That loud bang you just heard was a torsion spring snapping. Here's what to do — and what NOT to do — before the tech arrives.
A torsion spring snapping sounds like a gunshot. If you just heard that bang and your garage door now refuses to open — or opens an inch and stops — you've got a broken spring. Here's what to do next.
Do NOT try to force the door open
The spring's job is to counterbalance the weight of the door. Without it, your opener is trying to lift dead weight far beyond its rated capacity. Forcing it can strip the opener gear, snap a cable, or send the door off-track — turning a $400 fix into a $1,200 one.
Do this instead
- Unplug the opener from the ceiling outlet so no one tries to use it.
- If your car is trapped inside, do NOT try to muscle the door up. Call for service — most techs can free a trapped vehicle within an hour.
- If the door is stuck open, secure the interior house door and call for emergency service.
- Take a photo of the spring(s) above the door — this helps the tech bring the right replacement on the first visit.
Why springs break
- Cycle fatigue — a standard 10,000-cycle spring lasts 7–9 years for a typical 4-cycle-per-day household.
- Cold snaps — Evansville winter mornings (sub-20°F) are when most springs let go. The metal contracts and the breaking point arrives sooner.
- Rust from humidity — our Ohio Valley summers are tough on uncoated springs.
- Improper installation — wrong spring size for door weight cuts cycle life in half.
What replacement actually involves
A qualified tech will measure the door (height, width, weight class), select the correct spring (wire size + inside diameter + length), wind it to the right turn count, and balance-test the door. If anyone tries to install a 'universal' spring without these measurements — different company.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I open my garage door if the spring is broken?
Technically yes, but you shouldn't. A 16-foot double door without spring counterbalance can weigh 200+ pounds. Lifting it manually risks back injury and can damage the opener. Wait for the tech.
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How long does spring replacement take?
A typical single-spring replacement takes 45–60 minutes on-site. Double-spring systems run about 75 minutes. Most Evansville-area calls are done same-day.
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Should I replace one spring or both?
If your door uses two springs and one breaks, the other is typically at the end of its life too. Replacing both at once is almost always cheaper than two separate visits within 6–18 months.