How to Repair a Broken Garage Door Spring (Without Losing a Finger)
Let’s cut to the chase: garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your home—until they snap. Then? They’re the star of your personal horror movie. Cue the ominous creaking, the sudden bang, and your heart dropping faster than the door itself. If you’re here, you’ve either got a broken spring or you’re prepping for the inevitable. Either way, we’ve got your back. At Vancouver Overhead Doors, we’ve seen it all (seriously, all of it), and today, we’re breaking down how to tackle this DIY nightmare—or why you should just call us instead.
Why Garage Door Springs Are Basically Drama Queens
First things first: garage door springs are under insane tension. Think of them like over-caffeinated cobras—coiled, dangerous, and ready to strike if handled wrong. There are two types you’ll encounter:
- Torsion springs: Thick, angry metal coils mounted above the door.
- Extension springs: Long, stretchy jerks that run along the tracks.
Both store enough energy to send tools flying or, worse, cause serious injury. FYI, this is why we always recommend letting pros like us at Vancouver Overhead Doors handle replacements. But hey, if you’re the stubborn DIY type, let’s at least make sure you survive the process.
Tools You’ll Need (Besides Luck)
Before you play hero, gather these essentials:
- Safety glasses: Because eyeballs don’t grow back.
- Vise grips or locking pliers: To clamp the door track and prevent sudden drops.
- Winding bars: For torsion springs—never use screwdrivers (yes, we’ve seen it).
- A ladder: Preferably one that’s not wobbly.
- Replacement springs: Match the size and weight rating exactly.
Missing any of these? Maybe this is your sign to Google “garage door repair near me” and let Vancouver Overhead Doors swoop in.
Step-by-Step: Fixing the Spring Without Becoming a Meme
1. Lock. It. Down.
Park your car outside (unless you want a new sunroof), then clamp the door track with vise grips below the bottom roller. This keeps the door from crashing down mid-repair.
2. Release the Tension (Yours and the Spring’s)
For torsion springs: Insert winding bars into the winding cone and slowly unwind the spring. Turn left for left-wound springs, right for right-wound. One wrong move and… well, let’s not think about that.
For extension springs: Attach a safety cable through the spring (if it’s missing, yikes), then unhook it from the pulley system.
3. Swap the Spring
Remove the broken spring and install the new one, mirroring the old setup. Double-check the weight rating—your door’s weight matters here.
4. Re-Tension Carefully
Rewind torsion springs with winding bars, counting the exact number of turns the old spring had. For extension springs, reattach them to the pulleys and adjust tension.
“But Should I Really DIY This?” (Spoiler: Probably Not)
Look, we get it—DIY projects can be satisfying. But garage door springs? They’re the exception. Here’s why:
- The risk vs. reward math sucks. Save $200 but risk a hospital bill? IMO, not worth it.
- Mistakes are easy. Wrong tension = a door that slams shut like a guillotine.
- Time is money. What takes us 1 hour might take you all weekend (and a therapy session).
If you’re in Vancouver, Burnaby, or New Westminster, just ring us up. We’ll fix your spring, track, or even handle automatic garage door opener installation while we’re at it.
What’s This Gonna Cost Me?
Let’s talk numbers. Spring repair prices vary based on:
- Spring type: Torsion springs cost more than extension.
- Door size: Larger doors need heavier-duty springs.
- Labor: DIY = $0 (but see above). Pro service? Typically $150–$400.
At Vancouver Overhead Doors, we offer upfront pricing—no “surprise!” fees. Plus, we service Richmond, Coquitlam, and beyond.
Preventative Care: Keep Your Spring From Ghosting You
Want to avoid future breakdowns? Do these:
- Lube the springs every 6 months with silicone spray.
- Check for wear: Look for gaps in torsion springs or rust on extension springs.
- Listen for drama: A noisy garage door often means something’s loose or misaligned.
And if your door starts sounding like a haunted house? We’re here for garage door track repair or garage door opener repair too.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions, Answered
Q: Can I just replace one spring?
A: If you have dual torsion springs, replace both. They wear evenly, and skipping one’s like replacing only half your brake pads.
Q: How long do springs last?
A: 7–12 years, depending on use. Heavy commercial garage door repair? They’ll retire earlier.
Q: Why’s my door still slamming after I fixed the spring?
A: Could be misaligned tracks or failing cables. Let us peek at it—garage door cable repair is our jam.
Q: Can you install an automatic opener with my new spring?
A: Absolutely. Ask about our automatic garage door installation bundles!
Final Thought: Know When to Fold ‘Em
There’s no shame in calling reinforcements. Whether you’re in Burnaby staring down a snapped spring or in Richmond debating garage door installation, Vancouver Overhead Doors has your back. We’re fast, local, and really good at diffusing garage door drama.
So next time you hear that fateful SNAP, skip the heroics. Grab your phone, not a wrench—we’ll handle the rest. 🙂
