Garage door spring replacemet.

[JohnMickish]

I came home today and the garage door wont go up. I come thru the door and see that one of my torsion springs is broken. I've read online how to do it and there are a bunch of safety warnings and it sounds like a PIA. Is this a relatively easy job or is it an all day affair? I really don't want to make a trip to the ER, and I really don't want to pay someone to do it either.

Maybe I should just go with a new door all together at this point?

[Pinusbanksiana]

Not really that tough of a job, you have already shown you can read so you should do just fine.

[Pat K]

A neighbor that is good with repairs around the house, broke 2 fingers a couple of years ago attempting to replace a door spring. It convinced me it would be worth it to pay to have it done whenever I needed one replaced!

[soldoncass]

My son just did the replacement himself , after his broke. He had most fun finding the correct spring....finally bought them (pair) on the on-line site starts with e-b.., cheaper than he could get one locally. I offered to help, and gave a couple suggestions, but he did it himself. A reasonably handy guy can do it, but there are some dangers if you aren't careful.....Make sure you have the proper size steel rods(2) to unwind the old spring, and wind the new ones. Crayon or soapstone is used to mark a straight line on the new spring....then you can always count how many winds you have on it. Make sure the door is DOWN and secured, before starting winding the springs....otherwise the door will go up, knocking you off the ladder, when you are almost done winding. I use 2 visegrips above a roller one on each side track.

We can't tell you if you should or not, depends on your skill and determination.I'd get estimates on costs both ways, then determine which way you prefer. A professional may take 1-1 1/2 hours, while a diy guy may take 4 hours.

[brian6715]

It's not hard at all, you only need one vicegrip. A professional would do it in about 15 minutes, and there is no reason a DIY guy should take 4 hours to replace a garage door spring. It is a very simple job once you understand how it all works.

Look into the "E-Z set" torsion springs. All you do is get the spring on and everything tight, then just use your power drill to wind the spring. You don't need any rods or anything. They are the greatest invention since sliced bread

[minnesotahusker]

mnfishingguy, If you're having any doubts about replacing the springs, pay a professional. Since the one side broke, do both of them when replacing the broken one. I installed garage doors for 4 years and have seen some of the work that some "handymen" thought they could do, not realizing the tension that the springs put on when they get wound up. You have to make sure to follow the instructions when it comes to getting your cables back on the drums so that they are at the equal length to make sure the door goes back up true. It will take a professional roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour to replace both springs, inspect your cables, lubricate your door and make sure there isn't anything else that is in need of replacing. Well worth the money to have it done professionally, but a handyman can still get it accomplished.

[Walleyehooker]

I had this happen a few years ago and Im sure a guy can save a few bucks by DIY but I came to the conclusion it wasnt worth the risk of a finger,eye or a knock in the head. It doesnt cost that much to have a pro do it right with no risk to you.

[Walleyehooker]

I was also told by the last guy that did mine to spray them down with WD 40 a couple times a year and they will last longer.Seems to make sense as they wont dry out and rust and bind up.

[Fishinguy40]

You may have a hard time finding a door place that will sell you the spring. I'm not saying you won't find one that will. Several years ago I had one break. I called two different places and neither would sell me the spring because of "liability". They would only install it. So I had one of them install it. I remember the one torsion spring that I did replace years ago. Like was said above, make sure you count the turns on the spring that isn't broke and match it with the new one. You can probably use two - 3/8 drive extensions as you steel bars. That is what I used. They fit good. Just make sure you have two of them.

[delcecchi]

Last one I did, I bought new one at Fleet Farm. And I picked up a piece of steel rod to cut in half at the same time.

[jeffreyd]

i use to have to do them on the fire station doors all the time. However after one got away broke my wrist and 3 fingers that put a stop to us replacing them. I had one break on my double garage door, called a tech out, he put the new one on, replace the cables, fixed the loose rollers all for less than a 100 bucks. I gave him 25 as a tip cause i was up and going very quick. good luck make sure insurance is paid up.

[DTro]

I was in the same spot a while back and in the end paid someone to do it. But now that I watched the process, I have no doubt I could it myself.

There is a place between Prior Lake and Lakeville that you can get the springs from. I think it is Automatic garage door.

If you are careful, this isn't as dangerous a job as you might be lead to believe.

[JohnMickish]

Purchased a new door with the EZ spring winders. That took care of the problem. Now I just need the time to put the door in. I've got a side job to do today so that's out and next week I'm in Bismark for my FLW Championship, looks like I will have to park outside for the next two weeks.

[LightningBG]

I've done a set of springs on my own. Wasn't too bad. They sell springs at menards, but the selection is limited. They also sell winding bars for $10 or so (for a pair).

I'd do it myself again if it ever happens, but you do have to be careful, keep a firm grip on those bars.

[Walleye Guy]

Just don't make the Darwin awards by trying to save a few bucks.....

[LightningBG]

Understandable.

When I started doing it. I was wearing my snowmobiling helmet. Thought its better than nothing. Wife was amused...and worried. But then once I got in the groove, I took it off.

[Moose]

I just had this happen and had someone come in and do the job. I had a hard time finding the proper spring and when i did they wanted $50.00 each for them. I had a company do it for 160.00 with a lifetime written warranty. They lubed up all the rollers and door hinges and adjusted the opener and it has never sounded better including when I first installed the opener. I did replace one about 15 years ago and after you do one you will never do it yourself again. Well worth the money and no broken fingers or wrists

[reddog]

I know a friend of mine lost his eye saving $50.

edited to add that he was a licensed electrician at the time, and ran his own business, so it wasnt that he was a hack.

Carp happens.