Regular functioning garage door cables endure a lot of stress every day, making it likely for minor problems to arise once or twice a week.
The garage door cable is positioned on each side of the door to facilitate its slow movement up and down. It typically works in conjunction with extension and torsion springs to support the door.
If one cable snaps or becomes worn out from the pulley, it can lead to a failure of the garage door. This places additional stress on the remaining cable, and using the garage door with just one cable can be extremely harmful.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to repair or replace a worn-out garage door cable and provide information on the cost of garage door repairs. We will also offer some maintenance tips.
Take a Look: 7 Best Garage Door Seals For Uneven Floor 2023
Why my garage door cable worn out?
It’s not hard to understand why your garage door cable gets worn out or breaks. There are plenty of reasons, and I’m sure you can figure out the possible causes just by inspecting it a little.
However, I have curated a list of possible reasons for a broken or worn-out garage door cable:
- Excessive stress on the cable due to regular use.
- The cable may be old and in need of replacement.
- Lack of lubrication and maintenance.
- Rust and corrosion, especially in humid areas.
- Minor accidents involving vehicles or obstacles.
- Extreme temperatures or adverse weather conditions affecting the cable’s integrity.
Additionally, poor cable quality, damaged door parts, and excessive weight of the garage door can also contribute to these issues. But don’t worry, if only the cables are damaged, they can be repaired
How to repair garage door cable?
You don’t need to put too much effort to repair garage door cables. You can do garage door cable repair yourself. it’s a very simple DIY task.
Repairing a worn out garage door cable
Repairing a worn-out garage door cable can be a little tricky, but with the right tools, it’s an easy DIY task. Follow these simple steps to repair a spun-off garage door torsion cable:
- Open your garage door and inspect the area where the cable is worn out.
- It would be wise to first check the other side (opposite the unaffected cable drum) to understand the ideal position of the cable. The cable should be properly wrapped around the pulley.
- Use locking pliers (Use Vice Grip) to hold the garage door open. Secure the pliers just below the bottom of the roller path to prevent sliding during the repair.
- Grab a stool or ladder to access the area where the cable has spun off and carefully assess the situation.
Situation: The garage door cable is typically made of metal. One end is attached to the pulley or drum, while the other end connects to the bottom side of the garage door, with the center wrapped around the pulley.
- The second end of the cable usually forms a loop or hook shape, making it easier for you to remove it from the bottom fixture. Now the cable is free.
- Unwind the entire cable from the drum and ensure that the first end of the cable is securely attached at the center of the pulley.
- Carefully wrap the cable around the pulley again. Ensure that the first winding of the cable is positioned at the higher lift, as shown in the picture. Then continue wrapping the entire cable around, mimicking the other cable drum from the opposite side.
- Finally, once the cable is securely wrapped around, attach the loop or hook of the second end to the bottom fixture of the garage door, where you removed it from.
Remove the locking pliers and check if the garage door is now functioning properly. Removing the locking plier may require some effort, but it is possible. Seek assistance if needed. If you’re hesitant to do it yourself, you can hire a garage repair mechanic. It will cost you no more than $100 to $150.
Read Also: Best Garage Door Screens For 2023: Safe, Strong and Trusted
Replacing a broken garage door cable
If you have carefully read the previous paragraph, you already have half the knowledge required to change a broken garage door cable.
Replacing a garage door cable is a simple do-it-yourself task. You will only need a locking plier and a new garage door cable.
Cable: The new garage door cables should be of equal length to the old ones. It is possible to adjust the cables, but only if you know how to work with the torsion springs. Here’s a recommendation for your.
To replace the cable, start by removing the old cable using the methods mentioned in steps 1 to 6.
In brief, lock the garage door with a vice grip, remove the loop (or hook) from the bottom fixture of the garage door, and unwind the entire cable. Now, follow these steps for further operation:
- If you have inspected carefully, you will notice a small notch where the first side of the cable settled in the pulley, serving as the starting point for the cable to spin.
- After unwinding the cables, remove them from the drum by pulling them out from the notch.
- Now, fit the front side of the new cable into the notch. It may require some effort.
- Carefully place the cable in the small notch and start winding the cable from the higher portion.
- Wind the new wire around the drum and attach the loop (hook) to the bottom fixture of the garage door.
Now that you have replaced your old garage door cables, make sure to properly maintain these new cables to increase the lifespan of your garage door.”
Garage door cable repair cost (Round Figure)
The Table is showing the round figure price range for repairing a garage door cable. Keep in mind that these cost ranges are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as location, the extent of damage, and the specific garage door system.
| Repair Category | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Repair | $100 – $200 |
| Cable Replacement | $150 – $250 |
| Cable and Pulley Replacement | $200 – $300 |
| Full Cable System Replacement | $300 – $550 |
| Professional Labor Charges | $80 – $150 |
If you want to know the exact garage door cable repair cost for your current location, you can use the Homewyse garage cable cost calculator. Simply input your location and your preferences for the required services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the torsion cables?
Garage door torsion spring cables are essential components of the garage door system. They work in conjunction with the torsion springs to facilitate the smooth and controlled movement of the door. These cables are responsible for lifting and lowering the garage door safely and are crucial for proper functioning and balance.
Is it safe to open a garage door with a broken cable?
It is not safe to open a garage door with a broken torsion cable. The garage door relies on the cables to support its weight and maintain stability. Opening the door without a functioning torsion cable can lead to imbalanced movement, causing the door to become unpredictable, potentially resulting in property damage or personal injury.
What is the material of garage door cable?
Garage door cables are typically made of high-strength steel or stainless steel. These materials are chosen for their durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion. Steel cables provide the necessary tensile strength to support the weight of the garage door and ensure its smooth operation over an extended period.
Conclusion
we have discussed how to fix and change old garage door cables, highlighting the need for regular maintenance. We also mentioned that the cost of repairing garage door cables can vary between $100 and $500, depending on how much needs to be fixed.
By knowing these steps and costs, homeowners can make informed choices to keep their garage doors working well. The repair of the garage door cables is a simple DIY task if you’re willing to do it.
If you have any questions regarding this article, feel free to let ask in the comment section below. also, share your valuable feedback.
