Is It a Bad Idea to Replace Garage Springs Yourself?

Garage door springs play a crucial role in the functionality of your garage door. These springs uncontrollably, leading to serious injury or even fatalities.

The springs store a massive amount of energy, and if you don’t have the proper training, a small mistake could result in catastrophic consequences. This is one of the reasons that replacing garage springs is considered one of the most dangerous DIY tasks homeowners can attempt.

Injury Risk from the Spring Itself

Attempting to replace a spring yourself puts you at risk of being injured by the spring. If you fail to properly release the tension, the spring could snap, and its energy could cause the spring to fly across the room. The speed and force at which these springs unwind is a hazard that can cause significant harm.

Why Professional Help Is Essential

Specialized Training and Tools

Replacing garage springs requires specific knowledge and expertise. It’s not just about removing the broken spring and installing a new one. The professional technicians have the tools and understanding to handle the task safely since they have years of experience working with garage doors. Unless you have the necessary training, you should never attempt to replace the springs yourself.

Correct Spring Selection

Another reason professional help is necessary is to ensure that the replacement springs are the right size and type for your garage door. There are different springs for different types of doors, and it’s important to match the spring to the door’s weight and configuration. Incorrectly sized springs can cause the door to function improperly, leading to further issues down the road, including additional damage to your opener or even the possibility of a door falling.

What Could Go Wrong If You Do It Yourself?

Overworking Your Garage Door Opener

One of the biggest issues with attempting a DIY spring replacement is that if the springs are not properly calibrated, it can overstrain the opener motor. The opener, which is often mistaken for the primary lifting mechanism, is really just the “brain” of the system. The springs are the “muscle.” If the wrong size or faulty springs are used, your opener might have to work harder than it should, which could eventually burn out the motor.
I the opener is forced to do too much work due to incorrectly matched springs, it could break. This means that not only would you have to replace the springs, but you’d also have to deal with the cost of repairing or replacing the opener.

Unbalanced Door Damage

If you attempt to open the door with broken or improperly replaced springs, there is a major risk of self-injury and further damage to the door. Trying to lift the door by hand or forcing the opener to function when the springs are broken can cause the door to become crooked or even fall completely out of the tracks. A garage door can weigh anywhere from 150 to 400 pounds, so the risk of injury is significant.

The Importance of Proper Spring Installation

Preventing Future Problems

The process of replacing garage door springs isn’t just about removing the old ones and installing new ones. The balance of the door is critical to the overall system functioning properly. A garage door should only weigh about 5 pounds once the springs are in place, as the springs should support most of the weight. Without the correct balance, the opener will struggle to open and close the door, and it may lead to costly repairs down the line.

Professionals ensure that the new springs are properly wound, calibrated, and balanced, which is essential to the safe operation of your garage door system.

What to Do If Your Spring Breaks

Call a Professional Technician

If you notice your garage door spring is broken, do not attempt to repair or replace it yourself. The safest course of action is to call a professional technician who can replace the spring properly, perform a thorough inspection of the entire system, and ensure everything is working as it should.

Leave Garage Door Spring Replacement to the Experts

Garage door spring replacement might seem like a simple task, but it is fraught with risks. The spring tension, weight of the door, and proper balancing are all critical factors that require a trained professional’s expertise to handle safely. While it may seem tempting to save money with a DIY repair, the dangers and potential additional costs make it well worth hiring a professional. By calling in an expert, you ensure your garage door is repaired properly and, more importantly, safely.

Advice is clear: don’t attempt to replace garage springs yourself unless you have the proper training. Instead, trust a professional who can safely get your door back in working order, saving you time, money, and most importantly—ensuring your safety.