How To Replace A Broken Garage Door Torsion Spring

How to Replace a Broken Garage Door Torsion Spring (Without Losing a Limb)

So, your garage door’s torsion spring decided to retire mid-cycle, leaving you with a door that’s either stuck shut or slamming down like a WWE wrestler. Been there, seen that—and let’s just say, it’s not a vibe. But hey, before you panic or accidentally turn your garage into a DIY horror story, let’s walk through how to tackle this safely. And if you’re in Mississauga and already sweating bullets, don’t worry—we’ve got your back (and your fingers).

Why Torsion Springs Are the Drama Queens of Garage Doors

Torsion springs are the unsung heroes that balance your garage door’s weight, but when they snap? Cue the theatrics. They’ll bang, twang, and leave your door sagging like a deflated balloon. Why do they break? Age, rust, or just sheer spite—IMO, it’s usually the Canadian winters throwing tantrums. At A1 Garage Doors in Mississauga, we’ve seen springs snap at the worst possible moments (like during a snowstorm, because of course).

Safety First: Unless You’re a Fan of Darwin Awards

Let’s get real: replacing a torsion spring is dangerous. These coils hold enough tension to launch a car—or your arm—into orbit. So, unless you’re auditioning for a Final Destination reboot, safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy tools are non-negotiable. Oh, and never skip clamping the door tracks to prevent accidental drops. FYI: This is why many folks in Mississauga just call us at A1 Garage Doors. We’ve got the gear and the experience to avoid turning this into a trip to the ER.

Tools You’ll Need (Besides Courage)

Here’s the shopping list for this adventure:

• Winding bars (not screwdrivers—trust us)
• Vice grips or locking pliers
• Socket wrench set
• Steel clamps
• New torsion spring (match the size/weight rating!)
• Ladder

Pro tip: If your toolkit is missing half these items, maybe skip the heroics. Even the best garage door installers in Mississauga don’t wing it without the right gear.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace the Spring Without Becoming a Meme

Step 1: Release the Tension (Physically and Mentally)
Unplug the garage door opener. Clamp the door tracks to lock the door in place. Loosen the existing spring’s set screws slowly using winding bars. If you hear creaking, that’s your cue to pause and question your life choices.

Step 2: Remove the Broken Spring
Once the old spring is limp (no judgment), unscrew it from the center bracket and slide it off the torsion tube. Congrats! You’ve just completed the easiest 10% of the job.

Step 3: Install the New Spring
Slide the new spring onto the torsion tube, making sure it’s facing the correct direction (check the winding direction arrow). Reattach the center bracket and secure it.

Step 4: Wind the Spring Like You Mean It
Here’s where things get spicy. Using winding bars, twist the spring in quarter-turn increments until it’s tightly coiled. Most doors need 30+ turns—count them, or you’ll under-wind and end up with a door that opens like a sloth.

Step 5: Test (Pray)
Unclamp the tracks, manually lift the door halfway, and let go. If it stays put, you’ve nailed it. If it crashes down? Well… our team at A1 Garage Doors is just a call away.

When to Call the Pros (Like, Immediately)

Look, we get it—DIY projects can be satisfying. But torsion springs? They’re the exception. If you’re unsure about winding tension, hear weird noises (noisy garage door = red flag), or just value your kneecaps, call professionals. For commercial garage door repair or automatic garage door opener installation in Mississauga, our crew at A1 Garage Doors handles it daily. Why risk it?

Cost Breakdown: DIY vs. Pro

Let’s talk numbers. A DIY spring replacement might seem cheaper ($50-$150 for the spring), but add tools, time, and potential ER bills? Suddenly, our pro garage door service starts looking like a bargain. In Mississauga, the average cost for torsion spring replacement ranges from $200-$400, depending on spring type and labor. Bonus: We’ll also check cables, tracks, and openers so you don’t get sequel problems.

FAQs: Because We Know You’re Curious

1. “Can I replace just one spring?”
   Nope. Springs wear evenly—replace both to avoid another snap in 3 months.

2. “How long does a torsion spring last?”
   7-12 years, or 10,000 cycles. Unless you’re a gym addict opening/closing it 50x daily.

3. “Why is my garage door so noisy?”
   Worn springs, loose hardware, or track issues. Let us diagnose it—garage door track repair is our jam.

4. “What’s the price for automatic garage door installation?”
   Starts around $1,200 in Mississauga. Includes opener, sensors, and our legendary customer service.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Garage Door Win

Replacing a torsion spring isn’t for the faint of heart. But whether you DIY (brave soul) or call A1 Garage Doors—the best garage door company in Mississauga, if we do say so ourselves—just get it done safely. Because nobody wants a garage door that’s louder than their mother-in-law or more unpredictable than a TikTok algorithm.

Stuck? Near me searches won’t help if you’re halfway up a ladder. Skip the drama and ring us at A1 Garage Doors. We’ll handle the heavy lifting—literally 🙂