Garage door won’t budge, and you’ve got a broken spring? Don’t panic. A busted spring can make your door feel like it weighs a ton because it does.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to safely open your garage door when the spring fails, plus smart tips on handling repairs without making the problem worse.
How to open a garage door with a broken spring?
Opening a garage door with a broken spring can be tricky and dangerous. You can manually lift it, but it’s safer to call a professional to replace the spring before using it again.
Key Takeaways
- A broken spring makes a garage door hard to open and close, but it’s possible to manually lift it temporarily.
- Handling a broken spring requires caution, as they can be dangerous due to the tension stored within.
- It’s advisable to repair or replace a broken spring with professional help to ensure the door operates safely in the long term.
Understanding the Role of a Garage Door Spring
Garage door springs are integral to the door’s operation, balancing its weight and assisting with the lifting process.
There are two main types of springs used in garage doors: torsion springs and extension springs.
Torsion Springs
These are located above the door and twist to open and close it. When a torsion spring breaks, it usually results in a loud noise, and the door may not open at all
Extension Springs
These are located on either side of the door and stretch when the door is raised. A broken extension spring will cause one side of the door to droop, making it difficult to open.
Regardless of the type of spring, a break will cause significant issues with your garage door’s operation.
Can You Open a Garage Door with a Broken Spring?
If your garage door spring has broken, it will no longer operate as it should. However, it is still possible to open the door manually—though it may be difficult.
Here’s what you need to do to open the door and get it out of the way temporarily.
Steps to Open a Garage Door with a Broken Spring
Ensure Your Safety
Before attempting to open your garage door with a broken spring, take safety precautions. Garage doors are heavy, and a broken spring makes the door more difficult to handle.
You should wear protective gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges on the door and tracks.
Additionally, avoid standing under the door while it’s in motion, as the broken spring can cause the door to fall unexpectedly.
Disengage the Garage Door Opener
If your garage door is connected to an electric opener, the first step is to disengage it.
The opener’s motor will no longer be able to lift the door with a broken spring, and trying to use it can strain the motor or cause further damage.
How to disengage: Most garage doors have a manual release cord that hangs from the opener.
Pulling this cord will disconnect the door from the opener. Once you do this, you’ll be able to open the door manually.
Lift the Door Manually
Once the opener is disengaged, you can attempt to lift the door by hand.
Keep in mind that because the spring is broken, the door will be much heavier than usual, and it may be difficult to lift on your own.
Ask for help: If the door feels too heavy to lift, ask someone for assistance. Having a second person to help can make lifting the door much safer and easier.
Lift carefully: If you’re lifting the door alone, take it slow and make sure you’re using proper lifting techniques to avoid injury.
Keep your back straight and bend your knees while lifting.
Prop the Door Open
Once you’ve raised the door to the desired height, you need to secure it in place. This is particularly important if you plan to leave the door open for an extended period of time.
You can prop the door open using a sturdy object, such as a broomstick or a wooden plank, placed against the door to prevent it from falling.
Ensure that the object is secure and can hold the weight of the door.
Avoid Using the Garage Door Until It’s Repaired
With the door open manually, it’s important to avoid using the garage door until it is repaired.
Operating a garage door with a broken spring is not only dangerous, but it could also cause additional damage to the door or opener.
Once the door is open and safely secured, it’s best to call a professional to repair the spring.
How to Repair a Broken Garage Door Spring
While opening the garage door manually can help in the short term, it’s essential to repair the broken spring as soon as possible to restore full functionality.
Repairing a garage door spring is a task that requires precision, knowledge, and the right tools.
It’s generally not recommended to attempt it yourself, as handling high-tension springs can be extremely dangerous.
Why You Should Hire a Professional
Safety risks
Garage door springs are under high tension, and mishandling them can lead to serious injury. Professionals are trained to handle these components safely.
Specialized tools
To replace a broken spring, you need specific tools that are not commonly found in a typical home toolbox.
Correct installation
A professional will ensure that the spring is installed properly and that the door operates smoothly and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I tell if my garage door spring is broken?
If your garage door is hard to lift, it may be due to a broken spring. You may also hear a loud snapping noise when the spring breaks, and the door might lean to one side when opened.
2. Can I repair a broken garage door spring myself?
While it’s technically possible to repair a broken garage door spring yourself, it is dangerous and not recommended. It’s best to call a professional who has the proper tools and training.
3. How much does it cost to repair a broken garage door spring?
The cost of repairing a broken garage door spring typically ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the type of spring and the complexity of the repair.
Conclusion
A broken garage door spring can be a major inconvenience, but with the right knowledge, you can still open the door manually until it can be repaired.
Make sure to exercise caution when handling the door, as it will be much heavier than usual.
If you’re unsure about repairing the spring yourself, it’s always best to call a professional to ensure safety and proper installation.
By taking good care of your garage door system and maintaining the springs, you can help prevent future issues and keep your garage door working smoothly.
