How to repair garage door cables.
How to Repair Garage Door Cables (and Why You Shouldn’t Do It Yourself)
Garage door cables play a crucial role in lifting and lowering your door smoothly. They work under high tension and are connected directly to the spring system — meaning they handle enormous force every time the door moves. When a cable snaps or comes off the cone, your garage door can become unbalanced, jammed, or even dangerous to operate.
So, how do you repair a garage door cable?
Technically, the process involves:
Disconnecting the power supply (to avoid any accidental activation - if applicable).
Securing the door in place using clamps to prevent it from dropping.
Removing the damaged cable from the cone or pulley system.
Fitting a new high-tension cable of the correct size and specification.
Rewinding and tensioning the springs accurately.
Testing the balance and safety mechanisms to ensure smooth operation.
Sounds simple? It’s not.
⚠️ Why You Should Always Call a Professional
Garage door cables are under hundreds of pounds of tension — one wrong move can cause serious injury or further damage to your door. A professional garage door technician has the right tools, training, and safety knowledge to carry out the repair safely and correctly.
At SmartLift Garage Doors, we’ve seen countless DIY cable repairs that have led to:
Bent door panels
Snapped springs
Misaligned doors
Costly damage that could’ve been avoided
For peace of mind, every cable replacement we carry out includes:
✅ Genuine, heavy-duty cables rated for your door size
✅ Correct re-tensioning of springs and pulleys
✅ A full safety inspection and service check
The Smart Choice
If your garage door cable has snapped, frayed, or come off its drum — don’t try to fix it yourself. Call a professional and get it done safely, properly, and backed by warranty.
👉 SmartLift Garage Doors – Expert Cable Repairs from £89.00
Serving Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, and surrounding areas.