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How To Replace A Broken Garage Door Torsion Spring

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Let’s be real: a broken garage door torsion spring is like that one friend who ruins the party by showing up uninvited. One minute your door’s gliding smoothly, and the next—BANG!—you’re staring at a metal coil that’s decided to retire mid-shift. If you’re here, you’ve probably got a spring that’s thrown in the towel, and you’re ready to tackle this yourself. But before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight: this job is dangerous. Torsion springs are under insane tension—like, “Hulk-on-a-bad-day” levels of force. So, if you’re not 100% confident, call the pros (we’ll circle back to that later). For the brave souls sticking around, let’s roll up our sleeves.

Step 1: Safety First (No, Seriously)

Look, we’re all for DIY heroics, but garage door springs don’t mess around. A snapped spring can cause serious injury or turn your tools into projectiles. Here’s how to prep like a pro:

Disconnect the opener: No one wants the door suddenly moving mid-repair.
Lock the door in place: Use C-clamps on the tracks to keep it from crashing down.
Gear up: Safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toe boots aren’t optional. Trust us, your future self will thank you.

FYI, if you’re already sweating bullets reading this, Silver Garage Doors in Mississauga handles garage door spring repair daily. Sometimes, calling for backup is the smartest move.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools (No, Duct Tape Won’t Work)

You’ll need:

Winding bars (two of them—this isn’t a one-tool job)
Socket wrench set
Vice grips
Ladder
New torsion spring (match the specs of your old one—length, wire size, and wind direction)

Pro tip: If your spring looks like it’s been through a demolition derby, check the garage door track and cables too. Garage door track repair or garage door cable repair often tag along with spring issues.

Step 3: Release the Tension (The Heart-Pounding Part)

Here’s where things get real. The spring is wound tightly, and you’ll need to unwind it safely:

Locate the winding cone: It’s the metal piece at the end of the spring.
Insert winding bars: Slide the first bar into a hole on the cone, then the second bar below it.
Slowly unwind: Ease the tension by turning the bars toward the ceiling. Keep a firm grip—no sudden moves.

Rhetorical question: Why does this feel like disarming a bomb? Because it kinda is. One wrong twist, and… well, let’s not think about that.

Step 4: Swap the Spring (The “Easy” Part)

Once the old spring is loose, remove it from the torsion tube. Install the new spring, making sure it’s oriented the same way (left-wind vs. right-wind matters!). Secure it with the set screws, then…

Rewind the spring: Use the winding bars to twist it back to the correct tension. Most residential doors need 30–35 quarter-turns. Count aloud—distractions here are a bad idea.

Step 5: Test the Door (And Pray)

Slowly release the clamps and test the door manually. If it balances halfway open, you’ve nailed the tension. If it’s stubborn or slams shut, recheck your work.

When to Call Silver Garage Doors (Hint: Now’s a Good Time)

Let’s cut the bravado: garage door spring repair is risky, time-consuming, and easy to botch. If you’re in Mississauga or Oakville and thinking, “I’d rather binge Netflix than wrestle springs,” we get it. At Silver Garage Doors, we handle everything from automatic garage door opener installation to commercial garage door repair. Plus, our team’s got the tools and experience to make your door quieter than a library (looking at you, noisy garage door enthusiasts).

Not convinced? Here’s why DIY might backfire:

Incorrect tension: Too loose? The door won’t stay open. Too tight? Your opener burns out.
Hidden damage: Broken springs often strain cables, tracks, or rollers.
Time vs. cost: Sure, you’ll save a few bucks, but is 4 hours of stress worth it? IMO… nope.

Cost Breakdown: DIY vs. Professional Repair

Let’s talk numbers. A new torsion spring costs $40–$100, but professional installation (including labor) runs $150–$350. For context, here’s a quick table:

Factor	DIY	Pro Repair
Safety Risk	High	None
Time Investment	2–4 hours	1–2 hours
Warranty	None	Usually included
Hidden Issues Fixed	Unlikely	Guaranteed

4 Common Questions (Answered Without Judgement)

Q: How do I know if my torsion spring is broken?
A: The door won’t open, or it’s extremely heavy to lift manually. You might also hear a loud snap (cue the heart attack).

Q: Can I replace just one spring?
A: If you have two springs, replace both. Otherwise, the remaining one will overwork and snap sooner.

Q: Why is my garage door suddenly so noisy?
A: Worn springs, loose hardware, or track misalignment. We offer garage door service in Oakville and Mississauga to silence the racket.

Q: How long do torsion springs last?
A: 7–12 years, depending on use. Pro tip: Lubricate them annually to extend their life.

Final Thoughts: Know When to Fold ‘Em

Replacing a torsion spring is like doing your own dental work—possible, but why risk it? If you’re in over your head (or just value your free time), Silver Garage Doors is here to help. Whether it’s garage door replacement, garage door capping, or automatic garage door opener installation, our Mississauga team’s got your back.

And hey, if you do tackle this yourself? Send pics. We’ll admire your courage… from a safe distance.

Need a hand? Give us a shout for garage door repair near me in Mississauga or Oakville. We’ll handle the heavy lifting (and the Hulk-like springs).

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