How To Fix A Garage Door Spring

Hey there, fellow garage tinkerers! Let’s talk about something we’ve all faced—or will face—sooner or later: a busted garage door spring. You know the drill. One day, your door glides up like it’s on a red carpet, and the next, it sounds like a dumpster full of tin cans crashing down. But before you panic or start Googling “how to MacGyver this thing,” take a breath. We’ve got your back. At Marksman Garage Doors, we’ve seen it all—heroic DIY attempts, interesting tool substitutions, and yes, even a few “hold my coffee” moments. Let’s walk through this together, step by step.

Why Garage Door Springs Are the Unsung Heroes (Until They Snap)

Garage door springs are like that one friend who does all the heavy lifting but never gets credit—until they ghost you. These coiled workhorses counterbalance the door’s weight, making it possible to lift manually or with an opener. But when they fail? Let’s just say gravity becomes your nemesis.

There are two main types of springs you’ll encounter:

• Torsion Springs: Mounted horizontally above the door. These bad boys are strong—they handle most residential doors.
• Extension Springs: Run vertically along the tracks. Common in lighter doors, but they stretch like a rubber band on a slingshot.

Pro Tip: If you hear a loud BANG from your garage, congrats—you’ve probably just met a snapped spring.

Safety First: Because We Like Your Fingers Attached

Let’s cut to the chase: garage door springs are dangerous. Like, “call a pro unless you’re 100% confident” dangerous. At Marksman Garage Doors, we’ve rescued folks who underestimated the tension in these springs (spoiler: it’s a lot). If you’re still determined to DIY, here’s your safety checklist:

• Wear safety goggles. Metal shrapnel isn’t a fashion statement.
• Use vice grips or locking pliers to secure the door tracks.
• Never remove screws or bolts from the spring brackets unless the door is fully secured.
• Work with a buddy. Two sets of eyes > one set of regrets.

FYI: If your door uses torsion springs, proceed with EXTRA caution. The stored energy in these could launch a wrench into orbit.

Tools You’ll Need (Besides Courage)

Gather these before you start:

• Winding bars (for torsion springs)
• Adjustable wrench
• Socket set
• Stepladder
• Tape measure
• Replacement springs (match the specs EXACTLY—this isn’t the time to improvise)

Got old springs? Bring them to Marksman Garage Doors. We’ll help you find the right replacements and maybe share a war story or two.

Step-by-Step: Fixing a Torsion Spring

Step 1 – Release the Tension (Carefully!)

1. Secure the door fully open with locking pliers.
2. Insert winding bars into the winding cone holes.
3. Slowly unwind the spring (lefty-loosey!) until it’s slack.

Step 2 – Remove the Old Spring

1. Loosen the set screws on the winding cone.
2. Slide the spring off the torsion tube.

Step 3 – Install the New Spring

1. Slide the new spring onto the torsion tube.
2. Tighten the set screws.
3. Wind the spring exactly as many times as the old one. (Count those quarter turns!)

Step 4 – Test the Door
Slowly release the locking pliers. If the door stays put, you’ve nailed it. If not… well, our phone number is below.

When to Call the Pros (No Shame in It!)

Look, we get it—DIY is satisfying. But garage door springs are one of those “know your limits” projects. Here’s when to dial Marksman Garage Doors:

• The door weighs more than your ego.
• You’re dealing with dual springs (twice the risk).
• The word “winding cone” just made you sweat.

We offer same-day service, and honestly, we’d rather fix a spring than a DIY disaster.

Garage Door Spring Comparison Table

3 Common Questions (Answered Without Judgement)

Can I just replace one spring if I have two?
Nope. Replace both to avoid uneven tension. Otherwise, you’ll be back here in six months.

How long do springs last?
7–12 years, depending on use. If your door sounds like a creaky pirate ship, it’s time.

Why does Marksman Garage Doors charge less than competitors?
Great question! We keep overhead low and pass the savings to you. Plus, we’re kinda obsessed with fair pricing.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Garage Door Win

Fixing a garage door spring isn’t rocket science, but it is high-stakes engineering. Whether you DIY or call us, prioritize safety. And hey—if you’re feeling overwhelmed, just remember: Marksman Garage Doors has your back. We’ll get your door gliding smoothly again, no drama required.

PSA: If you attempt this and your door still rebels, don’t force it. Swallow your pride and give us a shout. We promise not to say “told ya so” (out loud, anyway).

There you have it—a crash course in garage door spring repair. Now go forth, armed with knowledge (and maybe our number on speed dial).