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Fix a garage door spring that is broken

We'll confirm the symptom, identify torsion vs extension springs, and tell you to call a pro—never work on springs yourself.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
5–10 min (diagnosis only; repair requires a technician)
What you'll need
  • None for diagnosis (do not attempt repair)
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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, identify the spring type, and call a garage door technician. Never work on springs yourself.

Confirm symptom

Goal: Verify the spring has failed before calling a technician.

  • Pull the manual release (red cord) and lift the door halfway by hand.
  • If the door is unusually heavy or will not stay open, the spring has failed. A properly balanced door lifts with moderate effort and stays open at any position.
  • Good: You have confirmed the spring is broken. Proceed to Identify spring type.
  • Bad: The door lifts normally—the spring may be fine; see Fix a garage door that opens slowly.

Identify spring type

Goal: Know torsion vs extension so you can describe it when you call a technician.

  • Torsion springs: horizontal rod above the door with coiled springs on each side. Look for a gap in the coil or an unwound spring.
  • Extension springs: vertical springs along each side of the door. Look for a broken cable, snapped spring, or spring off the pulley.
  • On torsion systems, check if a cable has come off the drum. Do not touch—call a pro.
  • Good: You know the type. Proceed to When to get help.
  • Bad: Unsure—still call a technician. They will identify and replace the spring.

When to get help

Never work on garage door springs yourself. Torsion springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury or death. Extension springs can snap and whip.

Call a garage door technician for spring replacement. Describe the symptom: door heavy, will not stay open, or visible broken spring. Mention the spring type if you identified it.

If the door is stuck open, do not force it. The technician will secure the door and replace the spring safely. Keep the door closed and avoid using the opener until repaired.

Verification

  • You have confirmed the door is heavy or will not stay open when lifted by hand.
  • You have identified the spring type (torsion or extension) or know to describe what you see.
  • You have contacted a garage door technician and scheduled the repair.
  • You have not attempted to wind, tension, or replace the spring yourself.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Verify the door is heavy or will not stay open when lifted by hand.
  2. Identify spring type Determine torsion (horizontal above door) or extension (vertical along sides).
  3. Call a pro Contact a garage door technician for spring replacement. Never work on springs yourself.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Spring type (torsion or extension)
  • Whether the door is stuck open or closed
  • Whether you see visible damage (gap, broken cable)
  • Steps already tried

Does the door feel heavy when lifted by hand or will not stay open?

Pull the manual release and lift the door halfway. If unusually heavy or it drops when released, the spring has failed.

Pull the manual release and lift the door halfway. Yes: Door is heavy or will not stay open—spring has failed. Proceed to identify type. No: If the door opens normally with the opener, the spring may be fine—see Fix a garage door that opens slowly or Fix an automatic garage door that will not open.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Can you identify the spring type?

Torsion: horizontal rod above the door with coils. Extension: vertical springs along each side.

Look at the springs. Torsion: Horizontal shaft above the door with coiled torsion springs—most common. Extension: Vertical extension springs along each side. Knowing the type helps when you call. Both require a pro—never work on springs yourself.
Question

Can you identify the spring type?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Call a garage door technician

Call a garage door technician for spring replacement. Never work on torsion springs or extension springs yourself—they are under high tension and can cause serious injury or death. Keep the door closed until repaired. Do not use the opener.

Done

Different problem

If the door opens with the opener and lifts with normal effort by hand, the spring may be fine. See Fix a garage door that opens slowly for lubrication and force limit, or Fix an automatic garage door that will not open if the door does not open at all.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a garage door spring break?
Springs fatigue over time from repeated cycles. Torsion springs typically last 10,000–20,000 cycles. Corrosion, poor lubrication, or a bent track can accelerate failure. When a spring breaks, the door becomes heavy and may not stay open.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
No. Torsion springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury or death if released incorrectly. Extension springs can snap and whip. Garage door technicians use proper tools and training. Call a pro for any spring replacement.
When should I call a technician for a broken garage door spring?
Call a garage door technician as soon as you confirm the spring is broken. Do not use the door or opener until repaired—the door can fall or operate unsafely. Never attempt spring work yourself.

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