Can I add another spring to my garage door?

Author: Hilbert Konopelski  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 29, 2026

The extra cost of replacing the bearing is worth it to switch to two springs if there is enough room on the shaft for a second spring. If you have a second spring on the door, it will pull the shaft in the opposite direction.

How much does it cost to install a new spring on a garage door?

Expect to spend $120–$350 to replace your garage door spring, including material costs and professional installation. While these heavy-duty springs are built to last, they'll eventually need replacement due to wear and tear. Garage door spring replacement isn't your average DIY project, either.

Is it okay to replace one spring on a garage door?

When one garage door spring breaks, it's easy to assume you can save money and time by just replacing the broken spring rather than both of them. However, in order to ensure the safety of your garage door and avoid further damage, you should replace both springs immediately after one breaks.

Why does my garage door only have one torsion spring?

A lightweight single door can usually be supported by one torsion spring. A heavyweight single door may need two torsion springs and double-wide doors need two torsion springs.

Is it better to have one or two springs on garage door?

One spring is fine as long as the door is balanced. Two spring solutions are better. It's all based on door weight, height, drums and lift type.

Why You Should Convert From One To Two Garage Door Torsion Springs - Garage Door Nation

Can I add a second spring to my garage door?

Compared to replacing your broken spring with a single spring, installing two springs does not take much extra work. You will have to slide the second spring on from the opposite side of the shaft, and you will have to wind two springs instead of one.

How many springs should a 2 car garage door have?

How many springs does a garage door have? A garage door typically has one to four springs, depending on the size and weight. For example, residential single-car garages are often single-spring garage doors and residential two-car garages are often dual-spring garage doors.

Can I open a garage door with a broken spring?

If you have a broken spring, do not attempt to use the opener to open your garage door. It doesn't matter if you have the best opener on the market: Don't use your opener at all. Using your opener with a broken spring can result in all sorts of expensive problems, such as: Cracking or crumpling the door panels.

Does Lowe's carry garage door springs?

We have a full range of garage door parts, such as brackets, locks, springs and cables, available at Lowe's.

Can I use a stronger torsion spring on my garage door?

If your garage door springs have lasted less than five years, or if you plan to live where you are for many years, you may want to try the extra long life torsion springs. By using larger springs, you can, in most cases, quadruple your spring life while only doubling the cost of the springs.

Do both springs need to be replaced?

No. In particular if you drive on rough roads and the one that failed is on the non driver side of the car you might be replacing a spring that has seen more than its fair share of abuse. But, given the fairly trivial cost of the spring itself in context this would seem to be a false economy.

How many years do garage door springs last?

Most garage door springs are designed to open and close 10,000 cycles or between 7 to 10 years. This will vary depending on which type of spring system you have and how well they are maintained.

Can I replace 1/3/4 torsion spring with 2?

If you currently have 1 3/4" ID springs, you can save 10% to 25% off by converting to 2" ID springs. There are at least four situations where it is advisable to convert from one inside diameter to another. One is when the springs are very old, and the hardware or cones are obsolete, as with some pictured below.

Can I replace a garage door spring myself?

Replacing a garage door spring yourself isn't impossible, but it does require special knowledge about the springs and how a garage door works.

What is the difference between torsion spring and extension spring?

As their names imply, torsion springs use torque, while extension springs use the build-up of energy in their springs to lift the garage door. Garage doors operate on a counterbalance system, meaning they utilize the energy in their mechanisms to pull the garage door open and close it again.

How do I know if I need a new garage door spring?

Here are five signs that a set of springs is ready to go.
  1. You Hear the Garage Door Opener Strain. ...
  2. The Door Slams Shut Without Warning. ...
  3. You Hear a Loud Popping Sound When the Door Is Closed. ...
  4. The Door Feels Heavier. ...
  5. You Can't Rest the Door in the Mid-Level Position.

Can a garage door work without springs?

Technically, a garage door can open and close without springs, but it poses significant challenges and risks. Operating a garage door without springs can lead to: Increased Physical Effort: The absence of springs makes the door extremely heavy, requiring more force to move.

Should I replace both garage door springs?

Most garage door companies will offer a better price if you choose to replace both springs at the same time, so as far as cost is concerned replacing both springs is often a smart long-term financial move but it is not necessary if you prefer a lower cost up-front.

Is it common for garage door springs to break?

Out of all parts of your garage door, its springs experience the greatest stress and are the most prone to breaking.

How to close a garage door with a broken spring?

How to Close a Garage Door With a Broken Spring
  1. Find Help. Ask someone to help close the garage door by pulling it down manually. ...
  2. Pull the Garage Door Down. Work in unison to slowly steer the garage door out of the horizontal rails that kept it secure, moving it down until it closes. ...
  3. Reattach the Garage Door Opener.

How long does it take to fix a broken garage spring?

On average, a professional technician can complete the replacement in about one to two hours. However, DIY replacements may take longer due to safety precautions and lack of experience.

How do I know what size spring to get for my garage door?

How to Measure Garage Door Torsion Springs
  1. Step 1: Measure out 20 coils. Count out 20 coils on your torsion spring and measure them with your tape measure. ...
  2. Step 2: Measure the overall spring length. Measure your spring from wire to wire. ...
  3. Step 3: Measure the inner diameter. ...
  4. Step 4: Determine what spring wind you need.

How much does it cost to replace two springs on a double garage door?

According to Angi, garage door spring replacement can cost between $150 and $350, including materials and labor. If additional repairs are required, you may spend up to $500. A double door generally costs an extra $15 to $30 per spring. Garage doors have two springs—one on each side.

How long do springs last on a garage door?

Garage door springs generally wear out in 6 to 10 years, but with specialty warranty programs, they can last forever. If you're not sure how long your garage door springs will last and are considering replacing them, take a look below for general garage spring maintenance and lifetime warranty information.

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