Broken Garage Door Torsion Spring
Posted October 2nd, 2006 @ 12:22pm by Erik J. Barzeski
I returned home this morning after running an errand. I walked upstairs and sat down at my computer desk when I heard a loud "CRACK!" I went downstairs to investigate, thinking perhaps a picture had fallen off the wall, but found no such damage.
It wasn't until I wanted to go to Best Buy (to buy electronics compressed air) that I noticed the spring above my garage door had snapped in two. Prior to this point, I am not even sure I knew garage doors had what I now know are called "torsion springs." Turns out many do (the other kind is the extension spring) and that they last only about 10,000 cycles, or 7 years if you open and close the garage door twice per day.
Since the torsion spring is what helps lift the garage door, and because my garage door features no "handles" per se, I cannot get out of my garage door. Fortunately, I'm not dumb enough to lift part way, either, as I'd rather not have 250 pounds slamming me to the ground.
Repair will cost about $100-$120, but I'll likely get both garage door springs replaced at the same time for a cost of $150-$180. The other will likely go soon, and I'd rather it not be when someone is walking beneath it.
I did find this do-it-yourself garage door torsion spring replacement, but frankly, for the time and effort and danger I'd save, I'm more than happy to spend $60 on labor.
Donate Life
Posted 02 Oct 2006 at 4:09pm #
Yeah, there's no way I'd want to take the risks to save a few bucks on something like that. It's a job best left to professionals.
Posted 02 Oct 2006 at 4:31pm #
It ended up costing only $140.45 to get both replaced. Took the guy about an hour. $65 or so of that was the service call (labor) charge, so I'm happy to pay it.
Posted 29 Nov 2006 at 7:30pm #
I will add my two cents to this topic. There's much talk on the net from folks that can hardly change a light bulb to Engineers that are so smart it takes them 3-1/2 hours to complete this job. Matter of fact a certain engineer writes over 30 pages on how to install torsion springs and goes on in on about it. Wow! That's some extra time I would like to have. My first attempt at this job took me 35 minutes and I'm far from an engineer. As far as how dangerous this job can be, well that depends on who is doing the install. I know plenty of accident proan installers that hurt themselves no matter what they do. I've watched installers and company owners with 50 years in the business up on uneven ladders, with tools, broken springs, buckets scattered all about. Then they cry when they fall and break something. I've also met and talked to thousands of my own customers that install these springs without a hitch. I know this because they call me back or email their success stories. If you have any doubts of your own abilities then I suggest you call someone out of the yellow pages. Notice I never mentioned professional. This is because I have customers that are better skilled garage door installers than most companies hire nowadays. Take your time, do your due diligence and shop for the best price. I'm here to answer all of your questions. 1-866-970-7278
http://www.diygaragerepair.com
Ask for Mike
Posted 19 Dec 2006 at 1:05pm #
Surf the web for spring prices (~$20 ), then ask your self what you really paid that guy for an hour of his time. Make sure he's insured.
Posted 19 Dec 2006 at 1:13pm #
Joe Blo said on December 19, 2006:
The job cost about $140. Two springs run about $50 after S&H. It took the guy about an hour. That's $90/hour. It would have taken me two to three hours, the purchase of some additional tools, and a whole lot more courage than I had writing a check.
In other words, it was well worth it.
Posted 30 Apr 2007 at 9:07am #
I replaced both of my torsion springs in less than 2 hours and this is the first time I've attempted to do this repair. There is plenty of information on the web on how to do this job safely. In 7 - 10 years when I have to replace them again I'll be able to do the job in less than an hour. I spent $67 including shipping and handling to buy the springs on the internet. This job is less dangerous than working on a roof or using a chain saw. I'm more likely to seriously hurt myself mowing my 2 acre lawn on my riding lawn mower 20 times each spring and summer. I would rate myself as a middle of the road do-it-yourselfer, and I'm not an engineer, just an Information Technology guy. The bottom line is that the fear mongering is just an industry ploy to strengthen business.
Posted 26 Jul 2007 at 10:32pm #
Could someone tell me how long should Torsion Springs on the garage door last? Our last door we were constantly replacing the torsion spring. The new door was replaced June of 2003 and now July of 07 a torsion springs on one side is broke and we have to replace both springs.
Could someone tell me how long a torsion spring should last?
Posted 28 Jul 2007 at 8:01pm #
At first I was just as apprehensive about fixiing my garage door equiped with torsion springs. But after reading about, how to repair, it on the internet. I tried it for the first time today. And I must say, it isn't as hard as most people say it is. I did it less than an hour of my time.
Posted 16 Oct 2007 at 8:32pm #
My torsion spring broke after being on for just 2 years. I called one place and they quoted about $250. Seems very high.
Posted 18 Mar 2008 at 1:54pm #
Just paid $185 to have both springs replaced. The spring breaks about every 4 years. We open and close our garage a lot because of teens driving and my wife and I both work from the house.
I thought it was a high price, but called another local place and they wanted $195.
Posted 20 Mar 2008 at 11:26am #
I live in MD. I called a local place to replace a broken (left-side)torsion spring, the quote is $108 for service call and $98 for the spring. I called another place and was told to buy a torsion spring on internet myself and he will install it for me for $100. Are these the typical costs? Thanks for any information.
Posted 23 Mar 2008 at 11:36am #
Lou said on March 20, 2008:
I live in Michigan. I got a quote to replace bot the torsion springs for $150 (I think the break down is $50 or $60 for parts + $90 or $100 for labor). I gave the go ahead on this part of the repair.
However, the gears in my garage door opener are shreedded and not working. I got a quote of $125 for parts and labor for replacing the gear assembly (drive gear, worm gear, etc). The technician suggested me to replace the garage door itself ($285 parts and labor) since it is 9 years old.
I have to decide between replacing the garage door opener or just the gear assembly in the current one. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Regards
Raavango
Posted 28 Mar 2008 at 2:24pm #
I just replaced both torsion springs on my garage door. The door is 50 years old so I had to have custom springs fabricated with crawford ends.
Any competent do-it-yourselfer can complete this project.
IMHO, there is too much fear in general in our society. What ever happened to the fundamental American ideal of self sufficiency.
Posted 15 Apr 2008 at 10:07pm #
Raavango, don't fall for th e oldest trick in the book. Bait'n switch.
They quote you a low price, then add parts you probably don't need, finaly th e whole door. Buyer beware.
Posted 20 Apr 2008 at 2:52pm #
I am just in the middle of installing new tension springs on my garage door. The job if very simple if you look on the web for tips and tricks. The hardest part for me is going to be finding the springs. Being in canada i would love to be able to order off the internet but the shipping would cost more the the springs. But it's not a difficult job the hardest part is taking the tension off of the springs.
Posted 20 May 2008 at 9:25pm #
Just remember, if you do the job incorrectly, i.e. wrong size spring, not enough tension, timing of cables, stripped set screws on the drums,etc., can end up costing you a homeowner's claim when the door falls on your car. I see that and bloody garages regularly. Good luck though, see you in the ER.
Posted 04 Jun 2008 at 2:26pm #
I ordered my spring last week. Received it last evening. Replaced it last night-about 1.5 hrs. No problems. My garage door is a single car, steel door (weighs about 100lbs). Used the Engineer's site to calculate my spring's dimensions (the previous spring was undersized-leading to premature failure), and number of turns to preload the spring. For my size door, the spring tension was not anywhere close to frightening. It's definintely a DIY job. Got my spring from prodoorsupply.com.
BTW, I live in California. Spring cost=19.00, Shipping=13.00.
Good luck on your projects.
H
Posted 07 Jun 2008 at 8:55am #
To Henry, The spring you replaced successfully is an extension spring if your door weighs 100 lbs and costs $19. The torsion springs on doors that weigh between 325-1000lbs are much more serious to attempt. Congrats on your project.
Posted 09 Jun 2008 at 1:21pm #
Now I really feel terrible... Same thing (about the loud noise) happened to my husband and I on Friday evening. We looked everywhere and the only thing we could find was metal shavings on the back of my dark green car. Next morning I used my old car that's parked on the street to run errands. Got home at 12:00 noon and found out that my husband could not open the garage door to get his vehicle out. He called 6 places before he could get someone to come out on a Saturday to replace the springs. One place that's 1 hour away quoted him $1,000 to replace the springs - it's a two-car garage with only one door, so I really don't know for sure but it looks like 2 springs to me. He did get someone who was much closer. It took the guy 20 minutes and we were charged $450! Oh well - after contemplating all the scenarios (door falling on someone, or my pets, or the cars themselves) plus having it done so quickly - I guess it was worth the money. We both work - so having it done during the week (which probably would have been cheaper) was not an option. Live and learn - I NEVER heard of this happening. WOW is all I can say.
Posted 09 Jun 2008 at 10:24pm #
To Liz, Normal business ours jobs should cost between $189 for one spring and $295 for two. Sundays and holidays will cost a premium because of having to do a call out. As far as the time that it took, it's impossible to do the job in 20 mins. 45 to one hour is the average start to finish including guaging the spring and replacement. Be careful of the big adds in the yellow pages. The bigger the ad the more you will pay. Good Luck!
Posted 12 Jun 2008 at 12:25pm #
My spring broke. When we lifted the door to get my car out, a couple of the wheels came off the track and the cable is all messed up. The quote I just got is for $645.57 including- tune up 25, labor 150, lifetime spring 150, wheels 160, cables 100, bearing 30 and tax. How do I know if I need all of this?
Posted 14 Jun 2008 at 5:59pm #
Yeah, I work for a company that has been fixing garage doors for 70 yrs, I've been there for 16 and there is no such thing as a "lifetime warranty" on any type of spring. The game in this industry played by the ripoff artist is promising a lifetime warranty to justify there high pricing. And guess what they are no longer in business for the consumer to take advantage of the lifetime warranty or the change their name to hide from the responsibility.There is not a garage door repair I could offer someone that would cost $600.( Residentially and not custom) We call that a new garage door. Get the word out about the big truck adds in the yellow advertising books that feature companies that are not local. Do business with companies that have an office that you can go to and speak with the GM. Good Luck!
Posted 14 Jun 2008 at 6:03pm #
RH, Get a second opinion on your door. Most companies offer rebuild kits for your door that range from 300-400 depending on the size which includes all of those parts. Unless they are going to do this work after hours or on a holiday you are getting ripped. Good Luck, use the Better Business Bureau in your area is the safest bet.
Posted 27 Jul 2008 at 4:07pm #
I work 2nd shift so I arrived home about midnight last Friday night and attempted to open the garage....it would only go up about 6" only to come right back down. What's going on??? I was curious as @#ll and immediately went into the garage to invistigate only to learn one of the torsion springs broke. I usually attempt to fix anything that breaks myself but I've heard of so many horror stories on the dangers of working with these springs. I consider myself very frugale but when it comes to torsion springs.....leave it to the more experienced. Paying someone else to do it as apposed to risking injury is a no brainer. Now remember...I said I was frugale, so I get estimates! I just started doing that and so far I've had one quote for $155.00 for 1 spring replacement. I will be getting at least 5 more estimates before I decide who to go with. I will post a added comment to this post with the final cost I incured for this. This is probably one of a half dozen projects I would NOT attempt to do due to safety concerns.
Posted 11 Sep 2008 at 9:54am #
My Garage Guy (Lake County Door in Waukegan, IL) is outside as we speak, and I am having two springs replaced (Only one is actually broken). They are well over 15 years old!
He quoted me 165.00 for one spring, and 210.00 for both. He said it would take about an hour.
After reading everyone's experiences, it seemed pretty fair to me.
Also, I would like to add, that the repair man called and showed up exactly when he promised. This company did work for me in February; replaced cables, bottom fixtures, and rollers, and then replaced a large gear in the opener and at that time charged me 250.00.
As a 50+ year old Women, I think the money is well worth it.
Posted 27 Sep 2008 at 12:45pm #
Our garage door spring broke this morning. (We live in Jacksonville, FL) I called several companies to see who could come out today and quote a reasonable price for the repair. America's Choice quoted me $139 for one spring, which covered the part, labor and service visit. When the repair man arrived, less than an hour after I called, he suggested I replace both springs since the unbroken one was sagging. He said it probably wouldn't last much longer. Since the springs are almost ten years old, I agreed. He charged me $239 to replace both springs. I thought an additional $100 for the second spring was steep. But since he was already here I didn't want to haggle.
Posted 28 Sep 2008 at 9:43pm #
I first noticed the symptom described by Mike above a couple of days back. My wife heard the loud metallic sound (like something hit the door), but only today did I realize that it was because of the broken spring.
The strangest thing is that the garage door will still open fully if I press and hold the door open button on the inside. But if I use the remote, it opens for a few inches and stops (doesn't fall back).
Replacing them seems simple but potentially dangerous. I'm going to ask around for a quote before deciding on whether to do it myself.
Do any retail stores carry these springs?
Posted 01 Oct 2008 at 6:25pm #
ummm i have a old garage were i have to pull it up and i want to know how do u tightin it up im trying to find diffrent website and this is the only one that has the most information im only 15 sooo
can you help me out??? 
Posted 01 Oct 2008 at 11:29pm #
In my 30-year career servicing garage doors I have probably replaced over 15,000 residential and industrial garage door springs.
Some of these torsion springs still scare me because the cone holes have inconsistent sizes and the winding bars often slip out, causing the spring to unwind without warning. Do-it-yourselfers are frequently injured when this happens.
At our web site I show pictures of which cones are dangerous, and I also outline safe procedures for replacing springs so that if the winding bars do slip out of the cone, the diy-er will be less likely to get injured.
If you're thinking about replacing your own garage door torsion springs, get the facts. I am as happy when a potential customers tells me he called a professional to fix his garage door just to be safe, as I am when a customer e-mails us telling us how easy it was and how quickly he replaced his springs.
Posted 20 Oct 2008 at 2:14pm #
hi, I had this fixed recently and cost $ 325....I think it's way too high when I read thses postings.
Labor was $ 80, for the parts he charged $ 220, service call $ 25. I fell shocked that some of you did it for $ 140 to $ 150. I am in Atlanta, feel like these peopl are ripping us.
Posted 20 Oct 2008 at 9:34pm #
Always remember that Torsion spring's are very dangerous and regardless of whatever any armchair quarterback here say's, you can get hurt badly and property can get damaged. Call your local BBB for good companies in your area and understand the differences in cost posted on this site are market driven. Spring's in L.A. will cost twice as much as Atlanta. Look out for the companies that are subcontracting work out. If someone arrives at your house in an unmarked vehicle, be very careful. They get paid according to how much they charge you. 20-30% of the total bill. Stick with established businesses with proven reputation's in your area. The cheapest price quoted over the phone will often cost you more in the long run.
Posted 20 Oct 2008 at 11:01pm #
I am new to message boards, and I wasn't sure if this one would automatically post our url.
Here is the web site where you can find detailed pictures and procedures for safely replacing garage door torsion springs. You'll also find all the parts and tools you'll need to fix your garage door.
http://ddmgaragedoors.com/residential/torsion-spring-replacement.cgi.
Posted 21 Oct 2008 at 8:44pm #
Probably not the best advise for the novice Dan. I've been to many a bloody garage because of sites like that one. Stick with a pro for safety.
Posted 23 Oct 2008 (5 weeks ago) at 10:16am #
Tate said on October 20, 2008:
I wish I had read this sooner. I paid a repairman $895 this morning for a rebulid (2 car- 1 door). The cables and springs and wheels were replaced with a 5 yr warranty. He said a new door would cost $1800 so this seemed like a more reasonable choice at the time. Live and learn!
Posted 28 Oct 2008 (4 weeks ago) at 7:51pm #
I just replace 2 spring, my cost 139 each spring, 100 per hour labor, $380.00
Posted 29 Oct 2008 (4 weeks ago) at 11:06pm #
Tate said on October 21, 2008:
The warnings at http://ddmgaragedoors.com/residential/torsion-spring-replacement.cgi will scare away any novice; it's not an "anyone-can-do-it" site.
I think Tate would have to admit that there are many mechanically-inclined do-it-yourself-ers who can safely replace their own garage door torsion springs.
Also, just as there are safe ways to drive a car there are safe ways to replace garage door springs. But being safe at both can still land you in the hospital.
Accurate information is essential to safe torsion spring replacement.
Another good resource for additional information is Richard Kinch's page at http://www.truetex.com/garage.htm.
In my 30 years repairing garage doors I've only seen two doors with blood on them. At least one of the accidents would not have occurred if he had first read the instructions at DDM Garage Doors. I was not given the details of the other accident.
Posted 10 Nov 2008 (2 weeks ago) at 2:12pm #
The thing about springs is this yes a do it yourselfer who is determined and has lots of time on his hands can change springs the question is what's your time and safety worth? As someone who has done 1000's of spring chances on all kinds of overhead doors let me tell you this, most of the information for these do it yourself spring change sites is incomplete. A real Pro knows from years of experience all the in and outs of not just springs but how the door works and how it should work. Not only does a pro have years of experience working with springs but they also know and have worked with every other part on a Garage Door. The important thing to remember is springs only work Garage Doors that have been installed properly. Over time floors crack and move, framing moves, doors sag, the hardware can get loose or break, bolts can come out and on and on you get the idea? When it comes to Garage Doors it is the real professional with years of experience and knowledge to know what to look for in order to evaluate the whole system so it can be repaired properly and safely.