What to Do When Garage Door Spring Snapped

A garage door spring snapping can be a serious inconvenience and a potential safety hazard. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do when your garage door spring breaks, including safety measures, step-by-step instructions, and when to call a professional.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure Safety

1. Stop Using the Door: Avoid operating the garage door. Using it can cause further damage and pose a safety risk.
2. Disconnect the Opener: Unplug the garage door opener to prevent any accidental operation.
3. Keep Distance: Stay clear of the door to avoid injury from any sudden movements.

Inspect the Damage

• Look for visible signs of a broken spring. A torsion spring will show a gap in the coil, while an extension spring may hang loosely or show signs of wear.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Types of Springs

1. Torsion Springs: Located above the door, they use torque to lift the door.
2. Extension Springs: Found alongside the tracks, they stretch to provide lifting force.

Both types need to be in perfect working order to balance the door’s weight, making it easy to open and close.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Torsion Springs

Gather Tools and Materials

• Safety goggles, gloves, winding bars, wrench set, C-clamps, and replacement springs.

Safety Precautions

1. Disconnect the Opener: Unplug the opener to prevent accidental operation.
2. Secure the Door: Use C-clamps or locking pliers to keep the door in place.

Releasing Tension

• Insert winding bars into the winding cone of the torsion spring and carefully unwind it.

Removing the Old Springs

• Detach the springs from the torsion bar and remove any remaining hardware.

Installing New Springs

1. Place New Springs: Slide the new springs onto the torsion bar.
2. Secure Drums and Cables: Attach the torsion spring drums and cables.
3. Wind the Springs: Wind the new springs according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Final Checks

• Remove the clamps, reconnect the opener, and test the door for smooth operation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Extension Springs

Secure the Door

• Open the door fully and secure it with a step ladder or clamps.

Removing Old Springs

1. Disconnect Safety Cable: Remove the safety cable from the old spring.
2. Unhook Spring: Disconnect the spring from the brackets and tracks.

Installing New Springs

1. Attach Springs: Hook the new springs onto the appropriate brackets.
2. Secure Safety Cables: Ensure the safety cables are intact and correctly installed.

Final Adjustments

• Adjust the tension by changing the attachment points on the track until the door is balanced.

When to Call a Professional

Lack of Experience

• If you’ve never replaced garage door springs, the high tension involved can be dangerous.

Safety Concerns

• Professional technicians have the tools and expertise to handle the job safely.

Time and Convenience

• Professionals can complete the job quickly and efficiently.

Warranty and Guarantee

• Many professionals offer warranties on their work, providing peace of mind.

Detailed Table on What to Do When Garage Door Spring Snapped

Step	Action	Description
1	Ensure Safety	Stop using the door, disconnect the opener, keep distance.
2	Inspect Damage	Check for visible signs of a broken spring.
3	Gather Tools	Safety gear, winding bars, wrenches, C-clamps, replacement springs.
4	Secure Door	Use C-clamps to keep the door in place.
5	Release Tension	Carefully unwind the broken torsion spring.
6	Remove Old Spring	Detach the spring from the torsion bar.
7	Install New Spring	Slide on the new spring, secure drums and cables, wind the spring.
8	Final Checks	Remove clamps, reconnect opener, test door.

In-Depth Questions

What should I do immediately after a garage door spring snaps?

After a garage door spring snaps, the first step is to ensure safety. Avoid using the door, disconnect the opener to prevent accidental operation, and keep a safe distance. Inspect the damage to determine if the spring is visibly broken or if the door is hanging unevenly. Contact a professional if you are unsure about handling the repair yourself.

How can I tell if my garage door spring is broken?

Signs of a broken garage door spring include a loud bang, difficulty in lifting the door, the door hanging unevenly, or visible gaps in the torsion spring. For extension springs, look for loose hanging springs or issues with the door’s alignment.

Is it safe to replace a garage door spring myself?

Replacing a garage door spring can be dangerous due to the high tension involved. If you lack experience, it’s safer to hire a professional. Technicians have the necessary tools and expertise to handle the job safely, ensuring the longevity and proper functioning of your garage door.

What are the benefits of hiring a professional for garage door spring replacement?

Hiring a professional ensures safety, as they are equipped to handle high-tension springs. They come with the right tools and parts, complete the job efficiently, and often provide warranties on their work. This saves you time and reduces the risk of injury or further damage to your garage door.

Conclusion

A snapped garage door spring can be a serious issue, but with the right steps, it can be resolved safely and efficiently. Always prioritize safety by disconnecting the opener and securing the door. While DIY replacement is possible, the risks involved often make hiring a professional the best option. For expert garage door spring repair and replacement, contact Atlanta Garage Doors to ensure your door is back in working order quickly and safely.

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