Fix Garage Door Spring: What You Need to Know

April 21, 2025

Fix Garage Door Spring: What You Need to Know

A broken garage door spring can be a big hassle, stopping your garage door from opening or closing properly. If you're dealing with this issue, you're probably wondering how to fix a garage door spring and how much it will cost. Don't worry—we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about garage door spring repair.

How to Tell If Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken

Garage door springs handle a lot of tension, so when they break, it’s usually pretty obvious. Here are some signs that your garage door spring needs fixing:

  • The garage door won’t open or only opens a few inches.
  • You hear a loud bang in the garage (this is the spring snapping).
  • The door closes too fast or slams shut.
  • The garage door looks uneven when opening.
  • You see a visible gap in the torsion spring.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Fix a Garage Door Spring Yourself?

While some homeowners attempt DIY garage door spring repairs, it’s not recommended. Garage door springs are under high tension, and improper handling can lead to serious injury or damage to the door mechanism. Professional technicians have the right tools and experience to safely and efficiently replace the spring.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Spring on a Garage Door?

The cost to replace a garage door spring varies based on the type of spring and labor costs. On average:

  • Torsion springs cost between $150–$350, including parts and labor.

  • Extension springs cost between $100–$200, including parts and labor.

Other factors that affect cost include the door’s weight, the number of springs that need replacement, and the complexity of the repair.

How to Raise a Garage Door with a Broken Spring?

If a garage door spring breaks, opening the door can be difficult and unsafe. However, if necessary, you can try the following steps:

  1. Disconnect the opener – Pull the emergency release cord to disengage the automatic opener.

  2. Lift with assistance – Garage doors are heavy; get help from another person to lift the door evenly.

  3. Use vice grips – Once open, clamp vice grips onto the track to hold the door in place.

  4. Do not force the door – If it won’t open easily, stop and call a professional.

Since manually lifting a door with a broken spring can be hazardous, it’s best to call an expert for assistance.

Is It Safe to Replace Your Own Garage Door Spring?

No, replacing a garage door spring is not safe for most homeowners. The high tension in the springs can cause severe injury if they snap or are installed incorrectly. A professional technician has the expertise to handle the replacement safely, ensuring the door is properly balanced and functions correctly.

Need Help? Call the Experts!

If your garage door spring is broken, don’t risk injury trying to fix it yourself. Let the professionals at OHD Puget Sound handle it safely and efficiently. We offer expert garage door spring repair at competitive prices. Call us today at (253) 400-3880 to schedule your repair!

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