Save Big Bucks: How to Replace Garage Door Spring!
When your garage door stops working correctly, one of the most common causes is a broken garage door spring. Replacing a garage door spring can seem like a daunting task, but understanding how to replace a garage door spring properly can help you save money and avoid potential issues down the line. While this job requires caution, it’s something that can be done if you have the right tools and follow the proper steps carefully. In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about replacing garage door springs. From determining if your garage door springs are damaged to understanding the cost implications and the time it takes to complete the job, this comprehensive guide will ensure you’re well-prepared. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply want to be informed before calling a professional, this guide will provide all the essential information on how to replace garage door springs safely and efficiently. Is Replacing the Garage Door Spring Yourself Safe? One of the first questions many homeowners ask when dealing with a broken garage door is, “Can I replace the garage door spring myself?” While it is technically possible for a skilled DIY enthusiast to replace garage door springs, the potential risks are significant. Garage door springs are under intense tension and, if handled improperly, can cause serious harm, from severe cuts and fractures to life-threatening injuries. Understanding the Function of Garage Door Springs Garage door springs—both torsion springs (located above the garage door) and extension springs (along the sides)—are critical components that bear the weight of the garage door. These springs help lift doors that can weigh hundreds of pounds, and the tension stored in them can be released violently if the spring is accidentally broken or disengaged improperly. What to Consider Before Replacing Garage Door Springs Yourself Should You DIY or Hire a Professional? While the idea of replacing a garage door spring yourself may seem like a cost-saving option, it’s important to weigh the risks against the potential savings. Here are a few considerations: While it’s possible to replace a garage door spring yourself, it is not without significant risks. The combination of high tension, heavy parts, and specialized tools makes this a potentially dangerous task, particularly for those with little or no experience. Before attempting to replace a garage door spring on your own, carefully consider your comfort level with mechanical tasks, the tools at your disposal, and, most importantly, your safety. For many homeowners, hiring a professional is a safer and more convenient option, ensuring that the job is done efficiently and with minimal risk. How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Coil Spring on a Garage Door? The cost to replace a garage door spring can vary depending on the type of spring, labor, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. The average cost for replacing a garage door spring ranges between $100 to $300 if you hire a professional, but doing it yourself can significantly lower this cost. Factors That Affect the Cost of Replacing a Garage Door Spring Replacing your garage door spring yourself can save money, but it’s important to factor in the time and effort required, as well as the risks involved. Always weigh the benefits of saving money against the potential dangers. How Long Does It Take to Replace a Garage Door Spring? The time it takes to replace a garage door spring depends on your experience level and whether you’re working with a torsion or extension spring. On average, replacing a garage door spring can take between 1 to 2 hours for a professional, while a DIYer may take longer, especially if it’s their first time. Factors That Impact the Time to Replace Garage Door Springs Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, it’s important to allocate enough time to complete the replacement safely without rushing. How to Know If Garage Door Springs Are Bad Recognizing the signs of a failing garage door spring can help you avoid unexpected issues and costly repairs. When your garage door springs are going bad, there are several warning signs to watch out for. Common Signs of a Bad Garage Door Spring Knowing how to recognize these warning signs can help you address issues with your garage door springs before they cause further damage or create safety risks. How to Replace Garage Door Spring: Step-by-Step Guide If you’re confident in your ability to handle the replacement safely, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace garage door spring. 1. Gather Necessary Tools Before you start, gather all the necessary tools, including: 2. Disconnect the Garage Door Opener To avoid any accidental operation, disconnect the garage door opener. This will ensure that the door doesn’t move while you’re working on it. 3. Secure the Garage Door Use clamps or locking pliers to secure the garage door in place. You don’t want the door to move or fall while you’re replacing the spring. 4. Release the Tension If you’re working with torsion springs, use winding bars to release the tension before attempting to remove the springs. This is the most dangerous part of the process, so proceed carefully. 5. Remove the Old Spring Once the tension is released, you can begin removing the old spring. Be sure to pay attention to how the spring is installed, as this will help guide you when installing the new spring. 6. Install the New Spring Install the new spring in the same position as the old one, making sure to align it properly. Use the winding bars to add tension to the spring, following the manufacturer’s specifications. 7. Reconnect the Garage Door Opener After the new spring is installed, reconnect the garage door opener and remove any clamps or pliers you used to secure the door. 8. Test the Door Test the garage door to ensure that it operates smoothly. If the door is balanced and opens and closes without issue, the replacement was successful.