Letters to the Editor: The Changing Garage is a Good Thing
© 2002 Door & Access Systems Publish Date: Winter 2002 Author: Tom Wadsworth Page 38
Letters to the Editor
The Changing Garage is a Good Thing
Tom,
I was just reading through the latest edition (Fall 2002) of the magazine. I can't tell you how much improved the magazine is.
I found your article on the changing garage environment to be very interesting. In fact, I couldn't agree more. I am starting to look more closely at all of these types of items.
I think that the garage space is becoming another area of the home that both husband and wife are using for the utility of the space. I've never seen as many three-car garages as I have in the past, and this is for people that don't even have three cars!
Bicycles, ATVs, lawn tractors, house supplies, and the like have been overcrowding the standard size garage to the point of cluttering. I think there are potential markets for door dealers to offer products related to the management of these things. This would broaden their product line at the same time.
Another product I am patiently waiting to be perfected is the bug screen for the residential garage door opening. There are many types for commercial applications, but the less-obtrusive type that is not limited by size still eludes us.
I think that the next few years may present us with some anemic periods of business. It may be a good thing to be as diversified as you can. That way, you can stay busy in a challenging economy.
Brian Lucas F & L Doors Hazleton, Pa.
Likes TEK Screws
To the Editor:
For a number of years, I have been aware of the "special attention" single torsion springs have needed (Fall 2002, p. 46). The way I have been able to keep a torsion shaft from moving back and forth has been to put TEK screws into the shaft on each side of the spring bearing plate. You need to use a steel bearing, because the TEK screw will eat right through a plastic bearing. Using TEK screws in this way makes everything operate properly without any shaft movement or binding.
Jim Edge Jim Edge Garage Doors Westminster, S.C.
Editor's Note: Although this solution may work, Ken Martin of Martin Door warns that caution must be exercised before drilling into the torsion shaft. Martin: "This shaft carries the tension of the springs and holds the entire weight of the door. An installer should contact the manufacturer before modifying the torsion shaft because it is critical to the lift assembly of the door. Drilling into the torsion shaft could cause failure of the shaft."
More Discussion on Steel Issues
To the Editor:
I read with some interest your short Headlines article, "More increases in steel costs?" (Fall issue, p. 44)
Interstate Steel has been a major steel supplier to the garage door industry for more than 25 years. I think your readers might benefit from an article that provides more depth and insight into this complex story.
I believe the door industry could engage in some serious discussion of the impact of a potential shutdown of Bethlehem Steel and the potential domino effect that would be set in motion.
The steel industry has several aging facilities that are still operating in Chap. 11 and others that are on the verge of bankruptcy. The problem may actually be worse than it seems.
Perhaps in the coming weeks or months, select members of DASMA may choose to meet on a quarterly or semiannual basis to engage in serious discussions about all metals-related issues that affect the garage door industry.
Harry R. YaSeen Regional Manager Interstate Steel Company