How to Fix Garage Door Spring Without Risking Your Safety

When you need to fix garage door spring, it is important to prioritize safety. Garage door springs are vital for smoothly lifting and lowering your door. However, when they break, you may find yourself unable to open or close the door, leading to inconvenience and potential hazards. Are you considering doing it yourself? Think again. These springs are under immense tension, and it only takes one mistake to hurt someone seriously or damage your property.

So, what is the safest way to fix garage door spring? At Omaha Garage Door Repair, we believe in empowering Nebraska homeowners with the knowledge to make safe and informed decisions about garage door repairs. Let us explore how to fix a garage door spring without putting yourself at risk.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Before diving into repairs, it is important to understand what you are dealing with. Garage door springs are crucial components that bear the door’s weight and help it glide. Do you know what type of springs your garage door uses? Knowing this makes a big difference. Basically, garage door springs come in two types:

• Torsion springs are positioned above the door and twist to create tension.
• Extension springs run along the sides of the door and stretch to provide the required force.

Yet, how do you know if your garage door spring is failing? Look for these signs:

• Only half of the door opens.
• You heard a loud bang in the garage—your spring probably snapped.
• The door shuts too quickly.
• The spring has a gap in it.
• When you try to raise the door manually, it seems significantly heavier.
• When the garage door opens or closes, it looks uneven.
• When you use the door, you hear grinding or creaking sounds.

Is your door refusing to open smoothly? Do you hear loud bangs when operating the door? These could be signs of a broken spring. Due to heavy use or not enough upkeep, springs can wear out after years of use. Identifying these spring issues now can save you from bigger problems later.

Did you notice any of these signs? Reach out to an Omaha expert for a reliable garage door spring repair. With these signs in mind, let’s move on to why safety is so critical during repairs.

Why Safety Should Be Your Top Priority

Repairing garage door springs is not something you can take lightly. Did you know springs are under extreme tension? Because of this, handling them wrong can cause major injuries. Before doing any DIY repairs, let us go over some of the reasons you should not try to fix garage door spring on your own. This way, you can then get a sense of what you are getting into.

• Due to their extreme tension, springs have the potential to break and inflict serious harm abruptly.
• More harm results from improper repairs. Errors might cause the door system as a whole to malfunction.
• Absence of the right tools. To repair springs properly, garage door specialists need specialized tools.
• DIY repairs nullify warranties. In most cases, if you try to fix garage door springs yourself, the warranty on them will end.

Every year, about 30,000 people get injured by garage doors. Do not be one of them. Always prioritize your safety. Wear protective gear like gloves and safety glasses. Double-check your tools before starting, and never rush through the process. A careful approach is always the best approach.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Garage Door Spring

Before diving into the repair, do you have everything you need? Here is a quick checklist:

• Winding bars (not screwdrivers)
• A sturdy ladder
• Safety goggles and gloves
• Clamps to secure the door

Having the right tools on hand can make the repair process smoother and safer.

Step 1: Preparing for a Safe Spring Repair

To avoid accidentally opening the garage door, start by disconnecting the opener. Then, use clamps to hold the door firmly in place. This step will keep your garage door from moving while you are working. Lastly, inspect other parts of the door, like cables and tracks, for any additional damage.

Now that you have your garage door ready, let’s get into the actual process. Remember, if at any point you feel unsure, it is best to call a professional.

Step 2: Assess the Spring Damage

First, determine whether the spring is broken or just needs adjustment. Look for gaps in the spring or any obvious signs of wear. A broken spring usually requires replacement.

Step 3: Remove the Old Spring

To remove torsion springs, if you have one, use winding bars to remove tension carefully. For extension springs, unhook them from the track and safety cable. This step requires patience and precision.

Step 4: Install the New Garage Door Spring

Once the old spring is out, position the new spring in place. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper alignment. Secure everything tightly, but don’t overtighten, as this can cause issues.

Step 5: Test the Door

After installing the new spring, test the door by opening and closing it slowly. Does it move smoothly? If not, adjust the spring tension until it operates correctly. Take your time with this step.

When Should You Call a Pro to Fix Garage Door Spring?

Let’s face it: fixing garage door springs isn’t something everyone is up for doing by themselves, and that’s fine. So, how do you know when to call in an Omaha garage door expert?

If the spring is severely damaged, or you don’t have the right tools, it is best to leave the job to a professional. Similarly, if you are unsure about any part of the process, don’t risk it. Experts like Omaha Garage Door Repair have the experience and equipment to handle the job safely.

Omaha garage door experts save you time, effort, and the potential costs of making mistakes. Plus, they can inspect your entire garage door system to ensure everything is in top shape. So, why not let them handle the tough stuff?

Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Spring Repairs

Here are some of the most asked questions about spring repairs:

1. How long do garage door springs last? When used daily and with regular maintenance, these springs typically last 7–9 years.

2. Can you replace just one spring? Yes, but we still recommend replacing both for balanced performance.

3. What should I do if my garage door spring breaks? You should not use the door until you call a garage door repair Omaha service.

4. Are garage door springs covered by warranty? It depends on the manufacturer or installer; check your warranty details.

Garage Repair Service Near Me

Is your garage door spring broken? Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. At Omaha Garage Door Repair, we specialize in garage door spring repair to keep your door running smoothly. Whether it’s a quick garage spring replacement or a complete garage door repair, we’ve got you covered. Let us fix your garage door spring today and restore peace of mind. Call us now to schedule reliable service in Omaha!