A garage door cable is a central feature of the garage door because it helps lift the door’s hefty weight through spring tension.
Additionally, they aid in the overall stability of your garage door and function as a safety net if a spring fails.
Properly installed and efficient cables can mean the difference between a slight inconvenience and a major injury.
Knowing how to install garage door cables properly will extend the life and efficiency of the door.
This article will explain how these cables operate and what you should do if you want to install one in your garage.
How Garage Door Cables Work
Garage door lift cables work in pairs together with garage door springs to open and close the garage door.
They are built to operate in conjunction with a pulley mechanism, which means that although the cables are made of metal, they have a certain degree of flexibility.
Since cables are constantly moving in a garage system, many things can happen, like cables getting damaged.
If a cable snaps, the garage door opener is left unused.
The damage will lead to the garage door’s entire weight shifting to the other cable, causing an imbalance that will cause the garage door to be lopsided and eventually snap.
If this happens, you need to install new ones as soon as possible.
Torsion cables, extension spring cables, and safety cables are the three classifications of garage door cables.
The procedure for installing garage door cables is dictated by the garage door cable type that needs to be changed.
Thus, to decide the proper method for installing garage door cables, you must first specify the cable you should install and determine the appropriate setup for that cable.
To ensure proper alignment, smooth operation, and to prevent additional expenses, obtain expert assistance from a MAX experienced garage specialist.
Tools and Steps for Cable Installation
If your garage door is showing signs of wear and tear, consider installing cables.
Have it inspected by a specialist to determine if you need replacements.
New installations are much more secure and efficient.
Here’s a quick rundown of cable installation.
You can attempt it on your own if you have prior knowledge; however, if none, do not attempt it.
Before you start any project, make sure that you have gathered all of the materials required to complete it.
Tools To Use
- Replacement or new cables
- Locking pliers
- Socket
- Clamps
- Drill
- Wrench
- Ratchet
- Ladder
- Work gloves and eye protection
- Non-skid shoes or work boots
An Overview of Cable Installation
Once you’ve set up all of the tools needed and cable, wrap the cable around a pulley.
Connect one end of the cable to the garage ceiling; ensure that the garage door is closed.
Screwing the wires properly can be done with the door closed.
Now, from the bottom side, attach the cable ends to the door’s slots.
Then gently insert the cable into the slot, but make sure that the wires are properly secured to the garage door track.
When you are satisfied that the cables are correctly positioned, connect the other end of the cables to the door’s overhead setting.
Unscrew the settings and insert the cables into the settings, then screw them back in their place.
While screwing, check to ensure that cables are properly tensioned.
Lastly, recheck if you have installed it right.
Bear in mind that while it is difficult to foresee all repair scenarios, the steps outlined above should serve as a general guide.
These steps must be followed to avoid causing damage to your door or yourself.
Here’s Why You Need A Specialist
If you lack previous experience or confidence in how to install garage door cables, it is best to seek expert help.
For most homeowners, hiring a specialist to perform garage door spring repair and replacement is a much simpler and safer choice.
Springs are subjected to extremely high tension, resulting in substantial damage and physical injury, not to mention the door’s weight.
Garage spring removal and repair can be risky, but professionals have the training and equipment necessary to complete the job safely and efficiently.
Call Max to send over a local garage door pro for thorough, high-quality garage door services.
