Can Garage Door Springs Kill You?
What this costs
| Option | Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair | Garage Door Repair | $80 | $620 |
Why they're dangerous
DASMA says a door needs a high degree of spring tension, and that all repairs and adjustments must be done by a trained door systems technician with proper tools and instructions. Its checklist also warns against trying to remove, repair or adjust cables, steel brackets and wood blocks. Don't loosen any of them.
What we couldn't find
We didn't find an official count of deaths or injuries from springs alone, so we won't give you a number. CPSC's April 2011 sheet does report that about 73 children aged 2 to 14 were killed under automatic garage doors since March 1982. That's a different hazard, and it's why the reversing test matters.
What to do if one is broken
Your car may be stuck inside for now. We think waiting is safer than forcing the door.
- Stop using the door. DASMA says don't operate it until the spring is replaced.
- Keep people clear, especially children and pets.
- Don't try to lift it yourself with the opener or by hand if it's heavy.
- Call a trained door systems technician.
What you can safely do
Look at the springs from the ground with the door closed, as DASMA's checklist describes. Don't touch them. CPSC suggests inspecting the door and opener every 30 days, and testing the reverse function by placing a 2x4 in the door's path. That test runs the door, so skip it if a spring may be broken.
Garage Door Spring Broken? Stop and Read This First
Common questions
Can a garage door spring explode?
Can I replace a spring myself?
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Last verified 2026-11-04
- Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA): Technical Data Sheet 167, garage door checklist (rev. April 2023) — Serious injury or death may occur; springs and hardware are under high tension; don't operate with a broken spring or try to repair or adjust.
- DASMA: Torsion spring terrorism (Fall 2007) — Fall 2007 article: high degree of spring tension; consult a trained door systems technician.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Non-reversing automatic garage door openers are a hazard (Pub. 523, April 2011) — Reverse test; child deaths under doors since 1982; inspect every 30 days.
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.