Broken Garage Door Spring: What to Do Right Now
A loud bang from the garage followed by a door that suddenly feels impossibly heavy is the classic broken-spring signature. The spring — not the opener — does the lifting, so when it snaps the door has nothing holding its weight.
The good news: this is a common, same-day repair for a local tech who carries springs on the truck. The important part right now is not making it worse or getting hurt while you wait.
If this is unsafe or getting worse right now, don't wait — call and we'll route you straight to an independent local pro.
What to do in the first 5 minutes
- Stop using the opener. Pressing the button now can burn out the opener motor or pull the door crooked.
- Leave the door where it is — if it's closed, keep it closed; if it's up, keep cars and people out from under it.
- Look at the spring above the door: a clear gap in the coil confirms it's broken (a visual check only — don't touch it).
- Park elsewhere if your car is trapped inside; forcing the door risks injury and more damage.
- Call for a local garage door tech — broken springs come as a matched pair on the same clock, so most pros replace both.
Do not do this
- Never try to unbolt, unwind, or adjust a torsion spring or its cables. They're under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death.
- Never force the door open or closed with the opener — a door with a broken spring can slam down or jam the track.
- Don't stand or reach under a partially open door; without the spring, nothing is reliably holding it up.
- Don't remove the cables or attempt a DIY spring swap from a hardware-store kit — spring tension is not a DIY job.
What's likely going on
Metal fatigue (most common)
Torsion springs are rated for roughly 10,000 cycles — about 7–9 years of normal use. Most simply reach the end of their life and snap on an ordinary open or close.
Rust and corrosion
In damp or coastal garages, rust builds between the coils and shortens spring life. Rusted springs often fail earlier and can bind before they break.
Wrong spring size or a single-spring setup
An undersized spring, or a heavy door running on one spring instead of two, wears out fast. A tech will confirm the correct rating for your door's weight.
Cold snap
Metal contracts in a hard freeze, so an already-aged spring often lets go on the first very cold morning of the season.
Diagnose it now
What it typically costs
A single torsion spring replacement typically runs $200–$300 installed, and a dual set on a double door $250–$450. Replacing the pair together is standard because both springs are the same age. After-hours or weekend calls often add $50–$150. Only a tech who weighs your door can confirm the right spring rating and the final price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a broken garage door spring an emergency?
It's urgent rather than life-threatening — as long as nobody tries to force the door or touch the spring. If a car is trapped or the door is stuck partway open, most homeowners want a same-day visit, but the safest move meanwhile is simply to leave the door alone.
Can I still open my garage door with a broken spring?
You shouldn't. Without the spring the door can weigh 150–250 lbs, and lifting it by hand or with the opener risks injury, a bent track, or a burned-out motor. Park elsewhere and wait for a tech.
Should I replace one spring or both?
Both, in almost every case. Paired springs share the same cycle count, so when one breaks the other is usually weeks or months behind. Replacing the pair avoids a second service call and keeps the door balanced.
Why can't I just replace the spring myself?
Torsion springs store enough energy to break bones. Winding and unwinding them safely takes proper bars, technique, and the correct replacement rating. This is one repair where hiring a pro is a safety decision, not just a convenience.
The service that handles this
Guidance only — independent local providers assess and price their own work. Last reviewed 2026-07.
Prefer to just talk to someone?
Call or send the short form — we'll route you to an independent local pro.