How to Manually Open a Garage Door with a Broken Spring
A. Reasons for Broken Springs
Garage door springs are one of the most important components of a functioning garage door. They are responsible for balancing the door and making it easier to lift and lower. Unfortunately, they are also prone to wear and tear, and eventually they will break. The most common reasons for broken springs are age, wear and tear, and improper tension.
B. Identifying a Broken Spring
If you suspect that your garage door’s spring is broken, there are a few tell-tale signs. The most obvious is when the door won’t open or close properly. You may also hear a loud noise when you try to open or close the door, which could be the sound of the spring breaking. Additionally, you may notice that the door is heavier than usual when lifting or lowering.
C. Safety Precautions
Before attempting to manually open your garage door with a broken spring, it is important to take safety precautions. Make sure you are wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and goggles, and consider having someone else help you. Additionally, you should always disconnect the garage door opener to prevent it from accidentally activating.
D. Preparing to Open the Door
Once you have taken the necessary safety precautions, you can begin to prepare the door for manual opening. First, you will need to release the tension on the springs. To do this, you will need to locate the tension adjuster, which is located on either side of the door. Adjust the tension until the springs are fully relaxed.
E. Lifting the Door
Now that the tension has been released, you can begin to manually lift the door. Grab the bottom of the door and lift it up until it is fully open. You may need to use a little bit of force, but be sure not to use too much.
F. Opening the Door
Once the door is fully open, you can begin to manually open the door by pulling it up and out of the tracks. Make sure to release the tension on the springs first, as this could cause the door to bind in the track.
G. Securing the Door
Once the door is open, you will need to secure it to prevent it from closing on its own. This can be done by using a wedge or a piece of wood placed between the door and the track.
H. Releasing the Tension
When you are done opening the door, it is important to release the tension on the springs as this will prevent the door from accidentally closing. To do this, you will need to adjust the tension adjuster on either side of the door.
I. Replacing the Springs
Once the door is open, it is important to replace the broken spring. This should only be done by a professional, as it can be dangerous to attempt to repair a broken garage door spring.
J. Final Steps
Once the new spring is installed, you can close the door and reconnect the garage door opener. You may need to test the door a few times to be sure that it is working properly.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to replace a garage door spring?
The cost to replace a garage door spring varies depending on the type and size of the spring, but it typically ranges from $200 to $450.
2. How do I know if my garage door springs are broken?
The most common signs of a broken garage door spring are when the door won’t open or close properly, you hear a loud noise when you try to open or close the door, or the door is heavier than usual when lifting or lowering.
3. Is it safe to manually open a garage door with a broken spring?
Manually opening a garage door with a broken spring can be dangerous, so it is important to take safety precautions such as wearing protective clothing and having someone else help you.
4. How do I release the tension on the springs?
To release the tension on the springs, you will need to locate the tension adjuster, which is located on either side of the door. Adjust the tension until the springs are fully relaxed.
5. What should I use to secure the door when it is open?
To secure the door when it is open, you can use a wedge or a piece of wood placed between the door and the track.
6. How often should I replace my garage door springs?
Garage door springs typically need to be replaced every seven to nine years, depending on the climate and usage.
7. How much force should I use when lifting the door?
When manually lifting the door, you should only use as much force as necessary. Too much force can cause the door to bind in the track.
8. What should I do when I am done opening the door?
When you are done opening the door, it is important to release the tension on the springs as this will prevent the door from accidentally closing. To do this, you will need to adjust the tension adjuster on either side of the door.
9. How long does it take to replace a garage door spring?
Replacing a garage door spring typically takes one to two hours.
10. Can I repair a broken garage door spring myself?
No. Replacing a broken garage door spring should only be done by a professional, as it can be dangerous to attempt to repair it yourself.
