A broken garage door spring is one of the most common issues homeowners face. Garage door springs are under high tension, supporting the door’s weight and enabling it to open and close smoothly. When a spring breaks, it can make operating the garage door difficult, dangerous, and even impossible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to Fix Broken Garage Door Springs, explain the mechanics behind them, and help you decide when to call a professional.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
Before diving into the repair process, it’s essential to understand the two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Most modern garage doors use torsion springs, which are mounted horizontally above the door. Older garage doors may use extension springs, which run along the sides of the door.
Torsion springs twist to support the door’s weight, while extension springs stretch and compress. Both types of springs are essential to the door’s operation, and either can break due to wear and tear, improper maintenance, or sudden damage.
Can a Broken Garage Door Spring Be Repaired?
No, once a spring is broken, it cannot be repaired. You’ll need to replace it entirely. Broken springs are often under high tension, and attempting to repair them can be dangerous without the proper tools and expertise. For safety reasons, it’s best to replace the spring rather than trying to fix it.
Can You Fix a Garage Door Spring by Yourself?
While some homeowners may attempt to replace a broken garage door spring themselves, this task is risky and requires specialized tools, such as winding bars for torsion springs. Improper handling can lead to serious injury or further damage to the garage door.
If you’re unfamiliar with how to handle high-tension springs, it’s recommended to leave the job to professionals. Right Away Garage Door Repair can provide expert assistance—call us at (585) 575-1895 for safe and efficient garage door spring repair.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Broken Garage Door Springs
If you’re experienced with mechanical repairs and decide to proceed with replacing your broken spring yourself, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
Step 1: Disconnect the Garage Door Opener
Before you start working on the springs, disconnect the garage door opener. This ensures that the door doesn’t accidentally move during the repair, which could lead to injury or damage.
Step 2: Secure the Garage Door
Manually raise the garage door and secure it in place using a clamp or vice grip on the track beneath the door. This prevents the door from falling while you’re replacing the springs.
Step 3: Identify the Type of Spring
Determine whether your garage door uses torsion springs or extension springs. Most modern garage doors are equipped with garage door torsion springs, which are mounted above the door on a metal shaft. Older models may use extension springs on the sides.
Step 4: Loosen the Broken Spring
Using winding bars, carefully loosen the tension in the broken torsion spring. This step is critical, as the spring can snap back if not properly handled. Remove the screws or bolts securing the spring to the center bracket.
Step 5: Remove the Old Spring
Once the tension has been released, remove the broken spring from the shaft. In most cases, you’ll need to replace both springs, as garage doors often have two springs to balance the door’s weight. If one spring is broken, the other may soon follow.
Step 6: Install the New Spring
Install the new torsion spring, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the brackets. Secure it to the center bracket and attach it to the stationary cones on both sides of the door.
Step 7: Wind the New Spring
Using the winding bars, wind the new spring to the proper tension. This is the most dangerous part of the process, as improperly winding the spring can cause injury. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Step 8: Test the Door
Once the new springs are installed and properly wound, remove the clamps holding the door in place and reconnect the garage door opener. Test the door to ensure it opens and closes smoothly.
Is There a Way to Open a Garage Door with a Broken Spring?
If your garage door has a broken spring, it’s possible to open the door manually, but it’s not recommended. Without the spring’s support, the door will be heavy and difficult to lift. Forcing the door open can also cause damage to other components, such as the garage door opener or cables. If you need to open the door, proceed with caution, or better yet, contact Right Away Garage Door Repair for assistance.
Is It Safe to Use a Garage Door with a Broken Spring?
No, using a garage door with a broken spring is not safe. The spring supports the door’s weight, and without it, the door can slam shut unexpectedly, posing a risk to you, your family, and your property. If you suspect your spring is broken, it’s essential to stop using the door and seek professional help.
When to Call a Professional
While the steps above outline the basic process of replacing or fix broken garage door spring, this is not a task for everyone. The risk of injury is high, and without the right tools and knowledge, the repair can go wrong. If you’re unsure about fixing the spring yourself, it’s always safer to call a professional.
At Right Away Garage Door Repair, we specialize in garage door spring repair and can replace your broken springs quickly and safely. Contact us at (585) 575-1895 to schedule an appointment with our experienced technicians.
How To Fix Broken Garage Door Springs – Call Our Experts Today!
Fixing broken garage door springs is a complex and dangerous task that requires precision and the right tools. If you’re experienced with mechanical repairs, the step-by-step guide above can help you through the process. However, if you’re uncertain or uncomfortable with the risks involved, it’s always best to hire a professional to handle the repair.
For reliable garage door spring repair services, contact Right Away Garage Door Repair at (585) 575-1895. Our experts can safely and efficiently Fix Broken Garage Door Springs, ensuring your garage door operates smoothly and safely for years to come.
