Springs
#1 Best Way to Diagnose a Broken Garage Door Spring
The easiest way to tell if your spring is broken is to check the weight of your garage door. Springs are what counterbalance the heavy door. If they’re broken or not tensioned properly, your door will feel extremely heavy.
How to Do the Test
- Pull the red emergency release cord on your garage door opener to disconnect the door from the opener.
- Try to manually lift the door.
- If the door feels heavier than 10–20 pounds or is difficult to push overhead, you likely have a broken or improperly tensioned spring.
Other Signs of a Broken Spring
- Torsion springs – Located above the door. Look for a visible break or gap in the coil.
- Extension springs – Found along the sides above the track. If one is stretched out or snapped, it’s broken.
- TorqueMaster springs – Hidden inside a tube. If both are broken, the bar will spin freely with no tension.
Why a Broken Spring Stops Your Door
Without a working spring, you’re lifting the full weight of your door—often 80 to 100 pounds or more. That’s unsafe and makes your opener work far harder than it’s designed to. Springs are essential for balance and safe operation.
Next Steps
If your spring is broken, don’t panic. Springs can be replaced, and the right parts are available for DIY or professional installation. Identify your spring type and order replacements to get your door working safely again.
👉 Shop garage door springs here: Garage Door Springs
What is the easiest way to tell if my spring is broken
Disconnect the opener with the red cord and try to lift the door. If it feels very heavy (more than 20 pounds), your spring is likely broken.
What does a broken torsion spring look like
You’ll see a visible break in the coil above the door. The spring will no longer be continuous.
Do TorqueMaster springs break the same way
They’re hidden inside a tube, but if both springs are broken, the bar will spin freely with no tension.
Where can I buy replacement springs
You can order torsion, extension, and TorqueMaster springs here: Express Garage Doors.
Also in Garage Door Parts - DIY Handbook
Torque Master Spring Installation Made Easy: 6 Simple Steps
Installing Torque Master springs might seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and step-by-step guidance, it's a manageable DIY project.
Why Do Garage Doors Need Torsion Springs? Expert Explains
Think of your garage door springs like the counterweight in an old elevator. Without them, your door would be incredibly difficult to lift manually, and your garage door opener would burn out trying to handle all that weight on its own.
What Size Garage Door Spring for a 16x7 Door?
Here's something that surprises a lot of people: there are usually several different spring combinations that will work for your 16x7 door. You might be able to use a single heavy-duty spring or two lighter springs, depending on your setup and preferences.