Is it safe to replace a garage door spring myself?

No. Replacing a garage door spring is not a safe do-it-yourself job, and the manufacturer says so directly. Clopay's installation manual says that if an old door uses torsion springs, do not attempt to remove the door or the springs yourself, and to have a qualified door repair service remove them.^[1] The reason is stored energy: attempting to remove a torsion spring assembly without proper training or tools may result in an uncontrolled release of spring forces which can cause serious or fatal injury.^[1]

Why the danger is real

A spring is not a part you can see the danger in. A wound torsion spring or a stretched extension spring is holding the energy that lifts a door weighing as much as 200 pounds for a single-car door, and some large doors as much as 500 pounds, once the tension is released.^[1] When something slips, that energy goes into the nearest thing, which is often a hand, a face or a tool.

The danger is not limited to the spring. Clopay also warns that springs, cables and bottom fixtures are under strong spring tension, and not to attempt to loosen any fasteners on these components.^[1] The brackets at the bottom corners of the door are under great tension, and the bracket could spring out with dangerous force.^[1] Even a simple-looking bolt can be part of the load path.

The risk after the job

A badly done replacement can leave the door unsafe even if nobody is hurt. A spring that is too weak, too strong, or wound unevenly leaves the door out of balance. The CPSC warns that a severely unbalanced door could unexpectedly crash to the floor, possibly striking someone under the open door.^[2] It also says that doors that are not balanced, or that bind or stick, should be serviced by a professional.^[2]

Replacement springs have to match the door's weight and size. For how the parts fit together, see how garage door springs work.

What you can do while you wait

Stay out from under the door and keep children and pets away from it. Do not try to force it open or closed, and do not loosen brackets, cables or fasteners. If the door is closed and the car is inside, wait for the technician; a stuck door is an inconvenience, not an emergency.

When to call a licensed pro

For every spring and cable job, and for a door that has stopped balancing. Here is how to hire well.

Check the licence. DPOR's consumer guide says that if the work is valued at $1,000 or more, a valid Virginia Contractor's License is required for the license category in which the contractor is to work.^[3] A Class C contractor covers a single contract over $1,000 but less than $30,000.^[4] Whatever the price, the licence is a good test of a business, and DPOR says a license number in an advertisement or on a business card does not necessarily mean the license is valid.^[3] Verify it with the Board for Contractors.

Know what a licence gets you. DPOR says hiring a licensed contractor makes you eligible to receive monetary compensation from the Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund in case of improper or dishonest conduct.^[3]

Get it in writing. DPOR also says Virginia law requires all licensed contractors to provide a written contract for residential work.^[3] For a spring job, ask for the number and type of springs, the parts and labor included, the warranty and the total price.

Prices are covered in how much garage door spring replacement costs in Virginia. If you are weighing a bigger repair, read whether an old garage door is worth repairing.

Browse garage door answers or find garage door services near you. To have a technician look at the door, describe the job once and licensed local garage door businesses will quote it.