Garage door springs do the heavy lifting. They counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easy to open and close. When a spring breaks, the door becomes heavy, unsafe, and often stuck. Fixing a garage door spring is not a simple DIY job. It's dangerous. But if you're determined to do it yourself, here's what you need to know.
First, identify which type of spring you have. Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the door opening. Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side. Torsion springs are under extreme tension and are more dangerous to work on. Extension springs are also under tension but are slightly less hazardous. Most modern homes have torsion springs.
You'll need winding bars (not screwdrivers), a socket wrench, C-clamps, vice grips, safety glasses, and gloves. Never use screwdrivers to wind springs—they can slip and cause serious injury. Also, make sure the door is fully closed and disconnect the opener before starting.
For torsion springs, insert a winding bar into one of the holes in the winding cone. Hold it firmly and loosen the set screws on the cone. Slowly let the bar turn to release tension. Do this for both springs if you have a double spring system. For extension springs, simply open the door to relieve tension, then secure the door with C-clamps on the tracks.
Once tension is released, remove the set screws and slide the spring off the torsion shaft. For extension springs, disconnect the cables and remove the spring from the bracket. Note the winding direction (left or right) and the length of the spring—you'll need this for the replacement.
Slide the new spring onto the shaft, making sure it's the correct size and winding. For torsion springs, position the winding cone and tighten the set screws. For extension springs, attach the cables and hook the spring to the bracket. Double-check that everything is aligned.
This is the most dangerous part. Use two winding bars. Insert one bar into a hole in the cone, and with the other bar, push to rotate the cone. Each turn adds tension. The number of turns depends on the door height and spring size—usually 7-9 turns for a 7-foot door. Count carefully. After winding, tighten the set screws.
Remove the C-clamps and manually lift the door halfway. It should stay in place. If it falls, you need more tension. If it rises, you have too much. Adjust accordingly. Then reconnect the opener and run a full cycle.
If you're not 100% confident, call a professional. Garage door springs are under extreme tension—a mistake can cause severe injury or even death. A pro will have the right tools, experience, and safety training. Plus, they can spot other issues like worn cables or misaligned tracks.
We've been fixing garage doors in Davenport for years. We know the local weather and how it affects your door. We offer fast, reliable service with upfront pricing. Don't risk your safety—call us for a free estimate. We'll have your door running smoothly in no time.