How to Repair a Broken Garage Door Torsion Spring (Without Losing a Finger)
Let’s be real—nothing ruins a perfectly good morning like the BOOM of a broken garage door torsion spring. One minute you’re sipping coffee, the next you’re staring at a door that’s decided to go on strike. We’ve all been there. But before you channel your inner DIY hero, let’s talk safety, tools, and why sometimes it’s smarter to call the pros (shoutout to our team at Kald Gart Garage Doors in Calgary—we’ll get to that later).
Understanding the Beast: What Even Is a Torsion Spring?
Torsion springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door. They’re the tightly wound coils above your door that counterbalance its weight, making it easy to open manually or with an opener. When one snaps, your door becomes a 200-pound paperweight. Fun, right?
Why do they break?
- Age: Most last 7–10 years. If yours is older than your kid’s TikTok account, it’s living on borrowed time.
- Wear and tear: Daily cycles (opening/closing) add up.
- Poor adjustment: Incorrect tension stresses the spring.
“Is My Spring Broken?” – The Telltale Signs
Not sure if it’s the spring or just a noisy garage door being dramatic? Here’s how to know:
- The door won’t budge, or it feels heavier than your last breakup.
- You hear a loud TWANG (the spring’s version of a mic drop).
- There’s a visible gap in the spring.
FYI: If the spring is intact but the door’s misaligned, you might need garage door track repair instead. But let’s stay focused.
Safety First: This Isn’t a Pinterest Project
We’ll say it louder for the folks in the back: Torsion springs are dangerous. They’re under extreme tension, and one wrong move could turn your DIY adventure into a ER trip.
Gear you’ll need:
- Safety goggles (because eyeballs are nice to keep).
- Winding bars (NOT screwdrivers—unless you enjoy shrapnel).
- Vice grips.
- A ladder.
Step 0: Call a friend. Seriously. If you’re questioning your life choices already, maybe skip to the section where we tell you to call Kald Gart Garage Doors for garage door torsion spring replacement.
The Repair Process: A Step-by-Step “Adventure”
(Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. We’re not responsible for your newfound respect for garage door contractors.)
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Release the tension:
- Clamp the door track with vice grips to prevent sudden movement.
- Insert winding bars into the spring’s winding cone. Ever tried to wind a spring under tension? Spoiler: It’s not fun.
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Remove the broken spring:
- Unbolt the spring from the center bracket.
- Slide it off the torsion tube. Congrats, you’ve now got a deadly noodle in your hands.
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Install the new spring:
- Match the spring’s specs (length, wire size, direction of wind). Get this wrong, and you’ll be back to square one.
- Wind it cautiously—usually 30–40 quarter turns. Count out loud. Lose track? Start over.
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Test the door:
- Slowly lift it manually. If it stays put at waist height, you’ve nailed the tension. If it slams shut… well, at least you tried.
When to Throw in the Wrench and Call a Pro
Look, we get it—DIY saves money. But garage door spring adjustment isn’t exactly beginner-friendly. Here’s when to dial Kald Gart Garage Doors:
- The spring is over 7 years old (replace both springs to avoid future headaches).
- You’re also dealing with garage door cable repair or garage door track alignment.
- The word “winding cone” makes you sweat.
We’re based in Calgary but also serve Okotoks and Strathmore. Whether it’s residential garage door repair, commercial garage door repair, or automatic garage door installation, we’ve got your back. Plus, our cost is competitive—no hidden fees, just upfront pricing.
Prevention > Repair: Keep Your Springs Happy
Want to avoid this mess down the road?
- Lubricate springs every 6 months with silicone spray (WD-40 is not your friend here).
- Listen for noise: Squeaks or grinding? Address it before it escalates.
- Schedule annual maintenance: Like a dental checkup, but for your door.
DIY vs. Pro Repair: The Cold, Hard Truth
Let’s break it down with a table:
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50–$150 for parts | $200–$400 (parts + labor) |
| Safety | High risk | Zero risk for you |
| Time | 3–5 hours (if you’re lucky) | 1–2 hours |
| Warranty | None | 1–2 years (we offer this at Kald Gart!) |
IMO, unless you’re a seasoned pro, the price of a mistake isn’t worth it.
FAQs: Because We Know You’re Curious
Q: Can I replace just one spring?
A: Technically yes, but replace both. The other spring is likely near death, and mismatched springs strain your opener.
Q: How much does a garage door replacement cost?
A: Between $800–$1,500 in Calgary, depending on materials. But let’s fix the spring first—it’s cheaper!
Q: Why is my garage door still noisy after fixing the spring?
A: Could be rollers, tracks, or opener issues. Let us diagnose it—garage door opener repair is our jam.
Q: How do I find a reliable “garage door contractor near me”?
A: Look for licensed, insured pros with reviews. Or, ya know, just call us. 🙂
Final Thoughts: Don’t Be a Hero
We’ve all seen those YouTube fails where someone’s garage door becomes a catapult. Don’t be that person. If the repair feels out of your depth, Kald Gart Garage Doors is here to help. Whether it’s a broken spring, automatic garage door opener installation, or a full garage door replacement, we’ll handle it—safely, quickly, and with zero judgment.
So next time your door rebels, remember: Springs are cheap. ER bills? Not so much. Stay safe, friends.
