Garage door springs are essential components that enable your door to open and close smoothly by counterbalancing the weight of the door.
When a spring breaks, it can prevent the garage door from functioning properly, and you may find it difficult to open or close the door.
Replacing a garage door spring might sound like a daunting task, but it’s possible to do it yourself with the right tools and knowledge.
Here’s a guide to help you through the process of how to fix a garage door spring safely and efficiently.
Tools You Will Need
Before starting the repair, gather the following tools:
Wrenches
Pliers
Socket set
Torque wrench
Clamps or C-clamps
Safety goggles and gloves (highly recommended for safety)
How to Replace a Garage Door Spring
Step 1: Disconnect the Power
For safety, disconnect the power to your garage door opener to ensure the door doesn’t activate while you’re working. This will prevent any accidents during the repair process.
Step 2: Secure the Door
Use clamps or C-clamps to secure the door to the tracks. This will keep the door from moving while you’re working on the springs.
Step 3: Identify the Type of Spring
Garage doors typically have two types of springs: torsion springs and extension springs.
Torsion springs are mounted above the door and wind tightly, while extension springs are located on either side of the door.
The replacement process differs slightly depending on the type, so identify which type you need to replace.
Step 4: Loosen and Remove the Broken Spring
If you’re dealing with torsion springs, use a winding bar to gradually release the tension by rotating the spring in small increments.
Once the tension is released, remove the spring from its mount. For extension springs, use a wrench to remove the hardware, then carefully detach the spring from the track.
Step 5: Install the New Spring
For torsion springs, insert the new spring into the same location and use a winding bar to wind it until the correct tension is applied.
For extension springs, simply attach the new spring to the mounting brackets, ensuring it is secure.
Step 6: Test the Door
Once the new spring is in place, reconnect the power to the garage door opener. Open and close the door manually to ensure it operates smoothly. If the door moves with ease, the spring replacement is complete.
How to Open a Garage Door with a Broken Spring
If your garage door spring breaks and you need to open the door, you can manually lift the door by disengaging the opener.
Pull the emergency release cord (usually a red rope) to disconnect the opener from the door. Be cautious, as the door will be heavy due to the lack of spring tension.
It’s a good idea to have someone assist you in lifting the door to prevent injury.
When to Call a Professional
Replacing a garage door spring requires careful attention to detail and can be dangerous due to the tension involved.
If you’re unsure about handling the repair yourself or if you encounter issues during the process, it’s always a good idea to call a professional for garage door spring repair.
They have the experience and tools necessary to perform the repair safely.
For those curious about garage door spring repair cost, it’s essential to know that prices can vary based on the type of spring and the complexity of the repair, so getting a detailed estimate from a professional is always a wise step.
