If you’re like many homeowners, you may have encountered the issue of a broken garage door spring. Not only does this make it impossible for your garage door to open and close properly, but it can also cause serious safety risks if left unchecked!
In today’s blog post, we will be taking a detailed look at how to close a garage door with a broken spring, including the necessary steps for repair or replacement.
You will learn what needs to be done in order to restore functionality and safety without requiring expensive assistance from an expert technician. Read on as we dive into how easy (and inexpensive) it can truly be when tackling this DIY project.
Summary: Garage door springs are an important part of any properly functioning garage door, providing the lifting and lowering power for the door. Unfortunately, these springs can sometimes break over time, especially with frequent use or extreme weather conditions. When a garage door spring breaks, it is important to be able to close the garage door in order to protect the inside from potential intruders.
What Happens When the Tension Spring Breaks on a Garage Door?
When the tension spring on a garage door breaks, it can be extremely dangerous and cause serious injury.
The tension springs are responsible for providing the right level of tension to open and close the garage door, and if they break, it can lead to a sudden release of energy that could cause an accident. Additionally, broken springs also prevent your garage door from operating properly.
Fortunately, you can generally recognize when a tension spring has broken, as it usually makes an audible “snap” sound that is very loud and noticeable. When the tension spring breaks on a garage door, it will no longer be able to open or close properly.
This is because the tension springs are what provide the force required to move the door, and without them, the mechanism cannot operate correctly.
Depending on the type of garage door you have, it may be possible to replace the broken spring yourself. However, this should only be done with great care, as replacing a tension spring can be dangerous and require specialized tools. If you are not confident in your ability to replace the broken spring yourself, it is best to contact a garage door repair specialist for assistance.
9 Methods How to Close a Garage Door with a Broken Spring
1. Use a C-Clamp
If your garage door has a broken spring, you can use a C-clamp to close it. To do this, simply place the C-clamp on the track near the bottom of the door. Then, tighten the clamp until the door is closed. Keep in mind that this method will only work if your garage door has an opener. If it doesn’t, you will need to use another method.
2. Use a Screwdriver
Another way to close a garage door with a broken spring is to use a screwdriver. To do this, simply place the screwdriver in the track near the bottom of the door. Then, twist the screwdriver until the door is closed. Again, this method will only work if your garage door has an opener.
Try to avoid using a lot of force, as this can damage the track and opener. Once you have closed the door, replace the broken spring with a new one as soon as possible. Doing this will ensure that the garage door can be opened and closed safely.
3. Use Pliers
If you don’t have a C-clamp or screwdriver, you can try using pliers. To do this, simply place the pliers on the track near the bottom of the door. Then, squeeze the handles of the pliers until the door is closed.
This method may not work as well as the other two, but it’s worth a try if you don’t have any other tools handy. Once the door is closed, make sure to replace the broken spring as soon as possible.
Although this method works, it’s not recommended to use pliers as a regular way of closing your garage door. They can cause damage to the track and other parts of the system.
If you’re unable to close your garage door after using one of these methods, it’s best to call a professional for help. They can provide a more reliable solution in a timely manner. With the proper repair, your garage door can be back in working condition in no time!
4. Use a Rope
If you have a rope, you can use it to close your garage door by tying one end to the bottom of the door and then pulling on the other end until the door is closed. This method will take some time and effort, but it’s worth it if you don’t have any other tools handy. Be sure to tie the rope securely so that it doesn’t slip or get snagged on anything.
If you’re worried about damaging your door, you can use duct tape or similar material to protect its surface. You can also use a ladder if needed. Once you’ve managed to close the door, it’s important to make sure that you replace the broken spring as soon as possible. Otherwise, your door may not open again until you do.
5. Use a Bungee Cord
If you have a bungee cord, you can use it to close your garage door by hooking one end to the bottom of the door and then stretching out the cord until the door is closed. This method is similar to using a rope, but it will be easier since you won’t have to tie knots in order to keep the cord in place.
Be sure to use a bungee cord that’s strong enough to support the weight of the door, and make sure it doesn’t start slipping off during the process. If the bungee cord is too loose, you won’t be able to close the garage door securely. Once the door is closed, you’ll still need to deal with the broken spring.
6. Use Duct Tape
If you have some duct tape, you can use it to temporarily fix your broken spring so that you can close your garage door. To do this, simply wrap some duct tape around the broken spring and then secure it in place. This isn’t a permanent fix, but it will hold long enough for you to close your garage door.
Once the door is closed, you can take the time to get your broken spring fixed properly. Just remember that this duct tape fix should not be used as a long-term solution and should only be used to close the garage door until you can get a new spring installed.
7. Use WD-40
If your garage door is stuck due to a broken spring, you can try spraying some WD-40 on the tracks. This lubricant will help to loosen up any rust or debris that may be causing your garage door to stick.
Once you’ve sprayed WD-40 on the tracks, try opening and closing your garage door to see if it’s working better now. If it still isn’t moving properly, you may need to call a professional for further assistance.
8. Use Soap and Water
Another way to lubricate your tracks is by using soap and water. Simply mix together some soap and water and then apply it to your tracks with a cloth or brush. Once you’ve applied soap and water to your tracks, try opening and closing your garage door again to see if it’s working better now. If not, you may need to replace the broken spring with a new one.
9. Replace the Broken Spring
If your garage door is still not opening and closing properly, then it’s probably time to replace the broken spring. This is a job that should be done by a professional garage door technician, as it can be dangerous. A professional will have the tools and experience to safely replace the broken spring, so your garage door is working properly again.
No matter what method you use to close your garage door with a broken spring, it is important to remember that this is only a temporary solution. In order to keep your garage door in proper working condition, it is best to contact a professional for help in replacing the broken spring. This will ensure that your garage door continues to function properly and safely.
Can You Close a Garage Door by Hand?
If you have a broken spring on your garage door, it can be tempting to try and close it by hand. This may seem like an easier solution than calling a technician or trying to fix the issue yourself. However, this is not recommended.
Manually closing a garage door can be dangerous and can cause more damage to the door or injury to you. Due to the tension of the springs and the weight of the door, it can be difficult to force it shut. Trying this could put unnecessary strain on other components of your garage door, leading to more costly repairs in the future.
Additionally, you will not be able to use a wall-mounted control panel without first repairing the broken spring. This means that you will not be able to open the door again until it is fixed, potentially leaving your garage and home vulnerable.
Conclusion
Even if you don’t know how to fix a broken spring, you can still close your garage door. By following the steps on how to close a garage door with a broken spring in this blog post, you can safely and effectively close your garage door with a broken spring.
Be sure to exercise caution when working with tools and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. With a little effort, you can have your garage door back in working order in no time.
