Discover the safest way to replace garage door torsion springs. Step-by-step instructions for homeowners with essential safety tips!
Learning how to change garage door torsion springs may sound tricky, but this guide makes it easy to follow. With the right tools, safety gear, and clear steps, you can handle the job and save money. Take your time, stay safe, and make sure each step is done correctly.
Gather tools like winding bars, wrenches, gloves, safety glasses, and a strong ladder. Unplug the garage door opener and lock the door in place. Slowly release the spring tension, remove the old spring, and install the new one. For safety and top results, hire a garage door repair expert.
How Garage Door Torsion Springs Work
Before replacing them, know how torsion springs work. They’re mounted above the door and use torque to balance their weight. There are two types of torsion springs used in garage doors.
1. Standard Torsion Springs
Standard torsion springs are mounted above the garage door and wound in one direction. These springs are standard for single-spring systems. They help balance the door’s weight, making it easier to open and close without stressing the opener.
2. Dual Torsion Springs
Dual torsion springs are used for wide or heavy garage doors. They are installed on both sides of a center bracket and wound in opposite directions. This setup improves balance, reduces wear on parts, and helps the door move more evenly and safely.
Safety Steps Before Garage Door Repair
Since torsion springs store tremendous energy, safety should be your top priority. Follow these precautions before attempting to change garage door torsion springs:
1. Wear Protective Gear
Always wear safety glasses and gloves before starting any garage door repair. These items protect your hands from sharp edges and your eyes from flying parts. Proper gear helps prevent injuries, especially when dealing with spring tension and metal parts.
2. Disconnect the Garage Door Opener
Unplug the garage door opener before you start working. This stops the opener from turning on by accident while you’re handling springs or cables. Keeping the opener off ensures you stay safe during the repair or replacement process.
3. Secure the Door in Place
To prevent the garage door from moving while you work, use locking pliers or C-clamps on the tracks just above the rollers. This holds the door in place and keeps it from falling, which helps avoid injury or damage during the job.
4. Use the Right Tools
Always use proper winding bars and tools designed for garage door spring work. Avoid using screwdrivers or makeshift items, as they can slip and cause serious injury. The right tools make the garage door repair safer, easier, and more accurate.
5. Work with a Partner
Garage door springs can be tricky and dangerous. Having someone help can make things safer and faster. A partner can hold tools, steady the ladder, or assist in handling heavy parts, making the process smoother and more secure.
Tools You’ll Need to Fix a Garage Door
Fixing garage door torsion springs safely starts with having the right tools ready. These tools help you handle the job smoothly and avoid injury. Here are the tools you’ll need:
1. Winding Bars
You need two strong winding bars around 18 to 24 inches long. These tools help control the tension in the garage door springs. Never use screwdrivers because they can slip and cause injuries.
2. Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench helps tighten or loosen bolts of different sizes on your garage door. It adjusts easily to fit various parts, making it a must-have tool when replacing or adjusting garage door springs.
3. Vice Grips or Locking Pliers
Vice grips or locking pliers keep the torsion tube steady while you work. They stop the garage door from moving, which adds safety and helps you stay in control during spring replacement.
4. Socket Wrench Set
A socket wrench set is excellent for removing or tightening bolts quickly. It gives you a solid grip, works well in tight spaces, and helps you handle garage door parts with less effort and more safety.
5. Steel Measuring Tape
Use a steel measuring tape to check the size of your old garage door springs. This step is important to make sure your new springs are the right match and will help the door work properly.
6. Ladder
A sturdy ladder helps you reach the springs safely. Never use chairs or boxes because they can tip over easily. A ladder gives you balance and height, helping you work better and avoid dangerous accidents.
7. New Torsion Springs
Buy new torsion springs that match the old ones in size and weight. The right springs help your garage door open and close smoothly, keeping the system balanced and safe for daily use.
Easy Steps to Change Garage Door Torsion Springs
Step 1: Measure and Purchase the Correct Springs
Before removing the old springs, measure their length, inside diameter, and wire size. Also, check whether they are left-handed or right-handed. Purchase replacement springs that match these specifications.
Step 2: Release Tension from the Old Springs
This is the most dangerous part of the process. Follow these steps carefully:
- Insert a winding bar into one of the holes on the winding cone.
- Slowly turn the bar to unwind the spring (usually counterclockwise for right-wound springs).
- Once the tension is released, remove the set screws holding the spring to the center bracket and shaft.
- Repeat for the second spring if your door has dual springs.
Step 3: Remove the Old Springs
With the tension fully released, slide the springs off the torsion tube. You may need to loosen the stationary cones at each end.
Step 4: Install the New Torsion Springs
- Slide the new springs onto the torsion tube, ensuring they are oriented correctly (left-wound on the left, right-wound on the right for dual systems).
- Secure the stationary cones at each end.
- Tighten the set screws on the winding cones but leave them loose enough to adjust later.
Step 5: Wind the New Springs
Winding the springs requires precision:
- Insert a winding bar into the cone and turn it (usually clockwise for right-wound springs) to create tension.
- Each complete turn is called a “quarter-turn” (90 degrees). Most residential doors require 30-40 quarter-turns.
- Use a second winding bar to hold tension while making adjustments.
Step 6: Reattach Cables and Test Balance
Once the springs are wound:
- Reattach the lift cables to the bottom brackets.
- Remove any clamps securing the door.
- Manually lift the door halfway; the springs are balanced if it stays in place. If it falls or rises, adjust the tension accordingly.
Step 7: Lubricate and Final Checks
Apply new garage door lubricant to the springs and rollers. Test the door’s operation several times to ensure smooth movement.
When to Call a Garage Door Professional
While this guide covers how to change garage door torsion springs, some situations require professional help:
- If you’re uncomfortable working under tension
- If the door still doesn’t balance correctly after adjustments
- If the springs break again shortly after replacement (indicating a bigger issue)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace a torsion spring myself?
No, replacing a garage door torsion spring by yourself is unsafe. The spring is tight and can snap. This can hurt you. It’s best to call a trained technician. They can safely replace the garage door torsion spring and ensure it works correctly.
How much does replacing a torsion spring on a garage door cost?
The cost to replace a garage door torsion spring is usually between $150 and $300, depending on your door and where you live. Contact Affordable Garage Door Repairs of Indianapolis to book an appointment and get a quote from a trusted pro.
How often must you replace a torsion spring on a garage door?
A garage door torsion spring usually lasts 7 to 9 years. If you open and close your door often, the spring may wear out sooner. It’s time to replace it when it breaks or wears down.
How do I know which garage torsion spring I need?
To pick the right garage door torsion spring, you need to know the door’s size, weight, and spring’s shape. It’s hard to measure independently, so it’s best to ask a garage door repair expert for help.
Are garage door springs easy to replace?
No, garage door springs are not easy to replace. They are tight and can snap if handled incorrectly, which can be dangerous. A trained garage door technician should replace a garage door spring to keep you safe and ensure the door works.
Conclusion
Fixing a garage door can seem hard, but learning how to change garage door torsion springs helps you make smart choices. With the right tools and simple steps, you can stay safe and handle the job better, especially if you’re dealing with a broken garage spring.
We provide safe and reliable service that saves you time and trouble. While doing it yourself is possible, torsion springs can be dangerous. Our team knows how to fix the problem correctly and ensure that your garage door works smoothly and safely.
Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. If you’re unsure what to do, call us at (317)-372-5337. Trust Affordable Garage Door Repairs Indianapolis for expert garage door repair that keeps your home safe and your door working right.
End Note
If you need a trusted company for the best garage door opener, Affordable Garage Door Repairs of Indianapolis is here to help. We offer strong, smooth-working openers built to last. Visit our website to find the best option for your home today.
We also provide expert garage door maintenance to keep everything running well. Our Contemporary Collection offers stylish doors that add curb appeal. We proudly serve Marion, IN, and nearby areas. Learn more about us on the About page and view past projects in our Gallery.
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1111 E 54th St suite 171, Indianapolis, IN 46220, United States
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