This complete guide teaches you how to change garage door springs properly. Follow expert tips to avoid injury!

A broken garage door spring can stop your door from opening or make it hard to lift. If you like fixing things at home, this guide will show you how to change garage door springs safely. With the right tools and easy steps, you can do the job yourself and save money on repair costs.

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Unplug the opener and clamp the door. Wear gloves and safety glasses. Carefully remove the old spring with winding bars. Install the new spring, turn it the correct number of times, and tighten the screws. Test the door for smooth movement. Call a garage door repair pro if something feels unsafe.

What Garage Door Springs Do

Garage door springs counterbalance the weight of the door. Lifting your garage door would feel like hoisting a small car without them. There are two primary types of springs used in residential garage doors:

1. Torsion Springs

Torsion springs sit above the garage door and run across a metal bar. They twist to store energy when the door closes and unwind to help lift it. These springs are strong and usually found on heavier garage doors because they last longer and work smoothly.

2. Extension Springs

Extension springs are placed on both sides of the garage door. They stretch as the door closes and pull back to help it open. These springs are often used on lighter garage doors. They should be paired with cables to prevent damage if they snap.

Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement

Knowing when your garage door springs are going bad can help you act before the situation worsens. Common signs include:

The door feels heavy or struggles to open.
The door slams shut unexpectedly.
The garage opener is working, but the door won’t move.
You hear a loud bang from the garage, often a spring snapping.
You notice gaps in the spring coils or visibly broken pieces.

Essential Safety Tips for Your Garage Door

Before working on a garage door, remember that springs are dangerous. Follow these safety tips to avoid injury:

Wear gloves and eye protection: Protect your hands and eyes from sharp parts and flying debris.
Unplug the garage door opener: This prevents the door from accidentally moving while you work.
Use proper winding bars: Never use screwdrivers. Only use the right bars made for torsion springs.
Work with a partner: Having someone help makes the job safer and easier.
Take your time: Don’t rush. Going slow helps prevent mistakes and keeps you safe.

Garage Door Repair Tools and Materials

The tools will vary slightly depending on the type of spring system your door uses. However, in most cases, you’ll need:

1. Springs

Get the same type and size as your old springs. Using the wrong one can make your door unsafe. The right spring helps your garage door work smoothly and safely after replacement.

2. Winding bars

Only use proper winding bars for torsion springs. Never use screwdrivers because they can slip and cause injury. Winding bars give you a better grip and make the job safer.

3. Wrench or socket

Use an adjustable wrench or socket set to loosen and tighten bolts. These tools help you work faster and prevent damage to nuts and bolts during the repair.

4. Vice grips

Vice grips or locking pliers hold the garage door in place. They stop the door from moving while you work, making everything safer and more stable.

5. Tape measure

Use a tape measure to check the length and width of your old springs. The accurate measurements help you get the correct replacements for safe door movement.

6. Ladder

A strong ladder lets you reach the spring area safely. If possible, place it on flat ground and have someone nearby to help.

7. Marker

Mark all parts before removing them. This helps you put things back in the right place. A marker or chalk makes the job easier when reassembling.

Steps on How to Change Torsion Springs

Let’s assume you’re dealing with a torsion spring setup, which is more common in modern homes. Here’s how to change garage door springs safely and effectively.

Step 1: Disconnect Power and Secure the Door

Unplug the garage door opener to avoid accidents. Lift the door by hand and hold it in place using clamps or locking pliers just under the bottom roller to keep it from falling while you work.

Step 2: Identify the Broken Spring

Check both torsion springs above the door. If one is broken, replace both since they usually wear out at the same time. This helps your door work better and keeps the tension even on both sides.

Step 3: Mark and Loosen the Tension

Mark the current position of the springs and cable drums. Insert the winding bar and slowly loosen the set screws. Carefully unwind the spring, switching bar positions as needed. Always hold both bars securely when loosening tension.

Step 4: Remove Old Springs and Center Brackets

Once the tension is gone, remove the bolts from the center bracket. Slide off the old springs, cable drums, and bearing plate. Keep all hardware safe to reuse when installing the new springs.

Step 5: Install New Springs

Slide the new springs onto the torsion bar with the winding cones facing inward. Reattach the center bearing plate and tighten it. To avoid alignment issues, make sure everything is lined up straight before securing the springs.

Step 6: Reattach Cable Drums and Wind the Springs

Put the cable drums back on and make sure the cables are tight in their tracks. Use winding bars to tighten the new springs slowly. Most 7-foot garage doors need about 30 to 33 quarter turns each.

Step 7: Test the Balance and Operation

Remove the clamps from the tracks. Lift the door by hand to see if it opens smoothly and stays halfway up. If balanced, plug in the opener and test the full movement of the door several times.

How to Change Extension Springs

If your garage door uses extension springs, you can still fix it with care. First, open the garage door and keep it in place using clamps. Then, remove the safety cables and carefully take off the old springs from both sides.

Measure the old springs and get the same size. Install the new ones by reversing the steps. Reattach the safety cables. When finished, check if the door opens and closes properly to ensure everything works as it should.

When It’s Best to Call a Garage Door Technician

Even if you now understand how to change garage door springs, it’s okay to admit when the job is too risky or complex. Here are some situations when you should hire a professional:

You don’t have the right tools or protective gear.
You’re unsure of your door’s spring type or specifications.
You notice structural issues with your garage door system.
You feel anxious or unsafe at any point during the job.

Garage door repair pros have the training and tools to do the job quickly and safely. While doing it yourself can save money, your safety should always be the priority.

Cost of DIY vs Professional Replacement

Are you deciding between DIY and professional garage door spring replacement? Here’s a simple cost comparison chart to help you decide which option best fits your budget and needs.

If DIY installation goes wrong, it could cost more repairs or injuries than hiring a pro. To stay safe and save time, contact a professional garage door company like R&S Erection of Richmond for a fast, hassle-free quote.

How to Keep Your Garage Door Springs in Good Shape

Once you’ve learned how to change garage door springs, keeping them working well for as long as possible is a good idea. Here’s how:

1. Lubricate the Springs

Oil the garage door springs every three months. This helps them move better and prevents rust. Oiling them often also prevents the springs from wearing out quickly and helps your garage door work smoothly for a longer time.

2. Check the Balance

Once a month, lift the door by hand after turning off the opener. If it stays halfway up, it’s balanced. If it moves, the springs might be weak. Fixing the balance early can stop bigger garage door problems from happening later.

3. Don’t Slam the Door

Close your garage door gently. Slamming it down puts too much pressure on the springs and other parts. Over time, this can break things. Being gentle with the door helps it last longer and keeps it working correctly.

4. Change Both Springs

If one spring breaks, change both at the same time. They wear out together, so using just one new spring can make the door work unevenly. Replacing both keeps the door balanced and helps everything move safely and evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Change a Garage Door Spring Myself?

You can change a garage door spring, but it can be dangerous. The spring is under intense pressure and might snap. If you’re unsure what to do, it’s safer to call a garage door expert like R&S Erection of Richmond to fix or replace the spring.

How Often Should I Change My Garage Door Springs?

You should change your garage door springs every 7 to 10 years. The springs might be worn out if the door feels heavy, makes noise, or doesn’t open well. Replacing garage door springs on time helps your door work safely and last longer.

Is It Safe to Replace Garage Door Springs?

Replacing garage door springs is not very safe if you don’t know how. The springs are tight and can pop out fast, which may hurt you. It’s best to let a trained garage door repair expert handle the spring replacement to keep you safe.

How Do You Know How Much Tension to Put on a Garage Door Spring?

To determine how much tension to apply to a garage door spring, check the size and type of the door. Most springs need a set number of turns. If you are unsure, ask a garage door pro for help setting the correct tension.

How Do You Adjust the Spring Tension on a Door?

Use a winding bar to slowly turn the spring to adjust the garage door spring tension. Add or remove turns a little at a time. Test the door after each turn. If it doesn’t open or close right, adjust the garage door spring again carefully.

Conclusion

DIY garage door spring replacement takes time, tools, and care. Changing garage door springs can be risky if done wrong. It’s best to let trained garage door professionals handle the job if you feel unsure. Your safety matters more than saving a few dollars on the repair.

R&S Erection of Richmond offers fast, safe, and affordable spring replacement. Instead of learning how to change garage door springs step by step, just call (510) 890-3458. We also provide trusted garage door repair services that keep your system working smoothly and safely daily.

Minor garage door problems can grow into big ones if ignored. A door that feels heavy or stuck needs attention now. Let our skilled team fix it before it gets worse. Call us today for spring repair and enjoy a garage door that works like new.

End Note

If you need dependable service for doors or gates, R&S Erection of Richmond offers strong rolling doors and grilles, reliable garage door openers, and full support for homes and businesses. Learn more about what we do at rs4doorsandgates.com.

We also install smart access control systems to improve safety and entry convenience. Our trusted team works across many areas. Visit our locations page and read our company background. For helpful tips and savings, check our blog and specials.

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A Complete Guide: How to Change Garage Door Springs Yourself