How much is one garage door spring?

Author: Geraldine Jacobi DVM  |  Last update: Monday, August 18, 2025

For residential garage doors, spring replacement runs between $75 to $150, while commercial-grade springs can cost between $150 and $300 to replace. Due to the dangers of DIY work on garage door springs, contacting a pro who fixes garage doors is crucial for this job.

How much should a garage door spring cost?

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.

Can you replace just one garage door spring?

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.

Can you lift 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 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.

Common Mistakes Determining Garage Door Torsion Springs Size

Is replacing a garage door spring hard?

Replacing a garage door spring yourself isn't impossible, but it does require special knowledge about the springs and how a garage door works. To help homeowners who are interested in learning how to replace a garage door spring, let's take a closer look at how residential garage doors operate.

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.

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.

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.

What breaks garage door springs?

A Broken Garage Door Spring
  • Excessive tension on the spring. ...
  • Worn-out springs. ...
  • Corrosion. ...
  • Sudden impact or force. ...
  • Improper installation may also be a factor when it comes to spring breakage. ...
  • Door Jams – From time to time dirt, grime and debris can accumulate within the track of the door. ...
  • Extreme temperature changes.

Is there a way to open a garage door if the spring is broken?

Locate the emergency release cord hanging from the center rail of the garage door track and pull it down and toward the back of the garage to engage the manual mode. Secure the Door: Use a sturdy ladder to reach the manual release cord. Pull it down and secure the door in place with a clamp or a pair of vice grips.

Can you replace just one spring?

Coil springs should always be changed as a pair per axle (either front or rear), never as a single spring. This is to ensure the performance and safety of your vehicle.

How to tell if garage door springs need to be replaced?

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.

How many times do you tighten a garage door spring?

Torsion springs should be wound four quarter turns per foot of door height, plus an extra two turns. Once you're done winding your springs, keep a winding rod resting on the garage door header and tighten the set screws on the spring with a socket wrench.

How much does it cost to replace garage door cables?

According to Home Advisor, the average cost of repairing a garage door cable is around $90 to $350. Replacing the component will cost between $15 to $50. If you want to get an idea of how much you're going to spend, check out our garage door repair costs.

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.

Can you still use a garage door with a broken spring?

Garage door springs hold a lot of tension and are therefore potentially very dangerous. They can even cause death or injury. For that reason, we do not recommend that you try to open your garage door if it has a broken spring.

Can I replace a garage door spring myself?

Replacing the garage door torsion springs is a job that can be handled by an experienced DIY enthusiast with the right tools and knowledge. But should clearly understand the risks involved and take precautions to ensure that the job is carried out as safely as possible.

How much do garage door springs cost to replace?

Garage door spring replacement costs $250 on average, with prices often ranging from $150 to $350 or more.

How long does it take to replace garage door springs?

Replacing garage door springs takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. New garage door springs last 7 to 14 years, or between 10,000 and 20,000 up-and-down cycles. It is important to hire a professional to help, because changing a garage door spring can be dangerous.

Can garage door have only one spring?

Many manufacturers have cut costs by using a single spring on a double-wide 16' steel garage door. If the spring breaks near the stationary cone, a large portion of the spring spins loose with the winding cone secured to the shaft.

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.

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.

How much to replace a garage door opener?

Expect a range between $218 and $539 with the main influencing factors being the type of door, door features and accessories, and labor fees. While the opener itself can be anywhere from $200 to $900 or more, labor quickly catches up—two to six hours are often required at a rate between $60 and $80 per hour.

Previous article
Can a blown fuse stop AC from blowing cold air?
Next article
How long should Goodman HVAC last?