A garage door with a broken spring can turn a typical day into an irritating one in no time, particularly if your vehicle is trapped inside or you require access to equipment, tools, or supplies stored there. The garage door simply will not operate the way it’s supposed to without those springs in place. So what can you do when this vital piece of equipment fails?
Before you start, let’s get one point straight: garage door springs are highly tensioned. They’re even the most dangerous component of your garage door system. Opening or attempting to fix a garage door with a broken spring is risky. If you’re not certified, the best thing to do is always to have a professional and excellent team. But if you’re in a bind and need to open your door, this tutorial will guide you through the process of how to do so as safely as possible.
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Why Garage Door Springs Are Important?
Garage door springs counterbalance the weight of the door so you (or your auto opener) don’t have to work to lift it. When your springs break, your garage door is enormously heavy, well over 150 pounds in most cases, based on the door’s size and material. This is why when one of these springs breaks, even your finest opener won’t do—and why ramming the opening with it can wind up destroying the motor or otherwise sabotaging the balance of the rest of the system.
Should You Manually Open a Garage Door With a Broken Spring?
The short answer is: only if necessary. Although it can be done manually, it is with great difficulty and danger of injury. One slight slip will result in mangled fingers, back injury, or worse. Never try it alone. That said, if you have to access your car or storage urgently, and you’re aware of the danger involved, proceed with caution following this guide.
Step-by-Step: How to Open a Garage Door With a Broken Spring
Step 1: Disconnect the Garage Door Opener
Begin by pulling on the red cord, or emergency release cord, dangling from the opener rail. This releases the opener from the door so you can manually lift it. Have the door in its closed position when you perform this step—otherwise, the door might unexpectedly close on itself when released.
Step 2: Secure the Door in Place
Before you go any further, make sure the door remains in its present position. Place a solid object such as a wood block, vice grip, or locking pliers on the track beneath the rollers. This serves as a safety block so you cannot force the door down when you are working.
Step 3: Get Help
Garage doors are not meant to be lifted manually by one person, especially when the spring is broken. Enlist at least one strong helper. This is not the time to go solo—even if you’re feeling confident.
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Step 4: Begin Lifting
Have each stand on either side of the door. Bend at the knees, not the back, and hold firmly the bottom of the door. Gradually start to lift the door in slow, controlled sections.
Step 5: Lift in Sections and Support
As you open the door slowly, put a solid object under every few inches—a step stool, wood plank, or even a toolbox—something to hold the weight temporarily. Do the same for each section until you can open the door fully. This minimizes the chance of injury in case of slipping. Don’t try to lift the entire door at one time.
Step 6: Leave the Door Ajar
While opening the door upward, keep it ajar so that it won’t fall on you. Securely hold the door open using C-clamps on railings, locking pliers, or rope ties.
Step 7: Securely Close the Door
Close by reversing the process slowly. Release supports in order and allow the door to come down slowly with your assistant. Avoid keeping hands and fingers near pinch points at all times.
Safety Reminders to Keep in Mind
Never operate the garage door opener with a faulty spring. It will not open the door and will damage it severely. Always handle the door as if it could fall at any moment. Never position yourself directly in front of the door when raising or lowering. Don’t try to replace the spring yourself. Torsion and extension springs can spring free with explosive force. That’s a job for professionals.
Leave It to the Pros at 1-Stop Garage
When you’re dealing with a busted spring, a stuck door, or just don’t feel up to doing it at all, our team is always here to give a solution.
Service Areas?
Our company provides trusted garage door repair and installation services to homeowners and businesses. With facilities in Naperville, Aurora, Elgin, and Bolingbrook, and nearby areas. Our local professionals are here to assist—usually within 24 hours. Emergency service is provided when you need it most.
We’re happy to provide:
- Dependable spring replacement
- Repair of garage door openers
- New door installation
- Commercial door options
- Residential security upgrades
Bottom Line!
Though it’s possible to manually open an emergency garage door with a broken spring, it’s not without dire consequences. Why risk damaging your property or yourself? At 1-Stop Garage, we offer speedy, guaranteed, and professional garage door spring repair—so you don’t need to lift a finger. We’re here to assist you, frequently in 24 hours or less.
Call us today or receive a free quote online—and have your garage door working like new again, safely and efficiently.
