Replacing a garage door cable is an important task that should be done if you notice that your garage door is not opening or closing properly. A broken cable can cause serious damage to your garage door and can even be a safety hazard. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to replace a garage door cable and what tools you’ll need to complete the job.
Before you begin, it’s important to note that working on a garage door can be dangerous, as the door and its components can be heavy and can cause serious injury if not handled properly. If you’re unsure about your ability to complete the task, it’s best to call a professional to handle the repair.
Step 1: Gather the tools you’ll need
To replace a garage door cable, you’ll need the following tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Cable drum winding tool (if needed)
- Replacement cable
Step 2: Disconnect the power to the garage door opener
Before you begin working on the garage door, it’s important to disconnect the power to the opener. This will prevent the door from moving while you’re working on it, and will also prevent accidental injury from the opener’s motor.
Step 3: Remove the door from the opener
To remove the door from the opener, you’ll need to release the tension on the torsion springs. To do this, you’ll need to use an adjustable wrench to loosen the set screws on the cable drums. Once the set screws are loose, the door should be able to be lifted off the opener’s track.
Step 4: Remove the old cable
Once the door is removed from the opener, you’ll be able to access the cable that runs from the bottom of the door to the cable drum. To remove the old cable, use pliers to loosen the cable clamp that holds the cable in place. Once the clamp is loose, you should be able to pull the cable out of the drum.
Step 5: Install the new cable
To install the new cable, you’ll need to feed it through the bottom of the door and into the cable drum. Make sure that the cable is properly aligned and that the cable clamp is tight. Once the cable is in place, use the cable drum winding tool (if provided) to wind the cable back onto the drum.
Step 6: Reattach the door to the opener
Once the new cable is in place, you’ll need to reattach the door to the opener. To do this, you’ll need to use an adjustable wrench to tighten the set screws on the cable drums. This will re-tension the torsion springs and will allow the door to be moved by the opener’s motor.
Step 7: Test the door
Once the door is reattached to the opener, it’s important to test the door to make sure that it’s working properly. Open and close the door a few times to make sure that it’s moving smoothly and that the cable is not binding or getting caught on anything.
Some important safety tips:
- Always wear safety goggles and gloves when working on a garage door to protect yourself from flying debris.
- If the torsion spring is broken, it can be dangerous to work with it because it can cause serious injury or death. In this case, it is best to call a professional.
- Keep children and pets away from the garage while you are working on the door.
- Do not try to adjust or repair the opener itself. Only work on the door and the cable.
