How To Repair A Broken Garage Door Spring?

Having a broken garage door spring can be one of the most frustrating issues you’ll encounter as a property owner. Not only does it leave your garage inaccessible, but this type of repair can also be costly and daunting to tackle on your own. 

Here, we will discuss how to repair a broken garage door spring safely and correctly. With the expertise of lv-garagedoors, a trusted and reputable brand in the industry, you can be confident in finding the solutions you need for a reliable and long-lasting repair.

What Are The Steps to Repair A Broken Garage Door Spring?

Here are the steps to repair a broken garage door spring:

Gather Necessary Materials and Tools:

Before attempting to repair the broken garage door spring, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You will need a ladder, safety glasses, pliers, wire cutters, an adjustable wrench, a drill with screwdriver bits, a cordless screwdriver or impact driver (depending on your spring type), and an extension cord.

Safety First:

Make sure to disconnect the power to your garage door opener before attempting any repairs. Also, wear safety glasses and gloves when handling broken springs or cables as they can be quite dangerous.

Identify The Issue:

Determine if the spring is broken or just worn out by visual inspection. If it looks bent or frayed, then it is likely broken. If the spring looks alright but isn’t working properly, you may need to adjust the tension or replace the cable.

Repair The Faulty Parts:

If the spring is broken, use a cordless screwdriver or impact driver (depending on your spring type) to remove any screws that are attaching it to the garage door. Then, remove the old spring and replace it with a new one of the same size and length. If cables need adjusting, loosen them but do not completely disconnect them as this can be dangerous.

Install The New Parts:

Once the new spring or cable is in place, use an adjustable wrench to tighten the screws and bolts. Then, reconnect the power to the garage door opener and test it out. Make sure all parts are functioning properly before you close up shop.

Test It Out:

Finally, open and close your garage door at least a couple of times to make sure the repairs have been successful. Once you’re satisfied, turn off the power and store all your tools and materials away in a safe place.

Why is It Important to Repair A Broken Garage Door Spring?

Garage door springs play a vital role in the smooth operation of your garage door. Broken springs can cause major inconveniences and potential hazards if left untreated. When one or both of these components break, they can cause several issues. These include:

Difficulty Opening or Closing the Door:

A broken garage door spring can cause your garage door to become difficult to open or close. This may make it impossible for you to access your vehicle, restricting you from errands and other trips that require a car.

Unstable Door Operation:

If one of the springs is not functioning properly, the door may become unstable and swing back and forth when in motion. This can be dangerous, especially if you have small children or pets near the area.

Unexpected Closure:

A broken spring can cause your garage door to suddenly close without any warning. This could lead to serious damage and injury if someone is inside the garage at the time of closure.

To avoid any of these issues, it’s important to repair broken garage door springs as soon as possible.

Safety:

A broken garage door spring can create a hazard as it may be difficult or impossible to open and close the door. When this occurs, you are unable to access your vehicle if necessary. Additionally, your car may be at risk if someone attempts to force open the garage door while it is malfunctioning.

Energy Efficiency:

In addition to safety, a broken spring affects the efficiency of your garage door. A malfunctioning component can cause the door to become misaligned, which will in turn require more energy to open or close it. This could lead to an increase in your electricity bills.

For these reasons and more, it is essential to have any broken springs repaired as soon as possible.

What Are The Safety Tips For Replacing a Broken Garage Door Spring?

Replacing a broken garage door spring is not an easy task and is best handled by a professional. However, if you are determined to replace the spring yourself, here are some safety tips that should be followed:

Wear Safety Goggles and Gloves:

This will protect your eyes and hands from any potential debris or hazardous materials that can fly during the repair. It is also important to make sure that the spring you are working with does not contain any sharp edges.

Secure the Spring:

If you are replacing a torsion or extension spring, you should secure it properly before starting work. This can be done by using a vise, clamp, or rope to keep the coils together so they do not fly off and cause injury.

Check the Weight of the Spring:

The weight of a torsion spring is calculated based on its length and diameter, so it is important to be accurate when measuring these dimensions. You should also check if the old spring was installed correctly before replacing it with a new one.

Disconnect Power to the Opener:

Replacing a spring while the opener is powered can be very dangerous, so it is important to make sure that the power to the opener is completely disconnected before beginning the repair.

Follow Instructions:

You must follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer when replacing a garage door spring. If you are unsure about any step in the process, contact a professional for assistance. Additionally, it is important to read the manufacturer’s safety warnings before beginning any repair.

These are some of the safety tips you should follow when replacing a broken garage door spring.