The Hidden Dangers of Garage Door Spring Replacement
Your garage door is probably the largest moving part in your home—and one of the most under-appreciated. But behind its smooth movement are powerful components working under extreme tension, especially the springs. When these springs wear out or snap, many homeowners consider fixing the issue themselves. Avoid this dangerous and costly mistake.
Gecko Service Pros
5/8/20252 min read
Garage Door Springs: Small Parts, Big Risk
Garage doors typically use torsion springs or extension springs to counterbalance the heavy weight of the door. These springs are tightly wound and store massive amounts of energy. If released improperly, they can cause severe injuries or even death.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), garage doors are responsible for approximately 20,000 emergency room visits every year—many of them due to DIY repairs gone wrong, especially when it comes to springs. Common injuries include:
Lacerations
Broken fingers, wrists, or arms
Head trauma
Eye injuries
(Source: U.S. CPSC, National Electronic Injury Surveillance System)
Why Spring Replacement Is So Dangerous
Here’s what makes spring replacement particularly risky:
High Tension: Torsion springs are under tremendous pressure. If they’re not properly unwound, they can snap back with the force equivalent to a baseball bat strike.
Specialized Tools Required: Professional-grade winding bars and torque tools are essential—not household items like screwdrivers or pliers.
Precision Matters: An incorrectly installed spring can cause your door to become unbalanced or fall, which increases wear on the opener and poses further danger.
Hidden Wear: Springs may appear fine until they suddenly break. DIYers often overlook signs of internal fatigue that professionals are trained to detect.
Stay Safe: Know the Signs of Failing Springs
Watch for these early warning signs that your garage door springs may be failing:
Door feels unusually heavy when lifting manually
The door closes too quickly or unevenly
Loud bang from the garage—similar to a firecracker
Gaps or distortions in the spring coils
Door won’t open, even with the opener running
If you notice any of these symptoms, do not attempt to fix it yourself.
Trust a Certified Professional
At Gecko Service Pros, we’ve seen the aftermath of countless DIY garage repairs—and we want to help homeowners avoid unnecessary injuries. Our technicians are trained to safely inspect, remove, and replace high-tension springs using proper tools and industry-standard procedures.
What you get with a professional:
Accurate diagnosis of the problem
Properly matched springs for your door size and weight
Safe removal and installation with professional tools
Extended life of your door and opener
Peace of mind
Don’t risk your safety for a DIY project that should be left to experts. If your garage door isn’t working properly—or you suspect a broken spring—call Gecko Service Pros today. We’re here to protect your home, your family, and your garage investment.
📞 Contact Us for Emergency Spring Repair or Preventative Maintenance