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Replacing garage door torsion springs doesn’t need to be risky. Learn how with our easy-to-follow tutorial, which was built for homeowners!
A broken garage door spring is a common reason your door may stop working or feel too heavy to lift. This simple guide will help you fix it yourself. With the right tools, clear instructions, and safety steps, you’ll learn how to change garage door torsion springs without spending too much money.
Follow each step to release the spring tension, remove the broken part, and install a new one safely. This DIY guide helps you save on repair costs. If the task feels too dangerous or unclear, hiring a garage door repair expert is best to ensure safety and proper installation.
How Garage Door Torsion Springs Work
Garage door torsion springs are strong metal coils placed above your garage door. They store energy and help lift the door up and down smoothly. These springs do most of the heavy lifting, making opening and closing your garage door easier.
There are two types of torsion springs. The first is a standard spring mounted on a metal bar above the door. The second is a TorqueMaster spring inside a tube to make it safer. Knowing which type you have helps when fixing or replacing them.
Torsion springs are under a lot of pressure and can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Learning how to change garage door torsion springs safely is very important. If you’re unsure how to do it, it’s smart to call a garage door expert for help.
Safety Tips for Garage Door Spring Replacement
Working with torsion springs can be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken. Follow these safety measures before starting:
1. Wear Safety Gear
Always wear your safety gear before starting any garage door spring repair. Gloves protect your hands from cuts, and safety glasses protect your eyes from flying parts. This simple step is key to staying safe while learning how to change garage door springs.
2. Use the Right Tools
Make sure you have the proper tools ready. You’ll need two winding bars, a sturdy ladder, and a locking pliers. These tools are designed for garage door spring repair and help you do the job safely and correctly without extra stress.
3. Disconnect the Opener
Unplug the garage door opener before starting any work. This keeps the opener from turning on while you’re fixing the springs. It’s a basic step, but it helps you avoid injuries and keeps your garage door from moving by accident.
4. Secure the Door
Use clamps or locking pliers to hold the garage door in place. This stops it from falling or shifting while you work. Holding the door in place is a key safety step when changing a garage door spring.
Tools Needed to Change Garage Door Torsion Springs
Before learning how to change garage door torsion springs, gather these tools:
- Winding bars: Use two for safe tension adjustment.
- Adjustable wrench: Tightens and loosens bolts.
- Vice grips or locking pliers: Hold the shaft in place.
- Socket set: Removes and installs fasteners.
- Ladder: Helps you reach the spring safely.
- New torsion spring: Must match size and rating.
Steps on How to Change Garage Door Torsion Springs
Changing torsion springs on a garage door requires careful steps to stay safe and ensure the door works properly. Use this simple step-by-step guide to do it correctly.
Step 1: Measure and Buy the Right Spring
To begin with, measure your old spring’s length, wire thickness, and inside width. Check if the spring is left- or right-wound. Use this information to get the right spring. If you’re not sure, bring the old one to a hardware store for help.
Step 2: Release the Spring’s Tension
Put the winding bar into the cone hole and turn it slowly, one-fourth at a time. Hold it tight. These springs have a lot of tension, so go slow and stay safe. Keep turning until all the tension is gone before you remove anything.
Step 3: Remove the Old Torsion Spring
Once the spring is free of tension, loosen the set screws. Slide the spring off the bar and remove the stationary end. Remember how everything fits together, especially if you’re replacing more than one spring. Stay organized to make a garage door installation easier.
Step 4: Install the New Torsion Spring
Slide the new spring’s stationary end onto the bar first. Make sure the winding direction matches the one you took off. Insert the winding cone and leave the set screws slightly loose. Check that everything is lined up before moving forward.
Step 5: Wind the New Spring
Insert the winding bar into the cone and begin turning the spring. Follow your garage door manual for the correct number of turns. Use a second bar for safety. Once done, tighten the set screws. This step is essential when learning how to change garage door torsion springs.
Step 6: Test the Garage Door
Take off any clamps. Slowly lift the door by hand. If it stays halfway open, the balance is right. If it moves, adjust the tension again. After testing, reconnect the opener and run the door a few times to ensure it works smoothly.
Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Garage Door Torsion Springs
When figuring out how to change garage door torsion springs, avoid these errors:
1. Skipping Safety Gear
Never skip safety gear when working with garage door springs. A broken or snapped spring can fly off with great force and cause serious injuries. Always wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself during any garage door spring repair or replacement task.
2. Using Improper Tools
Using the wrong tools for garage door spring repair can be dangerous. Winding bars should be strong and the right size to handle the high tension in torsion springs. Avoid using screwdrivers or makeshift tools since they can slip and cause serious harm.
3. Incorrect Winding Direction
Turning the spring in the wrong direction can make your garage door work improperly or even cause it to break. Always follow correct winding instructions when replacing garage door springs. Getting this step wrong can lead to more damage or costly repairs.
4. Over-Tightening the Spring
When tightening your garage door spring, adding too many turns can damage the entire mechanism. It may cause the door to be too tight or stop working properly. Stick to the recommended number of turns for safe and proper garage door function.
When to Call a Garage Door Repair Professional
While this guide simplifies how to change garage door torsion springs, some situations require a pro:
1. Too Heavy
If your garage door feels too heavy to lift, especially if it’s a large or commercial door, don’t try to fix it alone. These doors use heavy-duty springs under high tension. Call a garage door repair expert who has the right tools.
2. Not Confident
Torsion springs are packed with strong tension and can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. If you’re unsure about how to use winding bars or don’t feel confident working with them, it’s safer to call a professional for garage door spring replacement.
3. Still Unbalanced
After installing new springs, the garage door should stay halfway open if balanced correctly. If it still moves or feels off, something may be wrong with the tension or spring size. A garage door repair expert can fix the balance quickly and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Garage Door Torsion Springs Break?
Garage door torsion springs break over time from regular use. Most last about 10,000 cycles (open and close). They also break faster due to rust, lack of maintenance, or cold weather. A worn spring will snap eventually, making the door heavy and hard to lift.
What size cables are needed for garage door springs?
The size of garage door cables refers to their thickness and length. These cables work with the torsion springs to lift the door. Using the correct size is essential for safety and balance. The door may not open or close properly if the cables are wrong.
Should You Replace Both Garage Door Springs at the Same Time?
Yes, you should replace both garage door springs at the same time. If one spring breaks, the other is likely worn too. Replacing both keeps the door balanced, avoids extra wear on parts, and prevents a second spring from breaking soon after the first.
How to Choose the Correct Garage Door Torsion Springs?
To choose the right garage door torsion springs, you need the door’s weight, height, and spring measurements. You’ll also need to know the wire size, inside diameter, and length. Using the wrong spring can damage your door or opener, so it’s best to measure carefully or ask a garage door expert.
Conclusion
A broken spring is likely the reason if your garage door feels heavy or stops working. Our guide on how to change garage door torsion springs gives you clear steps to fix it. Many homeowners can do it themselves with the right tools and a little care.
Still, fixing garage door springs can be tricky and unsafe. If you’re unsure what to do or want to avoid the risk, it’s best to let the experts handle it. A trusted garage door spring repair service ensures your door is fixed right and safely.
Mojo Garage Door Service is ready to help anytime. We offer expert spring repair with fast and friendly service. Call us today at (210) 997-7777 to get started. Again, we’ll make sure your garage door works smoothly and safely.
End Note
Mojo Garage Door Service is here to help if your garage door isn’t working correctly. From fixing a broken garage door spring to showing you how to change garage door torsion springs, we handle the hard work for you. Visit our website to learn more about us or check our expert blog.
We proudly serve Fair Oaks Ranch and nearby areas. Visit our Fair Oaks Ranch page for local services. We work with trusted brands like CHI garage doors, offer seasonal special offers, and provide financing to help you save. Book online or contact us today.
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Mojo Garage Door Service
11103 San Pedro Ave #225, San Antonio, TX 78216, United States
+12109977777
