You are all set for the office, but as you reach your garage, you find the garage door stuck. This is one of the most frustrating situations most of us face. Rushed mornings and then surprises like an inoperative garage door are a waste of time and can cause a lot of stress. Your garage door not opening can be due to a broken spring, which is the most common reason. Whenever a garage door is opened or closed, the springs do their job of lifting or rolling it down. Thus, after a period of time, wear happens, and the springs need replacement. However, it cannot be done by someone with no practice or training. But if you need to take your car out, you can do one thing – open it manually. It should be done very carefully and with the help of another person.
How to Know If a Garage Door Spring Is Broken
Garage door operation depends on the whole assembly working fine. So, how can someone determine if it is due to a broken spring that the door is not operating?
Here is how to confirm:
- The opener button is not doing anything. When you press it, the door won’t open, but the motor sound is coming.
- You hear a loud sound from the garage. When a door spring breaks, it creates a loud sound. If you heard such a sound, it may be due to the breaking.
- The door looks uneven or crooked. If the door lowers down from one side and is higher at the other, one of the springs is broken.
- The cables are loose or hanging. Due to broken springs, the lift cables hang down the sides of the door.
- You can see the gap. Look at the torsion spring above your door. If there is a gap in the coil, the spring has snapped.
Steps to Safely Open a Garage Door with a Broken Spring
While opening a garage door with a broken spring, you need to be very cautious. The door will be extremely heavy without spring power. Follow these steps for your safety:
Note: You would need pliers or a C-clamp.
Step 1 — Disconnect the automatic opener.
Pull the red emergency release cord hanging from the opener rail. This disconnects the door from the motor. Now you can operate it manually. Never try to force the opener to lift a door with a broken spring. It will burn out the motor.
Step 2 — Call Someone for help.
As the door is very heavy, it cannot be lifted by one person. Never try to lift it alone, ask someone for help.
Step 3 — Stand on either side.
Both people should stand on either side of the door. Grip the door handle or the bottom bracket. Never put fingers near the door panels or tracks.
Step 4 — Lift slowly and evenly.
Lift together at the same pace, keeping the door level. Use your legs, not your back. Raise the door to the fully open position. It will slide up along the tracks.
Step 5 — Secure the door open.
Now use locking pliers or a C-clamp clamped onto the vertical track just below the bottom roller on each side. This stops the door from crashing down suddenly.
Step 6 — Get your vehicle out quickly.
Don’t stay under or near the door for longer. Move the vehicle out.
Step 7 — Lower the door
Then carefully lower the door with the same method.
“Critical Warnings!”
Follow these safety rules:
- Never stand under an unsupported door. A garage door without a working spring can fall without warning. Always clamp it securely before going near or under it.
- Do not attempt to replace the spring yourself. Garage door springs have high tension, which is why it stores enough energy to cause severe injury or death if it closes suddenly.
- Do not use the automatic opener repeatedly. Running the opener on a broken spring will damage the motor. Keep it disconnected until the spring is replaced.
- Avoid opening the door more than necessary. There is always a risk of injury. Open it once to get your vehicle out. Call a professional to get the springs replaced.
- Check for additional damage before lifting. Call a professional as soon as possible to do the rest.
Always Seek Professional Help for a Broken Garage Door Spring — Door Dorks Recommend It
Attempting to replace a broken garage door spring by yourself is extremely dangerous. Torsion springs are wound very tightly. There is a huge amount of mechanical energy stored in them. Professionals use proper tools and training to handle them. Also, spring sizes are different. They are chosen depending on the weight and size of your door. Fitting the wrong spring leads to poor balance, and there is an increased risk of failure.
As you call the Door Dorks specialist team, they will start working immediately. They can replace a broken spring within an hour, and you can carry on with your routine. They can also inspect the assembly to indicate other issues with the door if present. The motor remains safe if you don’t try using the automatic opener again and again.
Professional spring replacements come with a warranty. If you fix it by yourself, there is no warranty. So, calling specialists is highly recommended. Schedule a repair as soon as you experience an issue while opening your garage door.
FAQs
Q. Can I open my garage door with a broken spring by myself?
You can, but it is not recommended. It can be risky as the door may open or close suddenly without a working spring. Get at least one other person with you for help. Call a professional as soon as possible.
Q. Is it safe to use my garage door opener with a broken spring?
No. Using the automatic opener on a door with a broken spring can burn the motor. Disconnect the opener using the emergency release cord. Operate the door manually.
Q. How much does it cost to replace a garage door spring?
The cost depends on the type of spring, the size of the door, and your location. Torsion springs generally cost more than extension springs.
Q. How long do garage door springs last?
Garage door springs generally work for five to seven years. High-cycle springs are available, but they would need more one-time investment.
