Why Your Garage Door Cable Snapped & How to Prevent It

Your garage door springs supply the lift force, but high-strength steel lift cables carry the actual load. Winding around the drums at both upper corners, these cables are under intense tension whenever the door is closed. If a cable snaps, the door will jam at a sharp angle, potentially damaging the tracks or falling on vehicles beneath it.

Common Causes of Cable Snaps

Overhead cables typically fail due to these issues:

• Corrosion and Rust: Coastal air oxidizes standard steel cables rapidly, causing individual strands to weaken and fray.
• Friction from Bad Pulley Wheels: Worn track pulleys on extension spring systems scrape the cables, wearing down the steel.
• Drum Slippage: If a drum shifts, the cable wraps unevenly, causing it to scrape against the track frame.

Preventative Inspection

Inspect your cables monthly. Look for loose, frayed wire strands, surface rust, or uneven wrapping around the drums. If you notice any fraying, replace the cables immediately. Always replace cables in pairs to maintain even tension.