Opening a Garage Door with a Broken Spring

A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners

When your garage door spring breaks, that can be a frustrating experience. It can make your garage door off limits, leaving you unable to access your vehicle or belongings. It is important to contact a professional like those at Cheney Door Companyfor garage door spring replacement.

Garage door springs hold a lot of tension and are therefore potentially very dangerous. They can even cause death or injury. For that reason, we do not recommend that you try to open your garage door if it has a broken spring. However, if you need to get your vehicle out and are willing to take the necessary risks, there are temporary measures you can take to open a garage door with a broken spring.

Opening a Garage Door with Broken Spring

You can open a garage door that has a broken torsion spring, but it will take some amount of manual effort. You should not try to use your garage door opener. Since a broken spring will not help lift the heavy door, using your opener could burn out the motor.

Safety Note: It’s crucial to exercise caution and prioritize safety when attempting to open a garage door with a broken spring. If you are uncomfortable or unsure about any step, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance.

6 Steps To Opening Garage Door with Broken Spring

Step 1: Disconnect the Garage Door Opener

Locate the emergency release handle on the garage door opener. It is usually a red cord or handle hanging from the center rail. Pull down on the handle to disengage the opener from the door mechanism. This will allow you to manually operate the door.

Step 2: Secure the Door

Once the opener is disconnected, secure the garage door in its current position to prevent it from falling suddenly. Place a sturdy object, such as a wooden block or vice grip, under the door to keep it in place.

Step 3: Have Helpers

Opening a garage door with a broken spring can be physically demanding and potentially dangerous. Enlist the help of a strong and capable assistant to ensure a smoother process when you lift the garage door.

Step 4: Lift the Door Manually

Position yourself on one side of the garage door while your assistant stands on the other side. Grab the bottom of the door with your hands, maintaining a firm grip, and begin lifting it manually. Use your legs to generate power and distribute the weight evenly.

Step 5: Lift in Sections

To minimize strain, lift the door in small sections rather than attempting to lift it all at once. Lift the door a few feet and have your assistant place a sturdy object, such as a step ladder or wooden block, under the door to support it. Repeat this process until the door is fully open.

Step 6: Secure the Open Door

Once the garage door is open, secure it to prevent it from closing. Use C-clamps or locking pliers to secure the door tracks just above the rollers to prevent the door from sliding back down.

Safety First: Dealing with a Broken Garage Door Spring

Opening a garage door with a broken spring is only a temporary solution. Following these steps will allow you to access your garage until you can get a professional garage door repair. Call Cheney Door Company or another reputable repair company to come and safely repair your garage door.

Remember, it’s crucial to exercise caution and seek professional assistance for spring replacement to ensure your safety and prevent further damage.

Contact Cheney Door Company by calling us at one of our Kansas locations or you can send us a message to request service online.