Garage door springs are essential for balancing the weight of the door, allowing your opener to lift and lower it with ease. When a spring breaks, it can leave you wondering if you can still operate the door manually. While it’s possible to manually open a garage door with a broken spring, doing so can be difficult, risky, and potentially cause further damage. In this article, we’ll explore whether it’s safe to open a garage door with a broken spring manually and what steps you should take if you find yourself in this situation.
How Garage Door Springs Work
To understand why a broken spring makes manual operation challenging, it’s helpful first to understand the role of springs in the garage door system.
There are two primary types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Both types are responsible for counterbalancing the door’s weight, allowing the opener to lift and lower it easily.
- Torsion springs are mounted above the door and twist to store energy that is released when the door is raised or lowered.
- Extension springs are located along the sides of the door and stretch and contract to lift and lower the door.
When one of these springs breaks, the garage door becomes unbalanced, and the motor or opener has to work much harder. This makes it difficult to operate the door as it was designed to be, whether manually or with the opener.
Will a Garage Door Work With a Broken Spring?
Yes, forcing a garage door open with a broken spring is a bad idea. The springs counterbalance the door, so when one breaks the full weight shifts to the door and the opener, which can strip gears, bend rails, fray cables, misalign tracks, crack panels, and burn out the motor. It also creates a serious safety hazard since the door can drop suddenly and cause injury or damage. If you must get the door open in an emergency, disconnect the opener with the release cord while the door is fully closed, have at least two adults lift evenly, keep hands and feet clear, and secure the door with locking clamps or sturdy props before letting go. The best fix is to keep it closed and call a qualified technician to replace the spring.
Can I Manually Open a Garage Door if the Spring Is Broken?
Yes, it is possible to open a garage door manually when the spring is broken, but it’s not recommended unless necessary. Here’s why:
How to Open a Garage Door if the Torsion Spring Is Broken and Why It’s Difficult to Open the Door
- Heavy Door: Without the assistance of the spring, the weight of the garage door is fully supported by you when trying to lift it manually. Depending on the type of door, it can weigh anywhere from 100 to 400 pounds or more. Lifting such a heavy door without the proper counterbalance can be physically strenuous and hazardous, especially for individuals who are not accustomed to heavy lifting.
- Unbalanced Door: If only one spring is broken, the door will be unevenly balanced, causing it to lean or tilt to one side. This imbalance can make it even harder to open the door manually and can potentially cause it to become stuck in the tracks, creating additional issues.
- Risk of Damage: Forcing the door open manually with a broken spring can cause the door to become misaligned, damage the tracks, or harm other components of the garage door system. The increased strain on other components could result in more expensive repairs down the road.
Is It Bad to Force Open the Garage While the Spring Is Broken? Yes, Here Is Why: The Risk of Injury
There is also a safety risk associated with manually opening a garage door with a broken spring. The tension that’s released from the spring can cause the door to come down suddenly or unpredictably, creating a serious hazard. If you attempt to lift or adjust the door manually, there’s a risk of injury to your back, shoulders, or arms from the heavy load. Additionally, if the door is unbalanced, it could fall off its tracks, potentially causing damage to the door or even causing it to fall unexpectedly.
Steps to Manually Open the Door (If You Must)
If you absolutely must open your garage door manually with a broken spring, here’s what you should do:
1. Disconnect the Opener
Before attempting to open the door manually, disconnect the garage door opener from the door. This can typically be done by pulling the emergency release cord. This cord, usually red, is located near the opener and is designed to disengage the door from the motor. Once disengaged, you’ll be able to lift the door manually.
2. Check for Any Obstructions
Ensure the tracks are clear of debris and that nothing is blocking the door’s path. If there’s something in the way, it could prevent the door from moving properly, making it even more challenging to open.
3. Lift the Door Slowly and Carefully
With the door disconnected from the opener, you can attempt to lift it manually. Ensure that you do this slowly and carefully to avoid injury. Try to lift the door from the bottom, ensuring your hands are clear of the tracks and rollers. It’s best to have at least one other person help, as handling such a heavy door alone can be challenging.
- If the door is too heavy or you’re unable to lift it, do not continue trying to force it open. It may be best to leave the door closed until professional help arrives.
4. Secure the Door
Once the door is open, make sure it is adequately supported and won’t fall unexpectedly. Some garage doors have manual locks or brackets that can be used to secure the door in place. If your door doesn’t have a lock, consider using a sturdy piece of wood or another form of temporary support to keep the door from coming down.
What to Do After You Open the Door
Once you’ve managed to open the door, it’s important not to attempt to close it manually without proper support from a working spring. You may have to leave the door open until the spring is repaired or replaced. The door should not be used until the spring issue is resolved, as repeatedly attempting to open or close the door with a broken spring can cause further damage.
It’s always safest to contact a professional garage door technician to replace the broken spring and repair any other components that may have been affected. A technician will be able to assess the damage properly, replace the spring safely, and ensure the door is functioning correctly.
Is It Bad to Force Open the Garage While the Spring Is Broken?
While it is technically possible to open a garage door manually with a broken spring, it is not advised for several reasons:
- Physical strain: Lifting a heavy, unbalanced door can cause injury.
- Safety hazards: Without the spring’s assistance, the door may fall or become misaligned.
- Potential damage: Forcing the door open can damage the door, tracks, or opener.
Instead of manually operating the door, it’s always best to call a professional to inspect the garage door system, replace the spring, and ensure the door operates smoothly and safely.
Always Seek Professional Help for a Broken Spring
If your garage door spring is broken, it’s best to avoid manually opening the door unless necessary. The risks associated with attempting to lift a heavy and unbalanced door are significant, and manually operating the door can cause further damage to the system. The safest and most efficient solution is to call a professional technician from Don’s Garage Doors to replace the broken spring and restore the door’s functionality.
By contacting a professional for repairs, you can ensure that your garage door is fixed correctly, preventing any future issues and avoiding potential safety hazards.