Garage door springs store tremendous energy under constant tension. A single torsion spring holds up to 200 pounds of door weight, creating enough force to seriously injure or kill anyone in its path when it fails unexpectedly.

Warning signs include grinding noises, visible gaps between spring coils, rust accumulation, and doors that slam shut or won’t stay open. Springs typically last 7 to 10 years with normal use, but extreme weather, poor lubrication, and manufacturing defects accelerate wear.

When springs break, metal fragments fly through the air like shrapnel. These pieces punch holes in car windshields, dent garage doors, and cause severe lacerations. The door itself becomes a guillotine that can crush vehicles, pets, children, or adults unfortunate enough to be underneath.

Extension springs pose additional risks because they stretch along horizontal tracks beside the door opening. When these springs break, they whip violently across the garage space, striking anyone nearby with lethal force. Safety cables prevent some extension spring accidents, but many older installations lack this crucial protection.