How to Open a Garage Door with a Broken Spring: Safe Manual Method

Published Date: Oct 2, 2025

A garage door spring does the heavy lifting every time you open or close your door. When it breaks, the door becomes difficult to move and potentially dangerous. If you’re wondering how to open a garage door with a broken spring, this guide walks you through safe, manual steps. Whether you need to get your car out or access your garage temporarily, here’s how to lift a garage door with a broken spring the right way.

Why a Broken Spring Is More Than a Minor Issue

Garage door springs hold the tension needed to raise and lower the door smoothly. These springs counterbalance the weight of the door, making it feel lighter when you open it. Without them, the full weight — often over 150 pounds — rests on you.

That’s a serious safety concern, especially if you’re trying to open the door manually. If the door feels too heavy or unstable, stop immediately and reach out to a trusted professional — for example, the team at Up & Down Garage Doors.

Before taking any action, understand the potential risks and proceed with caution.

Garage Door Broken Spring: How to Open It Safely

Before doing anything, take a moment to go over these safety tips:

Try not to force the door open — especially with power tools.
Wear protective gloves to avoid cuts or scrapes.
If the door feels stuck or doesn’t move at all, stop right away and call a qualified technician.

If you feel safe and absolutely need to open the door, here’s how to manually open a garage door with a broken spring:

Disconnect the Opener

Find the emergency release cord — it’s usually red and hangs from the opener rail — and pull it straight down. This disconnects the automatic system, allowing you to operate the door manually. Looking for step-by-step instructions? Check out our guide on how to open a garage door opener.

Ask Someone to Help

You’ll be lifting the full weight of the door, so having someone help you can keep things balanced and reduce the risk of injury.

Lift with Caution

Stand at the center of the door with your feet shoulder-width apart. If you’re trying to figure out how to lift a garage door with a broken spring, use your legs — not your back — and lift slowly. Move with control. The door may feel off-balance because of the broken spring.

Secure the Door

Once the garage door is open, prop it up using locking pliers or a solid board to keep it from crashing down. Never leave the door unsupported.

Don’t Repeat the Process

Only open your garage manually if it’s absolutely necessary — and do it just once. Using a door with a broken spring repeatedly can lead to serious damage or personal injury.

When to Bring in a Professional

While knowing how to open a garage door with a broken spring can be helpful in an emergency, it’s not a long-term fix. Garage doors are heavy and work under high tension — the springs hold a lot of force that can cause serious injury if released the wrong way. Trying to fix one without the right tools or training can be dangerous.

For safe, expert repair, turn to Up & Down Garage Doors. We’ll take care of your spring repair and get everything working like new. Want to know what to expect? Our garage door spring repair service page explains it all.

Final Thoughts on Opening a Garage Door with a Broken Spring

A broken garage door spring can easily throw off your entire day. That’s why Up & Down Garage Doors responds fast, so you’re not stuck waiting when your day’s already disrupted. From spring replacements to full system checks, our experienced team knows how to open a garage door with a broken spring safely and get it working like new.

Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Schedule your spring repair today and feel confident knowing your garage door was fixed the right way by people you trust.

Garage door springs are one of the most active parts of the entire door mechanism. Every time the door moves, the springs manage the weight and tension that make opening and closing possible. Without proper care, they wear out much faster than expected. Whether you’re just curious or planning ahead, this guide offers practical garage door spring maintenance tips to help your setup last longer and operate more reliably.

The Ultimate Garage Door Spring Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners

Your garage door springs are among the smallest yet most critical components of your garage door system. They support the weight every time your garage door opens or closes. While they are often overlooked, regular maintenance is important to ensure your garage door springs remain in top condition. We understand that balancing a busy life with many responsibilities can make it challenging to find time for upkeep. That’s why we’ve created a simple, step-by-step checklist to help you maintain your garage door springs with ease. These expert tips will save you both time and effort. If you'd prefer to leave the job to the professionals, Up & Down Garage Doors is ready to help you! Our experienced team offers a full range of garage door services to efficiently handle any issues you may encounter.

Can a Garage Door Work Without Springs | Understanding Garage Door Mechanics

Garage doors are an essential aspect of many homes because they serve as security aspects and also as a point of entry/exit to the house. So, imagine yourself watching those giant, mobile structures, but can a garage door work without springs? The answer is definitely not. These powerful devices are essential in managing your garage door, balancing the door’s weight, and enabling you to open and close the door. In this article, you will learn the details of the garage door springs and understand why a garage door without springs can’t be functional. We will also talk about the dangers of having damaged springs and the advantages of hiring a professional to do it. To not endanger your life with faulty garage door springs, call Up & Down Garage Doors now to address any concerns. Our list of garage door spring repair and maintenance services is available 24/7. So, can a garage door work without springs? Let’s figure it out!