Is your garage door stuck? It could be the cable. Learn how to replace your garage door cable and save on repair costs.
A broken garage door cable can prevent the door from opening or closing and make it unsafe. If you’re wondering how to change a garage door cable, unplug the opener first. Clamp the door so it doesn’t move. Then, remove the broken cable from the drum and bracket. Follow each step slowly and safely.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from finding the broken cable to installing a new one safely. You’ll learn how to run the cable, make sure the tension is correct, and test the door. If you’re not sure or don’t have the right tools, it’s best to contact a professional garage door repair service.
Why You Should Replace a Broken Garage Door Cable
A broken garage door cable is a serious issue that can affect how your door works and even cause injury. It is important to replace it right away.
1. Uneven Door Movement
When one garage door cable breaks, the door can tilt or move unevenly when opening or closing. This makes the door unsafe and hard to use. A tilted door can get stuck or cause more damage if not fixed soon.
2. Sudden Door Drops
A broken cable can make the garage door fall fast without warning. This is very dangerous and could hurt someone, damage your car, or other things. Fixing the cable right away helps keep your family and home safe.
3. Added Strain on the Opener
If a cable is broken, the garage door opener has to work harder to lift the door. This extra strain can damage the motor over time. Replacing broken cables helps your opener last longer and avoids costly repairs.
What to Do Before Fixing a Garage Door Cable Safely
Garage door cables are very tight, and touching them the wrong way can cause bad injuries. Before you begin, follow these precautions:
1. Disconnect the Opener
Always unplug the garage door opener before doing any work. This prevents it from accidentally turning on. It’s a simple step that helps keep you safe. When fixing or adjusting anything, make sure the power is off to avoid injury.
2. Secure the Door
Hold the garage door steady with locking pliers or clamps. This will prevent it from moving or falling while you work. A steady door is important when replacing cables or springs or when repairing. Always make sure the door can’t move.
3. Wear Protective Gear
Wear safety glasses and gloves before you start. Garage door parts like springs and cables are tight and can snap. Protective gear keeps your hands and eyes safe. Don’t skip this step. It can prevent serious injury during repairs.
4. Work with a Partner
It’s always safer to have someone help you. They can hold your tools, steady the ladder, or call for help if needed. Fixing a garage door can be risky, so having a partner nearby adds extra safety and support.
Tools for Garage Door Cable Replacement
Start with the proper tools if you want to change the cable safely. Here’s a simple list to guide you through the process step by step:
- Adjustable wrench: For loosening and tightening bolts.
- Locking pliers or vise grips: To hold the door in place.
- Socket set: For removing or securing bolts.
- Steel winding bars: For safely handling torsion spring tension.
- New garage door cable: Must match the old cable.
- Ladder: To reach the upper parts of the door.
Steps on How to Change Garage Door Cable
Changing a garage door cable requires focus and care. This step-by-step guide will show you how to change a garage door cable properly, making the process safe and easy to follow.
Step 1: Identify the Problem
Look at the garage door cables. Check if they are frayed, rusty, or broken. Cables are usually connected to the bottom brackets and wrap around a drum near the springs. If damaged, the cable needs to be replaced right away.
Step 2: Release Tension from the Springs
Before removing anything, you must release the spring tension. Slowly unwind torsion springs using winding bars. Unhook extension springs from the pulley. Skipping this step is dangerous. Springs under pressure can snap and hurt you badly.
Step 3: Remove the Old Cable
Loosen the bolts holding the cable to the bottom bracket. Then, unwind the cable from the drum. Look at how the old cable was placed. This will help you install the new cable the same way later without guessing.
Step 4: Install the New Cable
The new cable should run on the same path as the old one. It should be attached to the bottom bracket and wrapped around the drum. Keep the cable snug, but don’t pull it too much.
Step 5: Restore Tension to the Springs
After installing the new cable, add tension back to the springs. Tighten the torsion springs using winding bars, or reattach the extension springs by hooking them on. Be careful and follow each step slowly to stay safe during this part of the job.
Step 6: Test the Door
Use your hands to raise and lower the door gently. It should move smoothly and stay balanced. If it works well, plug the opener back in and test it with the button. If the door works properly, your cable repair is complete.
Avoid These Mistakes During Garage Door Cable Replacement
Changing garage door cables can save money, but doing it wrong can be risky. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your door working smoothly and safely.
Skipping Safety Steps
Always release the spring tension before you start working on your garage door. Skipping this step is very dangerous. Springs hold a lot of pressure and can snap if mishandled. Stay safe by following all safety steps from the start.
Using the Wrong Cable
The new cable should be the same kind and length as the old one. Using the wrong cable can cause the door to work poorly or break. Always match the length and thickness when replacing a garage door cable.
Improper Winding
Winding the cable the wrong way on the drum can lead to uneven lifting, which can cause the door to tilt, shake, or get stuck. To ensure smooth cable operation, take your time and follow the correct path when wrapping.
Over-Tightening
Do not pull the cable too tightly. Over-tightening stresses the springs and cables and can lead to damage. The cable should be firm but not too tight. Proper tension helps the garage door move safely and smoothly.
When to Call a Pro for Garage Door Cable Repair
A garage door cable can often be replaced with the right tools and care. But some situations are risky or complex. Here’s when to call a garage door repair pro:
1. Rusted or Damaged Springs
If your garage door springs look rusty, cracked, or stretched, don’t try to fix them yourself. These springs hold a lot of pressure and can snap without warning. It’s safer to call a garage door technician to handle the repair.
2. Uneven Door After Repair
If your garage door still feels uneven, heavy, or jerky after replacing the cable, another part might be damaged. Don’t guess. Have a garage door repair expert inspect everything. Fixing the root problem helps your door work better and last longer.
3. Not Comfortable with Tension
Garage door cables and springs are tightly wound and can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. If you’re unsure or not confident, don’t take the risk. The safest way to fix high-tension parts is to call a trained garage door expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you tension a garage door cable?
To tighten a garage door cable, the door must be closed. Loosen the drum near the spring, pull the cable tight, and tighten the drum again. This job can be dangerous, so it’s better to call a garage door expert to do it safely.
How do you manually release a garage door?
Pull the red cord hanging from the opener to open a garage door by hand. Turning this off lets you lift the door on your own. Always make sure the door is closed first so it doesn’t fall when you pull the cord.
How much does it cost to replace a garage door cable?
Replacing a garage door cable usually costs between $100 and $200, based on the door and where you live. It’s safer to let a pro handle it to avoid injury. Contact Anytime Garage Doors today to book an appointment and get a quick quote for the service.
Are all garage door cables the same?
No, garage door cables are not all the same. Different doors need different sizes and types of cables. The wrong garage door cable can keep the door from working right. Ask a garage door expert to make sure you get the right one.
How do I unlock my garage door?
If your garage door has a lock, use the key to unlock it; if it doesn’t, pull the red cord hanging from the opener. This allows you to open the door manually. If the door won’t move, call a garage door repair expert.
Conclusion
A broken garage door cable can prevent your door from working and cause safety problems. Learning how to change the garage door cable yourself is a smart way to save money and fix the issue before it worsens. Just follow each step carefully and stay safe.
This guide shows you how to find the broken cable, remove it, and install a new one. Many can do this at home with the right tools and safety steps. However, calling a garage door repair expert is the best choice if the job feels too risky or confusing.
Anytime Garage Doors offers trusted, fast service you can count on. Call (262) 246-3680 today to get safe, smooth garage door performance again.
End Note
If your garage door needs fixing or a complete upgrade, Anytime Garage Doors offers trusted service and top brands like Amarr and LiftMaster. We handle all types of residential garage doors and provide expert garage door repair in Menomonee Falls, WI, including guides on safely changing garage door cables.
Learn more about our company background and meet our skilled team to see why homeowners trust our work. You can even design your door your way. Visit our blog for helpful tips and see our shop’s location on Google Maps before stopping by. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for updates, tips, and more. For quick help or to schedule a service, visit our contact page. Our friendly team is always ready to keep your garage door working smoothly and safely.
Anytime Garage Doors
N70W25156 Indian Grass Ln # B, Sussex, WI 53089, United States
+12622463680
