As a licensed garage door contractor, I appreciate homeowners who want to maintain their own homes. However, garage doors are one of the most dangerous DIY projects because of the extreme tension in springs and cables.
This guide explains which tasks are safe for homeowners and which should always be left to professionals.
Safe DIY Garage Door Tasks
These maintenance tasks are safe for most homeowners with basic tools:
Monthly Visual Inspections
- Check for frayed cables, worn rollers, or loose hardware
- Test door balance by disconnecting opener and lifting manually
- Verify photo-eye sensors are clean and aligned
- Look for gaps in weatherstripping
Lubrication (Every 3-6 Months)
- Apply white lithium grease or silicone spray to hinges, rollers, and tracks
- Lubricate torsion springs (but never attempt to adjust tension)
- Clean and lubricate chain or belt drive on opener
Cleaning and Minor Adjustments
- Clean photo-eye sensors with soft cloth
- Wipe down weatherstripping and apply vinyl protectant
- Clean tracks with household cleaner
- Tighten accessible bolts and screws (do not over-tighten)
Simple Opener Issues
- Replace remote batteries
- Reprogram remotes or keypads following manufacturer instructions
- Adjust photo-eye sensor alignment (sensors should face each other with LED indicators lit)
- Replace light bulbs in opener unit
NEVER DIY: Dangerous Repairs Requiring Professionals
These repairs involve life-threatening hazards and should always be performed by licensed technicians:
Spring Replacement or Adjustment
Danger Level: EXTREME
Torsion springs store 200+ pounds of tension and can cause severe injury or death if mishandled. Extension springs under tension can break bones or cause head trauma.
- Replacing broken springs
- Adjusting spring tension
- Converting spring types
Why professionals are required: Specialized tools (winding bars, spring tension gauge), extensive training, and insurance are essential. Even experienced contractors treat spring work with extreme caution.
Cable Replacement or Repair
Danger Level: EXTREME
Cables work with springs under high tension. A snapping cable can cause the same injuries as spring failure.
- Replacing frayed or broken cables
- Adjusting cable tension
- Reattaching cables to drums
Track Repair or Replacement
Danger Level: HIGH
Track work requires releasing and re-tensioning springs, which carries the same risks mentioned above. Additionally, improper track alignment can cause door failure and property damage.
Bottom Bracket Replacement
Danger Level: EXTREME
Bottom brackets attach cables to the door and are under constant spring tension. These are called "widow makers" in the industry for good reason.
Opener Installation (New Installations)
Danger Level: MODERATE
While not as dangerous as spring work, opener installation requires:
- Proper electrical wiring (potential shock hazard)
- Correct mounting to structure (falling opener risk)
- Proper safety sensor installation and testing
- Force and limit adjustment to prevent injuries
Incorrectly installed openers can fail safety tests and crush children, pets, or property.
The Hidden Costs of DIY Garage Door Repair
Beyond safety risks, DIY garage door repair often costs more than hiring a professional:
Injury and Medical Bills
ER visits for garage door injuries cost thousands of dollars. Broken bones, head trauma, and crushing injuries are common in DIY spring accidents.
Property Damage
An improperly repaired door can fall, damaging vehicles, flooring, or other property. These damages often exceed the cost of professional service.
Voided Warranties
Most garage door and opener warranties require professional installation and service. DIY repairs void these warranties.
Additional Damage from Mistakes
Incorrect repairs can damage other components. For example, over-tightening a spring can break the shaft, requiring costly additional repairs.
Specialized Tools
Proper spring winding bars, torque wrenches, and other specialized tools cost hundreds of dollars for one-time use.
When to Call Brokentop Garage Doors
Call us immediately if you notice:
- Broken or damaged springs
- Frayed or broken cables
- Door off track or severely misaligned
- Loud grinding, popping, or snapping sounds
- Door won't stay open or closes too fast
- Visible damage to tracks, brackets, or panels
We provide same-day emergency service throughout Central Oregon and offer free safety inspections with any service call.
Our Professional Service Advantage
- Licensed and insured (CCB #209697)
- Specialized tools and training
- Warranty on parts and labor
- Safety compliance and code adherence
- Fast, efficient service (most repairs completed same day)
Conclusion
Basic maintenance like lubrication and visual inspections are great DIY tasks. But spring, cable, and track repairs should always be left to licensed professionals.
When in doubt, call us for a free consultation. We're happy to advise whether a repair is safe for DIY or requires professional service.
Contact Brokentop Garage Doors: 541-203-7676