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Do you need to replace your garage door springs? Our updated guide includes tools, safety tips, and step-by-step instructions!
Replacing garage door springs might seem hard initially, but with the right tools and clear steps, you can handle it yourself. Learning how to change garage door springs safely helps you avoid injury and save money. This guide gives you simple, easy-to-follow tips so you can complete the job with confidence and care.
Start by unplugging the opener and clamping the door in place. Use winding bars to release spring tension safely. Remove the old springs, measure them, and install the new ones. Call a garage door repair expert for help if it feels too risky. Test the door afterward to make sure everything works smoothly.
Types of Garage Door Springs and How They Work
Garage doors typically use two types of springs: torsion springs or extension springs. Knowing the difference helps you choose the proper repair method or replacement part.
1. Torsion Springs
Torsion springs sit above the garage door and twist to lift it. They hold strong tension, which helps move heavy doors. However, these springs are powerful and risky to fix without the right tools. If they’re broken, it’s best to call a garage door spring repair expert for safety.
2. Extension Springs
Extension springs are found on both sides of the garage door. They stretch when the door closes and pull back when it opens, helping balance the door’s weight. Because they can snap suddenly, it’s important to check them often and replace them if worn.
Safety Steps Before You Change Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are under high tension, and mishandling them can lead to serious injury. Follow these safety measures:
1. Wear Protective Gear
Always wear safety gloves and protective glasses before working on garage door springs. These parts are under high tension and can snap suddenly. Safety gear helps protect your hands and eyes from injury during the job, keeping you safe from flying parts or sharp edges.
2. Use the Right Tools
Using the correct tools is important for a safe and smooth job. Winding bars, vice grips, a sturdy ladder, and an adjustable wrench are must-haves. The right tools help you properly control the spring’s tension and avoid accidents during garage door spring repair or replacement.
3. Disconnect the Opener
Before starting any garage door spring work, always unplug or disconnect the opener. This step keeps the door from moving unexpectedly. Powering off the opener prevents accidents and ensures that the system stays still while you safely work on the springs or other moving parts.
4. Work with a Partner
Garage door spring repair isn’t easy to do alone. A partner nearby gives you extra help and another set of eyes for safety. They can hold tools, steady the ladder, or assist if something goes wrong. Two people make the job safer and easier.
Tools You’ll Need to Change Garage Door Springs
Before learning how to change garage door springs, gather these essentials:
- Winding bars (for torsion springs)
- Adjustable wrench
- Vice grips or locking pliers
- Socket set
- Ladder
- New garage door springs (correct size and type)
How to Change Garage Door Springs
Changing garage door springs requires care and the proper steps to avoid injury. This guide’s clear and straightforward instructions will help you do it safely.
Step 1: Release Tension from the Old Spring
Close the garage door and lock it with pliers on the track below the bottom roller. Find the winding cone on the torsion spring and insert two winding bars. Turn the bars slowly in the loosening direction to release the spring’s tight tension.
Step 2: Remove the Old Spring
After all tension is gone, loosen the set screws on the winding cone. Slide the worn spring off the torsion bar and remove the stationary cone on the other side. Move carefully so you do not get hurt by sharp edges or heavy parts.
Step 3: Install the New Spring
Slide the new spring onto the bar, matching the size and wind direction of the old one. Fasten the stationary cone to the center bracket. Put the winding cone in the right spot, but wait to tighten the set screws until after you wind the spring.
Step 4: Wind the New Spring
Insert the winding bars into the cone holes. Turn the bars gently in small, even steps in the tightening direction. Count each turn to meet the number listed in the maker’s guide. When done, tighten the set screws to lock the spring firmly in place.
Step 5: Test the Door
Remove the locking pliers from the track. Lift the garage door by hand to be sure it moves smoothly and stays open on its own. If it feels heavy or drops, add or remove turns on the spring. Reconnect the opener and check its automatic action.
Mistakes People Make with Garage Door Springs
Working with garage door springs can be risky if not done right. Avoid these common mistakes to stay safe and make sure the repair goes smoothly.
Skipping Safety Gear
Always wear safety gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, before working on garage door springs. These parts hold strong tension and can snap. Wearing the right gear helps protect your hands and eyes, keeping you safe while fixing or changing garage door springs.
Using Incorrect Tools
Don’t use the wrong tools, such as screwdrivers, when working with springs. Use proper winding bars made for garage door springs. The wrong tools can slip or break, which can hurt you. Using the right tools helps you do the job safely and correctly.
Over-Winding Springs
Turning the spring too many times is not safe. Always follow the maker’s instructions to determine the number of turns needed. If you add too much tension, the spring can break or damage the door. The correct number of turns keeps the door working well.
Ignoring Balance Issues
It may be unbalanced if the garage door doesn’t stay halfway open. This puts extra pressure on the opener and springs, leading to damage. After fixing the springs, always check if the door is balanced. Adjust the tension if the door feels too heavy.
When to Call a Garage Door Professional
Knowing when to call a professional can prevent injuries and costly mistakes. If something feels unsafe or confusing, it’s best to stop and get help.
1. Feeling Unsafe
If you’re unsure or nervous about replacing the spring, it’s best to stop. Working with high-tension springs is dangerous. A garage door expert can do the job safely, avoiding injury or damage. Don’t risk your safety if you’re not confident in your skills.
2. Rusted Springs
Old, rusty, or cracked springs are weak and can snap any time. Rust makes the metal unsafe to work with. If the springs look badly worn, call a professional. They have the tools and training to replace damaged garage door springs safely.
3. Damaged Cables or Tracks
If cables are broken or the tracks are bent, the door may fall or get stuck. These issues are risky to fix without training. Call a garage door specialist who can fix the problem safely and stop further damage to the door system.
4. Door Still Fails
Something else might be wrong if the door still doesn’t move right after changing the spring. It could be the opener, track, or other parts. A trained garage door repair pro can find and fix the issue so everything works smoothly again.
5. No Tools or Experience
You need special tools like winding bars and safety gear to replace torsion springs. If you don’t have the right tools or know-how, don’t try it. Let a skilled garage door expert handle the repair to keep things safe and working correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Change a Garage Door Spring Myself?
Changing a garage door spring is not recommended without proper tools and experience. These springs hold a lot of tension and can snap if handled incorrectly. One mistake can cause serious injury. It’s best to call a garage door pro like Mojo Garage Door Service for safety.
How Often Should Garage Door Springs Be Changed?
Garage door springs should be changed every 7 to 10 years or after about 10,000 open-close cycles. Your springs may wear out if your door feels heavy, makes loud noises, or opens unevenly. Replacing them on time helps avoid sudden breakage and keeps the door working smoothly.
How Do You Know How Much Tension to Put on a Garage Door Spring?
The correct tension depends on the door’s weight, spring size, and setup. Most torsion springs need about one turn per foot of door height, but this can vary. Using a spring that’s too tight or too loose can damage parts. Always follow exact instructions or ask a garage door repair pro.
How Do I Know If My Garage Door Springs Need to Be Replaced?
If your garage door is hard to open, closes too fast, or looks uneven, the springs may need replacing. You might also hear loud snapping or see gaps in the spring coils. Worn springs can’t lift the door properly and should be replaced for safety.
How to Find the Correct Spring for a Garage Door?
To find the correct garage door spring, measure the old spring’s length, wire thickness, and inside diameter. Also, check the door’s weight and height. Matching the right spring size ensures your door opens evenly and safely. If unsure, contact a garage door technician for help.
Conclusion
Replacing garage door springs is possible if you follow the proper steps and safety tips. Knowing how to change garage door springs gives you the power to handle minor fixes without stress. It’s a smart way to keep your garage door working smoothly and safely.
Still, not everyone is comfortable doing garage door spring repair alone. The risk of injury is real if steps are skipped or done wrong. If your springs look damaged or the door feels too heavy, it’s best to leave it to trained hands for your safety and peace of mind.
Mojo Garage Door Service is here when you need expert help. We offer safe and fast garage door spring repair, honest pricing, and trusted service. Call us at (210) 997-7777 for quick support and top-quality work you can count on every time.
End Note
Mojo Garage Door Service is your trusted choice for safe and quick help with a broken garage door spring. We use strong parts and careful service to keep your door working smoothly. Learn more about us or read helpful tips from our blog.
We proudly serve Helotes, TX, and nearby areas with expert garage door care. We install trusted brands like Wayne Dalton garage doors and offer special deals and flexible financing to make it easy. Book online or contact us to get started.
Stay updated with fresh ideas, repair tips, and home improvement advice. Follow us on Instagram, watch how-tos on YouTube, and find inspiration on Pinterest. For company news, visit LinkedIn. Visit mojogaragedoors.com for trusted garage door help.
Mojo Garage Door Service
11103 San Pedro Ave #225, San Antonio, TX 78216, United States
+12109977777
