%), new garage door opener ($50)... whoohoo! Ben installed the new torsion springs (225 on 27) & new keypad in 30-mins., & I choose a 4-digit passcode & tested it to make sure everything is in working order before he left, & saved it in my iPhone's PW app in case I forgot.
The following morning (02/02/26), I tried the keypad (3x) & it didn't work; luckily I kept the remote with me so I can access the garage. Whew! I texted Ben & he responded within minutes, & reminded me to include "0" after the passcode... nothing. \(`0´)/ He was busy with a client & couldn't talk me through resetting the passcode by phone, & will get back to me in 30-mins. While waiting for his call, I tried following the instructions that he provided yesterday & I couldn't reset it. While opening the garage with the remote, I heard a loud snap/crack, then the door closed & I was trapped because the door wouldn't open. I had to use the emergency release cord to let myself out & asked Ben to send someone; I also called Mike to let him know & sent a text for an electronic trail. Ben was able to get Adam here within 30-mins. after our last text. See how responsive & responsible this company is with their clients?! I'm assuming Adam was speaking to Ben over the phone (not sure of the language), & re-sync my garage remote (my husband's may also need this) & reset the keypad's passcode (tested it 3x: 2x to open, 1x to close, & used remote for the 2nd close). Prior to leaving, I wanted Adam to double-check the torque/tension of the cables from the loud snap I heard earlier because it sounded unusual & off, but he seemed to think it was ok. I mentioned this to Mike via text, & of course, he said they'll send someone out if there's any issues.
Garage Door Springs 101: The spring size determines the necessary tension (inch-pounds per turn or IPPT) to safely & smoothly counterbalance a door's specific weight; while proper sizing, based on wire gauge, coil diameter, & length, ensures the door remains balanced, prevents excessive opener strain, & maximizes the spring's life cycle. Yes, there are valid reasons for installing 2 different sized torsion springs, primarily designed to achieve perfect door balance. MANUFACTURERS may use different sizes to manage specific weight distributions, with larger springs often managing lift & smaller ones controlling weight, ensuring the door operates smoothly. Reasons for different-sized springs include: optimal balancing (garage door's weight might require a unique combination of wire gauge & length that cannot be met by 2 identical, standard-sized springs... mine's a standard door), manufacturing/design requirements (doesn't apply to my door), modifications (N/A), improper previous repair (not sure on this because my husband didn't check the technician's work or the old springs before/after replacement).
Hopefully, Ben corrected this & our garage door will function seamlessly for the next decade or so. This is a company that's responsive, usually within minutes, to your texts & calls, & technicians may be available same day or within a couple of days, & works with you to ensure that you're 100% satisfied with their service (twice they came back either same or next day to address my concerns). If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL, KNOWLEDGEABLE, & CUSTOMER-ORIENTED garage door service provider, I highly recommend Mike Stevenson Garage Door Repair!