8 Safety Tips for Handling Garage Door Springs

When it comes to keeping your garage door in good working order, the springs play a crucial role. They bear the weight of the door and make it easy to open and close. But let’s be real—these springs are under a lot of tension, and if mishandled, they can cause some serious injuries. So, if you’re thinking about handling garage door springs yourself, it’s important to do so with caution. Here are some essential safety tips to help you manage those springs without risking your safety.

1. Understand the Types of Garage Door Springs

Before you start tinkering with your garage door, you need to know what you’re dealing with. There are two main types of garage door springs:

• Torsion Springs: These are mounted horizontally above the door. They work by twisting to open and close the door.
• Extension Springs: These are located on either side of the door and stretch as the door opens and closes.

Both types of springs are under a lot of tension, so it’s crucial to handle them carefully.

2. Always Disconnect the Power

Before you start any work on your garage door, make sure to disconnect the power to the garage door opener. This prevents the door from accidentally moving while you’re working on it, which could lead to serious injuries. We recommend unplugging the garage door opener or flipping the circuit breaker to cut off the power supply. It’s a simple step that can make a huge difference in keeping you safe.

3. Use the Right Tools

If you’re planning to adjust or replace garage door springs, you’ll need the right tools. This is not the time to improvise with what’s lying around in your toolbox.

• For Torsion Springs: You’ll need winding bars specifically designed for this purpose. Don’t use screwdrivers or other tools that might not be up to the task.
• For Extension Springs: Make sure you have strong clamps to hold the springs in place while you work.

Using the correct tools will not only make the job easier but will also keep you safer.

4. Release the Tension Carefully

This is the step where things can get dangerous. Releasing the tension in a spring is where most accidents happen, so proceed with caution.

• For Torsion Springs: Insert the winding bar into the winding cone, and carefully unwind the spring one-quarter turn at a time. Keep a firm grip on the bar and never let go while the spring is under tension.
• For Extension Springs: Use a clamp to secure the spring, then slowly release the tension. If you’re unsure about how to do this safely, it might be time to call in a professional.

5. Keep Your Body Out of the Way

When working with garage door springs, always position yourself to the side, never directly in front of or behind the spring. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to be in the spring’s line of fire. Stand clear of the spring’s path at all times. This means keeping your hands, face, and body out of the way to prevent injury.

6. Inspect Regularly for Wear and Tear

Garage door springs don’t last forever. Regular inspections can help you spot problems before they turn into serious issues. In fact, you should replace a worn spring as soon as you notice it before it breaks.

• Look for Rust: Rust can weaken springs, making them more likely to break. If you see rust forming, it’s time to think about replacing the springs.
• Check for Gaps: A gap in a torsion spring’s coil is a sure sign that the spring is on its last legs.

7. Replace Both Springs at the Same Time

If one spring breaks, it’s a good idea to replace both. Why? Because garage door springs work together, and if one is worn out, the other probably isn’t far behind. Replacing both springs ensures that your door remains balanced and operates smoothly. It also reduces the likelihood of another spring failure in the near future.

8. Know When to Call in the Pros

There’s no shame in admitting that some jobs are best left to the experts. If you’re unsure about handling garage door springs, or if you encounter any issues during the process, it’s time to bring in a professional. Hiring a professional not only ensures the job is done safely but also saves you from the potential costs associated with DIY mistakes.

Handling garage door springs isn’t something to take lightly. With the right tools, proper precautions, and a healthy respect for the tension those springs are under, you can get the job done safely. But if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to call in the professionals.

For those tricky jobs that need expert attention, Friendswood Garage Door Repair is here to help. Call us at (346) 275-3504 for safe and reliable garage door spring maintenance and repairs.