How to Fix a Broken Garage Door Spring: Safety Guide
Published: Dec 17, 2025
A broken garage door spring is one of the most common — and dangerous — problems homeowners face. These springs hold a lot of tension, and if one breaks, your garage door can become heavy, unstable, or completely stuck. Trying to fix a garage door spring on your own may seem doable, but without the right tools and experience, it’s risky. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do, how to repair a broken garage door spring safely (if you’re experienced), and when it’s time to call in the pros like Up & Down Garage Doors.
Safety First: Why Spring Repairs Are Dangerous
Garage door springs are tightly wound to counterbalance the weight of the door. When one snaps or fails, it can whip around with enough force to cause serious injury. That’s why we always recommend calling a professional.
If you’re determined to try it yourself, take these precautions:
- Unplug the opener and secure the door with locking pliers.
- Never use screwdrivers for winding or unwinding.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves at all times.
- Only proceed if you’re confident and have the right tools.
Still, the danger of DIY garage door spring repair is real — one slip can lead to hospital visits. Don’t take chances if you’re unsure.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Broken Garage Door Spring (Advanced DIYers Only)
Here’s a clear breakdown of how a professional (or an experienced DIYer) would replace a broken torsion spring. This process is only for those familiar with garage door systems and using the right garage door spring repair kit.
Step 1. Disconnect Power & Secure the Door
Unplug the opener. Clamp locking pliers to the track just above the rollers to prevent the door from moving.
Step 2. Unwind the Worn Spring
Insert winding bars into the cone of the broken spring. Hold the bars firmly and unwind slowly, one quarter turn at a time.
Step 3. Loosen Hardware
Loosen the set screws on the winding cones and cable drums. Carefully slide off the old spring and drum.
Step 4. Remove Old Spring
Slide the broken spring off the shaft. You may need to remove the center bracket, too.
Step 5. Install New Spring
Slide the new spring onto the shaft. If your door has two springs, always replace both garage door springs — even if only one is broken.
Step 6. Reinstall Cables and Drums
Slide the cable drums back onto the shaft and wind the cables back in place, ensuring tension is even on both sides.
Step 7. Wind the New Spring
Use winding bars to apply the correct number of turns (based on door size). Typically, 30 quarter-turns for a 7ft tall door.
Step 8. Test & Reconnect
Remove clamps, reconnect power, and open the door slowly. Check balance. If the door lifts easily and stays halfway up, the spring is working correctly.
What to Do in an Emergency (Temporary Fix Option)
If your spring breaks suddenly and you need to get your car out, a temporary fix for a broken garage door spring is to disconnect the opener and carefully lift the door manually with help. It’s heavy — don’t do it alone. Follow this safe guide on how to open a garage door with a broken spring.
Important: This is not a real fix — it’s just to access the garage in an emergency. Avoid repeated manual lifting, which can strain the garage door back and injure you.
Top 5 Tips to Prevent Another Broken Garage Door Spring
Taking a few simple steps throughout the year can help you avoid another broken garage door spring in the future. Here are the top maintenance tips that every homeowner should know:
1. Lubricate the Springs Regularly
Apply a garage door lubricant to the springs every 3–4 months. This reduces friction, prevents rust, and keeps the spring moving smoothly.
2. Don’t Let the Door Slam Shut
When a garage door slams or drops hard, it puts extra strain on the springs. Always make sure your opener is working correctly, and the door closes gently.
3. Test Spring Balance Annually
Once a year, disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway by hand. If it doesn’t stay in place, the springs may be worn or out of balance.
4. Schedule Professional Inspections
Have a technician check your springs and system every year, especially if your garage is used often. They can spot early signs of wear before a spring breaks.
5. Avoid DIY Spring Adjustments
Trying to tighten or adjust the spring yourself can lead to injury or make the issue worse. Leave any tension adjustments to the pros.
For more details on the causes of garage door spring failure and prevention steps, see our guide on what causes garage door springs to break.
When to Call for Emergency Spring Repair
If the spring snaps, the door feels too heavy to lift, or cables go loose, it’s time for emergency spring repair. Trying to use the opener in this condition can damage the motor or even the entire door system.
Up & Down Garage Doors offers quick, reliable spring repair across the U.S. Our trained technicians fix all types of broken garage door springs safely and fast — often same-day.
Need more information?
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Conclusion: Know When to DIY and When to Call a Pro
If you’re researching how to fix a broken garage door spring, it’s smart to understand the process — but that doesn’t mean you should do it yourself. Spring repairs involve high tension, special tools, and real risks.
If you’re unsure at any step, don’t risk your safety. Call the trusted team at Up & Down Garage Doors. We’re known for quality, honesty, and fast service, whether you’re dealing with a residential garage or commercial door system.
Need fast garage door spring repair? Call now or schedule online. We’re here when you need us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my garage door spring is broken?
If your door feels heavy, doesn’t open all the way, or you hear a loud snap, your spring may have failed. See the full list of warning signs of a broken garage door spring.
Can you fix a broken garage door spring on your own?
Only if you’re experienced and have the right tools. Most homeowners should call a professional due to the danger.
How to temporarily fix a broken garage door spring?
You can disconnect the opener and lift the door manually with help — but it’s heavy and not safe long-term.
How to fix a broken torsion spring on a garage door?
It involves unwinding the broken spring, replacing it, rewinding the new one, and testing the balance. It’s a job best left to trained pros.
Should you replace both garage door springs?
Yes. Even if only one breaks, both springs wear out together. Replacing both keeps the system balanced.
