Introduction
What Are the Types of Garage Door Cables?
Garage door cables play an essential role in your garage door. These are located inside the track and serve as support. There are many types of garage door cables that you can choose from. They come in different sizes, materials, and designs to fit your needs. To help you select the right one, here is a guide to the types of garage door cables available:
Garage door cables play a critical role in the operation of the door. They are responsible for lifting and lowering the door and keeping it in place when it is open. There are two main types of garage door cables: torsion spring cables and extension spring cables.
Torsion spring cables are used on garage doors with a torsion spring system. These cables are typically thicker and stronger than extension spring cables because they need to support the garage door's weight as it moves up and down.
Torsion spring cables are on the sides of the garage door and attached to the bottom bracket and the cable drum. The cable drum is located at the end of the torsion spring shaft and is responsible for winding and unwinding the cable as the garage door moves.
The bottom bracket is attached to the bottom of the garage door and is used to anchor the cable to the door. The torsion spring cable is attached to the bottom bracket with a cable clip.
Extension Spring Cables:
Extension spring cables are used on garage doors with an extension spring system. These cables are thinner and lighter than torsion spring cables because they do not need to support as much weight.
Extension spring cables are attached to the bottom bracket and the pulley. The pulley is located at the top of the garage door and is used to guide the cable as it moves. The extension spring cable is attached to the bottom bracket with a cable clip.
It's important to note that garage door cables should always be replaced in pairs. This means that if one cable is damaged or needs to be replaced, both cables should be replaced at the same time. This ensures that the cables are equally strong and will work together to support the garage door's weight. Additionally, a trained professional should only replace garage door cables to ensure that the job is done safely and correctly.
Other Types of Garage Door Cables
In addition to torsion spring cables and extension spring cables, there are a few other types of garage door cables that are less common. These include:
Safety Cables:
Safety cables are used as a safety feature on extension spring garage doors. They are installed through the extension springs and are anchored to the wall or ceiling. If an extension spring breaks, the safety cable will prevent the spring from flying off and causing damage or injury.
Lift Cables:
Lift cables are used on vertical lift garage doors, which are commonly found in commercial or industrial settings. These doors are lifted straight up and down, rather than rolling up on tracks like residential garage doors. Lift cables are attached to the bottom of the door and run through a series of pulleys and cables to lift and lower the door.
Roll-Up Door Cables:
Roll-up door cables are used on roll-up garage doors, which are commonly found on commercial or industrial buildings. These doors roll up on tracks and are supported by cables that run along the sides of the door.
High Lift Cables:
High lift cables are used on residential garage doors that have a high ceiling. These cables are similar to torsion spring cables, but they are longer to accommodate the higher lift required for these types of doors.
It's important to note that each type of garage door cable is specific to the type of garage door and spring system used. Using the wrong type of cable could result in damage to the door or injury to the person attempting to replace or repair the cables. If you're unsure which type of cable your garage door requires, it's best to consult with a professional.
How Do I Know if My Cable Is Broken?
If your garage door won't open and you've tried to troubleshoot the issue by checking the door's safety sensors, making sure it's on level ground, examining the tracks for damage and even looking up the manufacturer online to find out who installed it originally, then there is one more thing you should do before you call a repairman. Locate the cable that comes down from the door to open and close it. Examine the cable thoroughly and check meticulously to see if it is broken, collapsed on itself or frayed at any point. Of course, if it isn't there at all, then you'll need to call a professional because chances are a vital part of your door has been damaged. If the cable is intact, try pulling it gently to see if it's loose. If so, then you have a problem with the door's safety sensors and should call a repairman. If not, continue checking for damage that could be causing your garage door problems.
What Happens If a Garage Door Cable Breaks?
If a garage door cable breaks, it can cause several issues with the garage door's operation. Here are some of the common problems that can occur:
Garage Door Becomes Stuck:
When a garage door cable breaks, the door may become stuck in place. This is because the cable is responsible for lifting and lowering the door; if it's not functioning properly, the door won't move.
Door Operates Unevenly:
If one of the garage door cables breaks, the door may operate unevenly. This means that one side of the door may be lower than the other, which can cause the door to become crooked and potentially damage the door tracks.
Door Falls Suddenly:
If both garage door cables break, the door may fall suddenly. This is because nothing holds the door in place, and it can come crashing down. This can be dangerous and can cause injury or damage to property.
Garage Door Opener Malfunctions:
If a garage door cable breaks, it can cause strain on the garage door opener. This can result in the opener malfunctioning or not working at all.
If you suspect a garage door cable has broken, it's essential to stop using it immediately and contact a professional garage door technician. Attempting to repair or replace garage door cables without the proper training and equipment can be dangerous and cause further damage to the door or injury to yourself. A professional technician can safely diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs to ensure your garage door functions safely and correctly.
How to fix garage door cable
1 - OPEN THE GARAGE DOOR
2 - CHECK FOR OBVIOUS PROBLEMS
3 - CHECK FOR BROKEN CABLES AND CHAINS
4 - REMOVE THE TRACK COVER
5 - LOOSEN AND RELOCATE THE HARDWARE AT THE TOP OF THE GARAGE DOOR
6 - LOCATE AND SECURE THE CABLE DRUM BOLT
7 - REMOVE THE GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS
8 - INSTALL THE NEW SPRINGS AND REATTACH THE CABLE DRUM BOLT
9 - REPLACE ALL OF YOUR HARDWARE AND PUT YOUR TRACKS BACK TOGETHER
10 - CLOSE THE DOOR!
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How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Cable on a Garage Door?
The cost to fix a cable on a garage door can vary depending on several factors, such as the cable type, the extent of the damage, and the labor cost in your area.
On average, the cost to fix a cable on a garage door can range from $150 to $350. However, this cost can increase if additional repairs are needed or if there are underlying issues with the garage door or its components.
If both cables need to be replaced, the cost will be higher. Additionally, the repair cost will be higher if the garage door has other issues, such as a damaged track or malfunctioning opener.
It's important to note that attempting to repair garage door cables yourself can be dangerous and result in further damage to the door or injury to yourself. Hiring a professional garage door technician is recommended for repairs or replacements. A professional technician will have the necessary training and equipment to safely and properly repair your garage door cables.
