To open a garage door with a broken spring, you must first disengage the automatic opener and then manually lift the door. This process requires significant strength as you will be lifting the full weight of the door without the spring’s assistance. Always prioritize safety, ask for help, and secure the door properly once it is open.
CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING
A garage door with a broken spring can be extremely heavy and dangerous. The spring system is under high tension and should only be repaired by a trained professional. Attempting to lift the door manually can lead to sudden drops, causing serious injury or property damage. Proceed with extreme caution and at your own risk.
Step-by-Step Manual Opening Guide
This guide is for manually opening the door to get a vehicle out. It is not a guide for repairing the spring. Ensure the door is fully closed before you begin.
Unplug the Garage Door Opener
Disconnect the power to the garage door opener unit. This prevents anyone from accidentally activating the opener while you are working, which could cause the door to move unexpectedly.
Locate and Pull the Emergency Release Cord
Find the red cord with a handle hanging from the opener’s track. This is the manual release. Pull it down firmly until you hear a click. This disengages the door from the automatic opener’s trolley.
Get Help to Lift the Door
Do not attempt this alone. The door will be extremely heavy (often 100-300 lbs / 45-135 kg). With at least one other person, position yourselves at the bottom of the door, bend your knees, and lift with your legs, not your back.
Lift and Secure the Door
Lift the door slowly and evenly all the way up until it can’t go any further. Once open, immediately secure it in place. Use sturdy C-clamps or locking pliers on the tracks below the bottom rollers of the door to prevent it from falling.
Carefully Remove Your Vehicle
Once the door is securely propped open, you can safely move your car out of the garage. Do not leave the door propped open for an extended period. Lower it carefully (with help) as soon as possible and leave it closed until it is professionally repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to open a garage door with a broken spring?Can I use the automatic opener with a broken spring?How much does it cost to repair a broken garage door spring?
Don’t Risk It. We Can Help.
Garage door spring replacement is a job for trained professionals. Our certified technicians can safely and quickly get your door working again.
Dmytro Shevchenko is the owner of Prime Garage Door Repair, a trusted garage door repair company serving the Chicagoland area. Based in Mundelein, IL, he leads a team of certified technicians specializing in emergency repairs, opener and spring replacement, and complete garage door installation.
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