A garage door that won’t open can instantly disrupt your day—especially when you’re in a hurry or your car is trapped inside. Many homeowners search how to get garage door open with broken spring because this is one of the most common and alarming garage door failures. This guide explains safe, realistic options to open the door temporarily—without causing injury or expensive damage.
Important Safety Warning (Read First)
A broken garage door spring is not a minor issue. Springs are under extreme tension and are responsible for lifting 150–300 pounds of door weight.
⚠️ Never attempt to repair or replace a garage door spring yourself unless you are trained and equipped. This guide focuses only on temporarily opening the door in an emergency.
Read too: How to Perform a Chamberlain Garage Door Opener Code Change? Mastering Security
For background on how garage door springs work and why they’re dangerous, see this overview on Wikipedia.
How Do You Know If a Garage Door Spring Is Broken?
Before attempting to open the door, confirm the problem.
Common Signs of a Broken Spring
- Loud bang or snap from the garage
- Door opens a few inches then stops
- Garage door feels extremely heavy
- Crooked or uneven door movement
- Visible gap in the torsion spring
If you notice two or more of these signs, assume the spring is broken.
Why Garage Doors Are Dangerous With Broken Springs
When springs break, the opener or your body must handle the full door weight.
Main Risks
- Door can slam shut suddenly
- Opener motor can burn out
- Cables may come off tracks
- Serious hand, back, or head injuries
This is why professionals treat spring failure as a high-risk repair.
Can You Open a Garage Door With a Broken Spring?
Yes—but only temporarily, and only with caution.
What You Can and Cannot Do
✔ Open the door once in an emergency
✔ Use manual release properly
✔ Get help from another adult
❌ Do NOT keep using the opener
❌ Do NOT force the door alone
❌ Do NOT attempt spring repair
How To Get Garage Door Open With Broken Spring (Step-by-Step)
Method 1: Manual Lift (Safest Emergency Option)
What You’ll Need
- 2 strong adults
- Closed-toe shoes
- Work gloves
Step-by-Step
- Disconnect power to the opener
- Pull the emergency release cord (red handle)
- Position one person on each side of the door
- Lift slowly and evenly using legs—not back
- Raise door fully and lock it in place
- Secure door with clamps or locking pliers on tracks
⏱ Time required: 5–10 minutes
⚠️ If the door feels impossible to lift, stop immediately.
Method 2: Using the Opener (NOT Recommended, Last Resort Only)
This method risks damaging the motor and should only be used if manual lifting is impossible.
Steps
- Clear all people and objects
- Press opener button briefly (1–2 seconds)
- Stop immediately if door strains or tilts
- Never attempt multiple cycles
🚫 Do not use this method on heavy doors.
Torsion Spring vs Extension Spring: What Changes?
Torsion Spring Systems
- Mounted above door
- Door becomes extremely heavy when broken
- Manual lifting is very difficult
Extension Spring Systems
- Mounted along tracks
- Door may lift unevenly
- Higher risk of cable failure
💡 Torsion spring failures are more dangerous due to sudden weight transfer.
How Heavy Is a Garage Door Without Springs?
| Door Type | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Single steel door | 130–180 lbs |
| Double steel door | 200–300 lbs |
| Wood door | 300+ lbs |
Without springs, you are lifting all of this weight.
What NOT To Do With a Broken Garage Door Spring
- ❌ Do not remove cables
- ❌ Do not loosen brackets
- ❌ Do not wedge door open with objects
- ❌ Do not let children near the door
- ❌ Do not operate repeatedly
These mistakes often lead to serious injuries or total door failure.
Should You Leave the Door Open or Closed?
This depends on your situation.
Leave It Open If:
- Car is trapped
- Door is fully secured
- Weather conditions are safe
Leave It Closed If:
- Door is partially open
- Door cannot be secured
- High wind or storm risk
An unsecured open door is a major safety hazard.
Temporary Securing Methods
If the door is open:
- Use locking pliers on both tracks
- Use C-clamps above rollers
- Block area to prevent access
Never rely on the opener to hold the door.
How Much Does Spring Replacement Usually Cost?
While costs vary by location:
| Repair Type | Typical Cost (US) |
|---|---|
| Single spring | $150–250 |
| Double springs | $200–350 |
| Emergency service | +$50–100 |
Replacing both springs together is usually recommended.
Why Professionals Replace Both Springs
- Springs wear evenly
- Second spring likely to fail soon
- Balanced operation protects opener
Most technicians strongly advise pair replacement.
Preventing Future Spring Failure
- Lubricate springs every 6 months
- Avoid slamming doors
- Replace springs after 7–10 years
- Schedule annual inspections
Preventive care extends spring life significantly.
Pros and Cons of Opening Door Yourself
Pros
- ✔ Immediate access
- ✔ No waiting for service
- ✔ Emergency solution
Cons
- ✖ Injury risk
- ✖ Possible door damage
- ✖ Temporary only
Professional repair is always the safest long-term option.
FAQ: How To Get Garage Door Open With Broken Spring
Q1: Can I open my garage door alone if the spring is broken?
Usually no. Most doors are too heavy and unsafe for solo lifting.
Q2: Will opening the door damage my garage door opener?
Yes. Using the opener without springs can permanently damage the motor.
Q3: Is it safe to leave the garage door open overnight?
Only if it’s securely clamped and the area is safe. Otherwise, keep it closed.
Q4: How long can I leave a broken spring unrepaired?
You should repair it as soon as possible to avoid further damage or injury.
Q5: Should I replace one or both springs?
Both. Replacing only one often leads to another failure soon after.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get garage door open with broken spring can help you escape an emergency—but it should never replace professional repair. Manual lifting with help is the safest temporary method, while continued use without fixing the spring is dangerous. For long-term safety, durability, and peace of mind, schedule a professional spring replacement immediately.
If this guide helped you avoid injury or damage, share it on social media so other homeowners can stay safe 🚪⚠️
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