How to Replace a Garage Door Spring (and Why It’s a Pro Job)
Replacing a garage door spring means releasing and re-winding components under extreme tension using winding bars, sized exactly to the door’s weight. It’s genuinely dangerous — slips cause serious injuries every year — so while we explain the process here, we strongly recommend a trained technician. A pro does it safely in about 30–45 minutes with a warranty.
- Torsion springs store enormous energy — mishandling causes severe injury.
- Correct spring sizing is critical; the wrong spring unbalances the door.
- It requires winding bars, a secured shaft, and proper technique.
- A pro replacement takes ~30–45 minutes and includes a balance test.
- DIY rarely saves money once tools and risk are factored in.
What the job involves
The technician secures the door, releases the old spring’s tension with winding bars, swaps in a correctly-sized spring, winds it to the exact turn count for the door’s weight, then tests balance and the safety reverse.
Why it’s not a DIY
A torsion spring under tension can whip a winding bar or pull a hand into the hardware in an instant. Without the right bars, sizing, and training, the risk far outweighs the savings — this is the repair that sends DIYers to the ER.
The safer path
We carry the right springs on the truck, replace them in matched pairs, and back the work with a 1-year warranty — same-day across London + 50 km.
Spring replacement done safely, in matched pairs, balanced and warrantied. From $229 across London + 50 km.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
We strongly advise against it. Torsion springs are under extreme tension and require winding bars, exact sizing, and training — it causes serious injuries every year. It’s a job for a technician.
How long does a spring replacement take?
For a trained technician, about 30–45 minutes including the balance and safety test.
How much does it cost to have a spring replaced?
From $229 for a standard residential door, including parts, labour, and a 1-year warranty, with an up-front price before any work.
Related guides
Signs Your Garage Door Spring Needs Replacement
A loud bang, a door that won’t lift, a gap in the coil — the tell-tale signs a garage door spring is failing, and what to do next.
Garage Door Spring Repair Cost in London, Ontario (2026)
Real 2026 numbers for spring replacement in London — torsion vs extension, single vs double, and why a good shop always replaces springs in pairs.