Learn how to safely change garage door torsion springs with our step-by-step guide and avoid serious injury.
Garage door torsion springs play a crucial role in your garage door’s safe and smooth operation. The door can become extremely heavy, unbalanced, and dangerous when these springs wear out or break. Suppose you’ve been wondering how to change garage door torsion springs. In that case, it’s essential to realize that this task involves high tension, specialized tools, and a clear understanding of mechanical safety. Attempting it without the proper experience can result in serious injury or further damage to the door system.
Turning to professionals is the best choice for homeowners unsure about tackling this repair. Ascension Garage Door Service offers expert assistance and ensures every spring replacement is performed safely and correctly. Their technicians are trained to handle the complex process precisely, saving you time and protecting your home. Whether you’re dealing with a broken spring or want to avoid future issues, relying on their service gives you peace of mind and long-lasting performance.
Understanding the Role of Torsion Springs in Garage Doors
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above your garage door and are responsible for counterbalancing its weight. As the door opens or closes, these springs wind or unwind to provide the necessary force.
What Happens When Torsion Springs Fail?
When torsion springs break or wear out, your garage door may:
- Become uneven or imbalanced
- Produce loud snapping or popping noises
- Refuse to open or close properly
Most concerning is the safety risk. A broken spring can cause the door to slam shut unexpectedly or fall without warning, damaging property or injuring people.
Is It Safe to Change Torsion Springs Yourself?
Changing a torsion spring is not like swapping out a light bulb; it’s a high-tension operation that comes with serious risks. The keyword here is tension. Torsion springs are wound tightly and can release dangerous energy if mishandled.
Torsion Springs Are Under High Tension
These springs hold enough tension to lift a 200-pound door. If that energy is released suddenly, due to a slip, wrong tool, or improper technique, it can cause severe injury. Many DIY attempts have ended in lacerations, broken bones, or worse.
If you’re not entirely confident in your mechanical skills, it’s time to call in professionals like Ascension Garage Door Service, whose technicians are trained to perform spring replacements safely.
Tools and Safety Gear You’ll Need
If you are determined to learn how to change garage door torsion springs yourself, here are the tools and safety items you must have:
- Winding bars (never use screwdrivers)
- Vice grips or locking pliers
- Clamps to secure the door
- Sockets or adjustable wrenches
- Safety glasses and heavy-duty gloves
Most homeowners lack this specialized gear, but Ascension Garage Door Service technicians arrive fully equipped and ready to complete the job safely and efficiently.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Garage Door Torsion Springs
Below is a simplified educational guide. This is not an endorsement of DIY repairs, but it can help you understand the process.
Step 1 – Disconnect Power and Lock the Door in Place
Unplug your garage door opener and clamp the door down with locking pliers so it doesn’t move while you’re working.
Step 2 – Unwind the Old Torsion Spring
Insert the winding bars into the winding cone and slowly release the tension by turning them one-quarter turn at a time. Stand to the side, never directly in front of the bar.
Step 3 – Remove the Old Springs
Using a wrench, loosen the set screws on the torsion cone. Carefully slide the old springs off the torsion bar.
Step 4 – Install the New Torsion Springs
Slide the new spring onto the torsion bar, ensuring correct placement with the center bearing plate and stationary cone. Orientation matters; the right and left side springs are wound differently.
Step 5 – Wind the New Springs Safely
Apply the correct number of turns using winding bars per the manufacturer’s specifications. This step involves the highest tension, so extreme care is essential.
Step 6 – Test the Door and Apply Lubrication
Remove the clamps and test the door balance. A properly balanced door should stay in place when opened halfway. Apply garage door lubricant to springs and moving parts.
When to Call a Professional Instead
While some garage door adjustments are manageable, there are clear signs it’s safer to step back and contact a trained expert. You should call Ascension Garage Door Service immediately if:
- You don’t have the correct tools for spring tensioning or track alignment.
- Your springs are unfamiliar, especially if it’s a double-torsion setup.
- The door feels extremely heavy or is visibly off-track.
- You’re uncertain about any step in the adjustment process.
Garage doors operate under high tension. One small mistake can result in serious injury. Trust Ascension Garage Door Service to handle repairs safely and professionally.
How Ascension Garage Door Service Handles Torsion Spring Replacement
Torsion spring replacement isn’t just a repair; it’s a safety-critical procedure that demands experience, precision, and proper tools. At Ascension Garage Door Service, the process is handled with the utmost care to ensure your garage door functions safely and reliably for years. Their team understands the tension-loaded nature of torsion springs, and they use advanced techniques to remove, replace, and recalibrate the system without damaging your door or opener.
When you hire Ascension Garage Door Service, you’re getting more than a basic repair—you’re investing in expert craftsmanship and total peace of mind. Here’s what sets them apart:
- Licensed, trained professionals who understand the mechanics of all major garage door systems
- Precision tools and techniques to ensure safe spring removal and installation
- High-quality, long-lasting replacement springs designed for durability and performance
- 24/7 emergency repair services for urgent spring failures
- Complete door system inspections to spot related issues like cable wear or misaligned tracks
- Safety checks and balance testing after installation to confirm proper tension and movement
Their team prioritizes safety, efficiency, and long-term value, so homeowners across the region trust Ascension for dependable, top-tier garage door spring service.
FAQs About Garage Door Torsion Spring Replacement
How do I know which garage torsion spring I need?
To determine the correct garage torsion spring, measure the spring’s wire size, inside diameter, and overall length. Also, consider the wind direction and the weight of your garage door. These measurements ensure the spring matches your door’s balance and operational requirements for safe and efficient use.
How do you know if your garage door torsion spring is bad?
Signs of a bad torsion spring include difficulty opening the door, visible gaps in the coil, a loud snap, or a crooked door. If the door feels heavy or only opens a few inches, the spring may be broken or worn out, requiring immediate attention to prevent further damage.
Can I open my garage door if the torsion spring is broken?
Opening a garage door with a broken torsion spring is dangerous and not recommended. The spring supports the door’s weight; without it, it becomes cumbersome. Attempting to lift it manually or with the opener can cause injury or equipment damage. Always seek professional repair first.
What is the lifespan of a garage door spring?
The average lifespan of a garage door spring is 7 to 10 years or about 10,000 cycles, depending on daily use. High-cycle springs can last longer, up to 20,000 cycles. Regular maintenance and proper balance checks can extend the spring’s life and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Can I use a bigger torsion spring on my garage door?
Using a bigger torsion spring may seem like a solution, but it can create more harm than good. Oversized springs can cause excessive tension, leading to door imbalance and hardware strain. Always use springs that match your door’s size and weight for safe, reliable operation.
Final Thoughts: Choose Safety and Precision with Ascension
If you’re learning how to change garage door torsion springs, knowing the risks is essential. Torsion springs are under extreme tension, and even a small mistake can cause serious injury. That’s why so many homeowners trust Ascension Garage Door Service. Their trained professionals replace springs safely, efficiently, and with expert care you can rely on.
Attempting to fix garage door springs yourself can lead to costly damage or worse. Choosing Ascension Garage Door Service means choosing safety, precision, and peace of mind. If you’re unsure how to change garage door torsion springs, let their team handle it correctly. Contact them today for fast, expert service that keeps your home running smoothly.
End Note
Ascension Garage Door Service is your go-to source for fast, reliable repairs and customized solutions. From expert garage door repair to specialized commercial garage door services, our team works with precision and professionalism. Visit the About Us page to learn about our mission and team and see why clients trust us across Colorado.
We also install modern LiftMaster systems and provide expert gate installations to enhance access and security. Browse through our wide selection of garage door types for a perfect fit. Visit ascensiongaragedoorservice.com to view services, and contact us when you’re ready to get started.
Ascension Garage Door Service
2175 N Academy Blvd Ste 200-5, Colorado Springs, CO 80909, United States
+17196393608