A garage door is one of the most important parts of your home, providing security and convenience. However, if your garage door spring breaks, it can make the door unsafe and difficult to use. The springs play a crucial role in lifting the door and balancing its weight, so replacing them is not something to take lightly. While you might be tempted to fix it yourself, garage door spring replacement can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of replacing a garage door spring safely, but keep in mind that hiring a professional is often the safest option. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the process, it’s better to leave it to the experts.
Understanding the Types of Garage Door Springs
Before jumping into the replacement process, it’s important to understand the two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs.
- Torsion Springs are mounted above the garage door and wind up when the door is lowered, storing energy that helps lift the door when it’s raised. These are more common in newer garage doors and are considered safer and more durable.
- Extension Springs are located on both sides of the garage door and stretch out when the door is closed. While they are less expensive, they can be more dangerous to handle because of the high tension they are under.
Knowing which type of spring your garage door has will help you understand the replacement process and determine whether it’s a job you can handle or if you should hire a professional.
Tools You’ll Need for Garage Door Spring Replacement
If you decide to move forward with replacing the springs yourself, you’ll need the right tools. Here’s a basic list:
- Winding bars (for torsion springs)
- Adjustable wrench
- Socket set
- Clamps or locking pliers
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Tape measure
Having these tools on hand will make the process smoother and help ensure that you’re working as safely as possible.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Garage Door Spring
Now, let’s go over the steps for a garage door spring replacement. Keep in mind that this guide focuses on torsion springs, as they are more commonly used in modern garages.
1. Ensure Your Safety First
Garage door springs are under a lot of tension, which makes them potentially dangerous. Before starting the job, make sure you have protective gear like safety goggles and gloves. Also, it’s a good idea to disconnect the power to the garage door opener to avoid any accidental movement while you’re working.
2. Release Tension in the Old Spring
If you’re dealing with a torsion spring, you’ll need to release the tension before removing it. To do this, use winding bars to carefully unwind the spring. This step is extremely important—if done incorrectly, the spring can snap back with a lot of force, causing injury. Insert the winding bars into the holes on the spring’s winding cone and slowly turn it to release the tension.
Important: Only use winding bars specifically designed for this purpose. Avoid using screwdrivers or other makeshift tools, as they can slip out and cause serious injury.
3. Secure the Garage Door
Once the tension is released, secure the garage door using clamps or locking pliers. This will keep the door from suddenly closing while you’re working, which could result in injury or damage.
4. Remove the Old Spring
With the door securely in place and the spring’s tension released, you can now remove the old spring. Use your wrench to loosen the screws or bolts holding the spring in place. Once it’s loose, carefully slide the spring off the torsion bar.
5. Install the New Spring
After removing the old spring, it’s time to install the new one. Make sure you have the correct replacement spring that matches the specifications of your old one, such as the size and weight rating. Carefully slide the new spring onto the torsion bar and reattach it using the same screws or bolts.
6. Wind the New Spring
Once the new spring is installed, you’ll need to wind it up to create the necessary tension. Using your winding bars, turn the spring in the opposite direction of how you unwound the old one. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how many turns to make, as this can vary depending on the size of your garage door.
7. Test the Door
After winding the spring, remove the clamps or locking pliers from the garage door. Slowly raise the door manually to make sure everything is balanced and working smoothly. If the door doesn’t lift easily or feels heavy, the spring may not have enough tension, and you may need to add more turns.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
While it might seem straightforward, garage door spring replacement is a dangerous task. Here are some important safety tips to remember:
- Always wear safety gear, such as gloves and goggles.
- Don’t attempt to replace the springs if you’re unsure about any part of the process.
- Never use makeshift tools for winding or unwinding the springs.
- Keep children and pets away from the work area.
Most importantly, if at any point you feel uncertain about what you’re doing, call a professional. A garage door spring under tension is nothing to mess with if you’re not confident in your skills.
Why You Should Hire a Professional
While this guide gives a basic understanding of how to replace a garage door spring, we strongly recommend calling a professional garage door technician for this type of repair. Professionals have the tools, training, and experience to handle the job safely and quickly, saving you from the risks of injury and potential damage to your door.
Hiring a service ensures the job is done right the first time, and it gives you peace of mind knowing your garage door is safe to use. Plus, professional services often come with warranties, meaning you won’t have to worry if something goes wrong later.
Ready to get your garage door spring replaced? Contact our experienced team today! We offer fast, reliable garage door spring replacement services that prioritize safety and quality. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can enjoy a perfectly working garage door without the risks.
