How To Replace A Broken Garage Door Torsion Spring?

How to Replace a Broken Garage Door Torsion Spring (Without Losing a Finger)

Let’s be real: garage door torsion springs are like the divas of your garage. They handle all the heavy lifting but throw a full-blown tantrum when they break. One minute your door glides up smoothly, and the next? Cue the metallic SNAP** that sounds like a guitar string giving up on life. If you’re staring down a broken spring right now, take a deep breath. We’ve got your back—and your fingers—with this step-by-step guide.

Here at Vancouver Overhead Doors, we’ve seen it all. From DIY warriors in Richmond wrestling with winding bars to folks in Burnaby accidentally turning their garage into a percussion section (thanks, noisy garage door), we know the struggle. But before you dive in, let’s get one thing straight: this job is risky. If you’re not 100% confident, call a pro. Seriously. We’re based in Vancouver but serve New Westminster, Coquitlam, and beyond—because nobody should play Russian roulette with 200 pounds of tension.

Safety First: Why Torsion Springs Are Not a “Weekend Project”

Look, we get it. You’ve watched a YouTube tutorial, and now you’re basically a garage door repair expert. But torsion springs are not the place to test your newfound skills. Here’s why:

• The tension is terrifying: These springs store enough energy to launch a small car (okay, maybe a bicycle, but you get the point).
• Tools matter: Winding bars aren’t just fancy pry bars. Using the wrong equipment is like trying to eat soup with a fork.
• One wrong move = ER trip: We’ve met too many DIYers who learned this the hard way. Don’t be that person.

FYI: If your spring broke mid-cycle, your garage door cables might also be damaged. Combine that with a wonky track (cough garage door track repair cough), and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

Tools You’ll Need (Besides Luck and a Prayer)

Assuming you’re still here, let’s talk gear. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Winding bars (2): Steel ones, not the flimsy hardware store specials.
• Vise grips or C-clamps: To secure the door in place.
• Socket set and ladder: For dismantling the old spring.
• New torsion spring: Match the length, wire size, and wind direction. Mess this up, and you’ll be back to square one.
• Safety glasses: Unless you want metal shrapnel confetti.

Pro tip: Measure your old spring before ordering a replacement. Nothing kills momentum like realizing your “new” spring is sized for a dollhouse.

Step-by-Step Guide (For the Bold and Stubborn)

Step 1 – Lock Down the Door

1. Close the door completely and clamp the tracks with vise grips. This keeps the door from suddenly deciding to moonwalk upward.
2. Disconnect the opener (if you have an automatic garage door opener installation). You don’t want it “helping” mid-repair.

Step 2 – Release the Tension (AKA Defuse the Bomb)

1. Locate the winding cone on the old spring. Insert your winding bars into the holes.
2. Slowly unwind the spring. If you hear creaking or feel slipping, STOP. This isn’t the time for heroics.
3. Once the tension’s gone, remove the spring from the torsion tube.

Warning: If you’re sweating more than a snowman in July, call Vancouver Overhead Doors. Our team handles garage door repair across Burnaby, Richmond, and Coquitlam—no judgment, just results.

Step 3 – Install the New Spring

1. Slide the new spring onto the torsion tube, matching the wind direction (left vs. right).
2. Reattach the stationary cone and winding cone.
3. Wind the spring carefully using your bars. Most residential doors need 30–40 quarter turns. Check your manual—or Google—for specifics.

Fun fact: Under-winding = door won’t open. Over-winding = spring becomes a projectile. Goldilocks had it easier.

When to Call the Pros (Hint: Now’s a Good Time)

Let’s cut to the chase: Replacing torsion springs is dangerous. At Vancouver Overhead Doors, we’ve made a career out of fixing DIY mishaps—from snapped cables (garage door cable repair, anyone?) to doors that resemble modern art. Here’s when to pick up the phone:

• You’re unsure about spring specs (length, wire size, etc.)
• The door feels heavier than your post-Thanksgiving guilt
• You’d rather binge Netflix than risk a trip to urgent care

We handle everything from garage door installation to commercial garage door repair, and yes, we’re near you in New Westminster, Burnaby, and beyond. Plus, our pricing is transparent—no “surprise fees” because we’re not monsters.

DIY vs. Pro Repair: The Cost Breakdown

Let’s talk numbers. Here’s a quick comparison:

IMO, unless you’re a seasoned pro, the cost difference isn’t worth the risk.

FAQs – Because We Read Your Mind

Q: How much does torsion spring replacement cost in Vancouver?
A: For residential jobs, $200–$400 depending on spring type. Commercial garage door repair runs higher due to heavier components.

Q: Can I just replace one spring?
A: If you have a dual-spring system, replace both. Otherwise, you’ll be back here in 6 months.

Q: Why is my garage door suddenly so noisy?
A: Worn springs, loose hardware, or track issues. Let us diagnose it—before your neighbors revolt.

Q: How long do torsion springs last?
A: 7–12 years, depending on use. If yours is older than TikTok, it’s time.

Final Thoughts – Don’t Be a Statistic

Replacing a torsion spring isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a gamble. Sure, you might save a few bucks, but is it worth the stress (or stitches)? At Vancouver Overhead Doors, we’ve spent years mastering garage door opener repair, automatic garage door installation, and all things torsion springs. Whether you’re in Richmond staring down a broken spring or in Coquitlam dealing with a derailed track, we’re here to help.

So, what’s it gonna be? The DIY route with a side of anxiety, or a quick call to the folks who do this daily? Hint: We promise not to judge your questionable tool collection.

Stay safe, and let’s keep those garage doors drama-free! 🙂