Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?

Author: Camden Abbott  |  Last update: Thursday, October 9, 2025

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.

How do you open a garage door when the spring is broken?

How do you open a garage door with a broken spring? If you have a garage door opener you can attempt to use it and assist by pushing up on the door. You can also mechanically disconnect the garage door opener. Usually a red handle on a red rope attached to the traveller. This will allow you to open the garage door.

Will garage door still work with broken spring?

A garage door can still open if the spring is broken, but it will take some manual effort. Using your garage door opener could burn out the motor since the broken spring makes the garage door heavier. We recommend not attempting to open your garage door if it has a broken spring.

How do you open a door with a broken spring?

Opening A Garage Door With A Broken Extension Spring
  1. 1 – Grab a Partner. ...
  2. 2 – Use Extreme Caution. ...
  3. 3 – Do Not Use the Opener. ...
  4. 4 – Disengage the Door from the Opener. ...
  5. 5 – Place Two Crowbars Under the Garage Door. ...
  6. 6 – Lift the Door. ...
  7. 7 – Clamp the Door. ...
  8. 8 – Use Ladders To Hold the Door Up.

Can a garage door operate with one spring?

It is strongly advised that you do not attempt to open your garage door if the spring is broken. Because garage doors are typically made out of materials like metal or wood, they can sometimes weigh upwards of 500 pounds. If one of the springs is broken, you will be left lifting all of that weight on your own.

How To Open A Broken Garage Door, Broken Spring

Can garage door work without spring?

Without the spring, the door essentially has nothing to support its weight. We don't recommend attempting to open a garage door with a broken spring but sometimes it's an absolute emergency.

How much does it cost to repair a garage door spring?

You'll pay between $150 and $350 for a single garage door. Costs could potentially run as high as $500 if you have to replace springs for several doors or have to make related repairs. When one door garage spring fails, it's better to replace both springs at the same time to maintain the door's balance.

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 happens when a garage spring breaks?

A broken spring can render your heavy garage door almost useless. However, don't try to lift the door manually. It may crash down or close unexpectedly, and this can be dangerous. Garage doors can be dangerous if not handled by a professional.

Do you have to replace both garage door springs if one breaks?

Make sure you always replace both springs when they snap, regardless of which side snapped first. A broken spring without a repaired or replaced second spring can be problematic – as the garage door will now be subject to extra pressure on only one side.

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 to open a garage door with a broken cable?

Stand on the ladder and place vice grips or locking pliers on the track just above the bottom roller on the broken cable side. Gently lift the door by pulling up on the vice grips or pliers. If you have an assistant, they can help lift the door evenly on the opposite side.

How many times can you open a garage door before the spring breaks?

Most garage door springs are designed to open and close 10,000 cycles or between 7 to 10 years.

How to open a door when the mechanism is broken?

Pop the end of your screwdriver through the hole that the spindle sits in, then turn it away from the door frame. This should retract the latch so you can open the door. Another technique to try is the credit card trick often seen in movies.

How to open garage door if torsion spring is broken?

6 Steps To Opening Garage Door with Broken Spring
  1. Step 1: Disconnect the Garage Door Opener. Locate the emergency release handle on the garage door opener. ...
  2. Step 2: Secure the Door. ...
  3. Step 3: Have Helpers. ...
  4. Step 4: Lift the Door Manually. ...
  5. Step 5: Lift in Sections. ...
  6. Step 6: Secure the Open Door.

Can you use a garage door with a broken spring?

As professionals in the industry, we advise you do not attempt to open your garage door if the spring is broken.

How much does it cost to replace a 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 hard to replace garage door springs yourself?

If your garage door has a broken garage door spring, it is reasonably straightforward to replace if you are an experienced DIY enthusiast. The caveat is that you must be extremely careful when carrying out this procedure, as not following the correct safety measures can be dangerous.

What is the lifespan of a garage door spring?

Standard manufacturer garage door springs have an average lifecycle of about 10,000 cycles, equivalent to approximately 48 months when used daily. Oil-tempered garage door springs show improved endurance, lasting for about 15,000 cycles, which translates roughly to a 10-year lifespan with regular use.

What happens when a garage door spring is broken?

The garage door will fall quickly as it no longer has a counterbalance for the gravity's pull on the panels. The door will be crooked when it moves up and down the track. Although the door opens, it won't be even. The cable will be loose amongst other issues with broken springs.

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