How to Repair Broken Garage Door Spring?

You know that sinking feeling when you hit the garage door opener, and… nothing happens? Maybe you hear a loud snap, or worse, the door starts moving unevenly and then stops altogether. Ugh. It’s one of those “why today?” moments, right?

A broken garage door spring is a pain, no doubt about it. But here’s the good news: it’s fixable! And while it’s not the easiest DIY project out there, with the right approach (and safety precautions), you might just save yourself some money and frustration. Here is our guide on How to Repair Broken Garage Door Spring, which will be beneficial for you especially when you are repairing it yourself.

What’s Going On with Your Garage Door Spring?

First, let’s take a second to understand the issue. Garage door springs are like the muscles of your door—they do all the heavy lifting. Without them, you’d need Hulk-level strength just to open the thing.

Either Torsion or Extension Springs breaks, you’ll know. The door might feel impossible to lift, move unevenly, or just stay stubbornly closed. And that loud bang you heard? That was probably the spring snapping. It’s dramatic, I know.

DIY or Call the Pros?

Let’s be real here. Fixing a garage door spring isn’t like hanging a picture frame. These springs are under a lot of tension, which makes them tricky—and potentially dangerous—to handle.

Ask yourself:

• Do you have the right tools (like winding bars for torsion springs)?
• Are you comfortable following precise, step-by-step instructions?
• Do you feel confident handling something under high tension?

If you’re nodding along, great! Let’s keep going. If you’re shaking your head, no worries—calling a pro is a smart move. There’s no shame in prioritizing safety.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you get started, round up these essentials:

• Replacement garage door spring (make sure it matches your current one!)
• Winding bars (for torsion springs)
• Socket wrench or ratchet set
• Safety goggles and gloves
• A sturdy ladder
• Clamps or locking pliers

Got everything? Perfect. Let’s start repairing it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Your Garage Door Spring

1. Unplug the Opener and Secure the Door

Safety first! Disconnect the garage door opener so it doesn’t accidentally activate while you’re working. Then, use clamps or locking pliers to secure the door in place. You don’t want it crashing down on you.

2. Figure Out What You’re Dealing With

Take a close look at your springs, when you are Garage Door Springs Replacement. Are they torsion springs (horizontal, above the door) or extension springs (vertical, along the tracks)? This determines your next steps.

3. For Torsion Springs: Carefully Release the Tension

This part can be tricky, so take your time.

• Insert a winding bar into the spring’s winding cone to hold the tension.
• Use a socket wrench to loosen the set screws on the cone.
• Slowly unwind the spring, one quarter-turn at a time, using the winding bars.

4. For Extension Springs: Disconnect Safely

With the door open (and clamped!), remove the safety cables and disconnect the broken spring from the track hanger.

5. Replace the Broken Spring

Now comes the fun part—installing the new spring.

• Slide the new torsion spring onto the bar (make sure it’s oriented correctly). Tighten the set screws.
• For extension springs, attach the new spring to the track hanger and thread the safety cables through it.

Read: How to Replace Garage Door Cables

6. Rewind the Spring (Torsion Only)

This part requires patience and precision:

• Use your winding bars to carefully wind the spring, following the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of turns.
• Tighten the set screws to lock the spring in place.

7. Test the Door

Reconnect the garage door opener and test the door manually a few times. It should move smoothly and evenly. If it feels off, you might need to adjust the tension slightly.

When to Call It a Day (and a Professional)

Look, no one’s judging if you decide halfway through that this isn’t for you. If things feel unsafe or confusing at any point, step back and call a pro. They have the tools and experience to handle tricky repairs safely and efficiently.

Pro Tip: Keep Your Garage Door Happy

Want to avoid spring issues in the future? A little maintenance goes a long way:

• Lubricate Moving Parts: Keep those springs, hinges, and rollers running smoothly.
• Inspect Regularly: Check for signs of wear or damage every few months.
• Schedule Professional Tune-Ups: A quick annual check-up can catch problems before they become major headaches.

Read: How often do garage doors need Maintenance

End Note

Fixing a broken garage door spring can feel like a daunting task, but with the right mindset (and safety precautions), it’s doable. And hey, if you decide to call in the pros, you’re still the hero for getting your garage door back in working order.

At the end of the day, it’s all about keeping your home safe, functional, and stress-free. Got any questions or tips to share? Let American Garage Door Repair know—we’d love to hear how it goes for you!