Hearing a loud bang from your garage and suddenly finding your door stuck can be alarming. Many homeowners urgently search How To Get Garage Door Open When Spring Breaks because their car is trapped and they need immediate access. This guide explains safe emergency methods, what not to do, and how to protect yourself and your property when a garage door spring fails.
Important Safety Warning (Read First)
A garage door with a broken spring can weigh 150–400 pounds. Springs carry most of that weight, and without them, the door becomes extremely dangerous.
👉 You are not fixing the spring in this guide.
This article focuses on temporary, emergency access only.
If at any point the door feels uncontrollable, stop immediately.
Read too: How To Replace Garage Door Roller Like a Pro? Step-by-Step Guide
Why a Garage Door Won’t Open When the Spring Breaks
Garage door springs counterbalance the door’s weight.
What Springs Do
- Lift most of the door’s weight
- Allow smooth opening and closing
- Reduce strain on the opener
When a spring breaks:
- The opener may strain or stop
- The door feels extremely heavy
- Safety systems may prevent movement
Types of Garage Door Springs (Why It Matters)
Torsion Springs
- Mounted above the door
- Common in modern homes
- Break with a loud “gunshot” sound
Extension Springs
- Run along the sides of the tracks
- Common in older garages
- Can hang loose when broken
📌 Both types make the door unsafe when broken.
Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken
Before attempting anything, confirm the problem.
Common Symptoms
- Loud bang from garage
- Door opens a few inches then stops
- Door won’t lift manually
- Crooked or uneven door
- Visible gap in torsion spring
If these signs match, assume the spring is broken.
How To Get Garage Door Open When Spring Breaks (Emergency Only)
Method 1: Use the Emergency Release (Manual Lift)
This is the safest emergency method, but still risky.
Step-by-Step
- Unplug the garage door opener
- Pull the red emergency release cord
- With two strong adults, lift from the bottom evenly
- Raise slowly and smoothly
- Secure door fully open using locking pliers or clamps
⚠️ Never attempt this alone on a heavy door.
Method 2: Open the Door Slightly to Remove a Vehicle
If full opening feels unsafe, partial access may be enough.
Steps
- Disconnect opener
- Lift door just enough to clear the car
- Back vehicle out carefully
- Lower door slowly and gently
📌 This reduces risk compared to fully opening the door.
Method 3: Opener Assist (Not Recommended, Last Resort)
Some people attempt to use the opener to assist lifting.
🚫 This is risky and not recommended, but if absolutely necessary:
- Only lift while pressing the opener
- Stop immediately if motor strains
- Never force the door
📌 Many openers are damaged this way.
What NOT To Do When a Spring Breaks
❌ Do not try to replace the spring yourself
❌ Do not stand under the door
❌ Do not let children help
❌ Do not force the opener repeatedly
❌ Do not remove cables or hardware
Most serious garage injuries happen after the spring breaks.
Why Garage Door Spring Repair Is Not DIY
Garage door springs are under extreme tension.
According to safety reports, garage door spring accidents are among the most dangerous home repair injuries, causing:
- Broken fingers
- Lacerations
- Head injuries
- Permanent disability
Spring replacement requires:
- Specialized winding bars
- Correct tension calculations
- Professional safety procedures
For a general overview of garage door mechanics, see:
👉 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garage_door
(External authoritative source – Wikipedia)
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Broken Garage Door Spring?
Typical US Costs
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single torsion spring | $180 – $300 |
| Two torsion springs | $250 – $450 |
| Extension spring | $150 – $250 |
| Emergency service | +$50 – $150 |
💡 Repairing quickly prevents damage to the opener and tracks.
How Long Can You Leave a Garage Door with a Broken Spring?
Technically, you can leave it closed indefinitely—but it’s not ideal.
Risks of Waiting
- Trapped vehicle
- Door warping
- Opener damage
- Security concerns
📌 If the door must remain closed, do not try to force it open later alone.
Can You Close a Garage Door with a Broken Spring?
Yes—but carefully.
Safe Closing Tips
- Use two adults
- Lower slowly
- Keep hands clear
- Do not slam
Never allow the door to free-fall.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Normally Last?
Average Lifespan
- Standard springs: 7–10 years or ~10,000 cycles
- High-cycle springs: 15–20 years
Frequent use shortens lifespan.
Preventing Future Spring Failures
Maintenance Tips
- Annual professional inspection
- Lubricate springs twice per year
- Replace both springs at once
- Upgrade to high-cycle springs
Preventive care can add years of service life.
Case Study: Emergency Access Done Right
A homeowner heard a loud bang and couldn’t open the door.
What they did
- Unplugged opener
- Used emergency release
- Lifted door with help
- Secured door open
Result
- Vehicle removed safely
- No injuries
- Spring replaced next day
💡 Calm, informed action prevented damage and injury.
FAQ – How To Get Garage Door Open When Spring Breaks
Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?
Yes, but only manually and with help. It is heavy and dangerous.
Is it safe to use the garage door opener?
No. Using the opener can damage it or cause injury.
Should I replace one spring or both?
Both. If one broke, the other is near failure.
How urgent is spring replacement?
Very. Delaying increases safety and security risks.
Can I drive with the door partially open?
Yes, briefly, if safely supported—but close it afterward.
Conclusion: How To Get Garage Door Open When Spring Breaks
Knowing How To Get Garage Door Open When Spring Breaks can save time and prevent panic—but safety must always come first. The goal is temporary access, not repair. With the right steps—disconnecting power, using the emergency release, and lifting carefully with help—you can safely retrieve your vehicle and secure your home.
Leave a Reply