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Garage Door Cable Repair Fort Myers:
How to Fix a Broken Garage Door Cable
If you have a garage door, you probably know how important the garage door cable is. The garage door cable is the part that connects the springs to the door and helps to lift and lower it smoothly and safely. Without the garage door cable, your garage door would not be able to function properly.
But what happens when the garage door cable breaks? How do you know if you need a garage door cable repair or a garage door cable replacement? And how do you fix a broken garage door cable in Fort Myers?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will explain what causes garage door cables to break, how to prevent it, how to replace a broken garage door cable in Fort Myers, and how to choose the right garage door cable for your garage door. We will also provide some tips and recommendations for finding a reliable and professional garage door repair service in Fort Myers that can help you with any garage door cable repair or emergency garage door repair service you may need.
What Causes Garage Door Cables to Break and How to Prevent It
Garage door cables are made of metal wires that are twisted together to form a strong and flexible cable. They are designed to withstand a lot of tension and stress, but they are not indestructible.
Over time, garage door cables can wear out, fray, rust, or snap due to various factors, such as:
- Age: Garage door cables have a limited lifespan, usually between 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality and frequency of use. As they get older, they become more brittle and prone to breaking.
- Moisture: Exposure to water, humidity, or salt can cause garage door cables to corrode and weaken. This is especially common in coastal areas or places with high rainfall.
- Damage: Accidents, vandalism, or improper installation can cause garage door cables to bend, kink, or cut. This can reduce their strength and durability and make them more likely to snap.
- Overload: Garage door cables are designed to support a specific weight and size of the garage door. If the garage door is too heavy, too large, or unbalanced, it can put too much pressure on the cables and cause them to stretch or break.
To prevent garage door cables from breaking, you should:
- Inspect: Regularly check your garage door cables for any signs of wear and tear, such as fraying, rusting, or loosening. If you notice any damage, you should contact a professional garage door repair service in Fort Myers as soon as possible.
- Lubricate: Apply a thin layer of lubricant to your garage door cables every few months to keep them smooth and prevent rusting. You can use a silicone-based or lithium-based spray for this purpose.
- Replace: Replace your garage door cables every 5 to 10 years, or sooner if they show signs of deterioration. Do not attempt to replace them yourself, as this can be dangerous and complicated. Hire a qualified and experienced garage door repair service in Fort Myers to do it for you.
How to Replace a Broken Garage Door Cable in Fort Myers: A Step-by-Step Guide
If your garage door cable has snapped, you may be wondering how to replace it. Replacing a broken garage door cable is not a simple DIY task. It requires special tools, skills, and safety precautions. If you are not confident or experienced in handling garage door repairs, you should leave it to the professionals. A reputable and licensed garage door repair service in Fort Myers can replace your broken garage door cable quickly and safely, saving you time, money, and hassle.
However, if you are determined to replace your broken garage door cable yourself, you should follow these steps:
- Disconnect the power: Unplug the garage door opener from the power source and pull the emergency release cord to disengage the door from the opener.
- Secure the door: Use clamps or locking pliers to secure the door in place and prevent it from falling. You may need to use a ladder to reach the top of the door.
- Loosen the springs: Use winding bars to loosen the tension on the torsion springs. Be careful not to overwind or underwind the springs, as this can cause them to break or damage the door. You may need to use a wrench to loosen the set screws on the spring cones.
- Remove the old cable: Detach the old cable from the bottom bracket and the drum. You may need to use a pair of pliers to remove the cable clips or pins. Keep the old cable as a reference for the new one.
- Install the new cable: Attach the new cable to the bottom bracket and the drum, making sure it is aligned and not twisted. You may need to use a pair of pliers to secure the cable clips or pins. Use the old cable as a reference for the length and position of the new one.
- Tighten the springs: Use winding bars to tighten the tension on the torsion springs. Be careful not to overwind or underwind the springs, as this can cause them to break or damage the door. You may need to use a wrench to tighten the set screws on the spring cones.
- Reconnect the power: Plug the garage door opener back into the power source and reconnect the door to the opener. Test the door to make sure it works properly and smoothly.
How to Choose the Right Garage Door Cable for Your Garage Door in Fort Myers
Not all garage door cables are the same. There are different types, sizes, and qualities of garage door cables available on the market. Choosing the right garage door cable for your garage door in Fort Myers is crucial for ensuring its optimal performance and longevity. So if possible seek the help of a professional garage door service Fort Myers.
The main factors to consider when choosing a garage door cable are:
- Type: There are two main types of garage door cables: torsion and extension. Torsion cables are used for torsion spring systems, which are mounted on the wall above the door. Extension cables are used for extension spring systems, which are mounted on the sides of the door. You should choose the type of cable that matches your spring system.
- Size: The size of the garage door cable depends on the size and weight of the garage door. The cable should be able to support the door without stretching or breaking. The size of the cable is measured by its diameter and length. The diameter of the cable is usually between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch, depending on the weight of the door. The length of the cable is usually between 7 feet and 14 feet, depending on the height of the door. You should measure your garage door and consult the manufacturer’s specifications to determine the correct size of the cable.
- Quality: The quality of the garage door cable affects its durability and reliability. The quality of the cable is determined by the material, coating, and construction of the cable. The material of the cable is usually steel or galvanized steel, which is strong and resistant to corrosion. The coating of the cable is usually zinc or vinyl, which protects the cable from moisture and rust. The construction of the cable is usually 7×7 or 7×19, which indicates the number of strands and wires in the cable. A higher number of strands and wires means a more flexible and durable cable.
To choose the right garage door cable for your garage door in Fort Myers, you should look for a cable that is compatible with your spring system, suitable for your door size and weight, and made of high-quality materials and components. You can also ask for professional advice from trusted and experienced garage door repair service in Fort Myers who can help you select and install the best garage door cable for your garage door.
Conclusion
A broken garage door cable can cause a lot of problems for your garage door and your safety. It can prevent your garage door from opening or closing properly, damage other parts of the garage door system, or even injure you or your loved ones. That is why you should not ignore or delay fixing a broken garage door cable in Fort Myers.
If you need help with garage door cable repair or garage door cable replacement Fort Myers, you should contact MR Top Garage Doors, the best garage door repair service in the area. We have the skills, experience, and equipment to handle any garage door cable repair or emergency garage door repair service you may need. We offer fast, reliable, and affordable service, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Don’t let a broken garage door cable ruin your day. Call MR Top Garage Doors today and get your garage door back in shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Garage door cables can break due to factors such as age, moisture exposure, damage, or overload. Over time, they may wear out, corrode, or weaken, leading to eventual failure.
Regularly inspect your cables for signs of wear and tear, lubricate them every few months, and replace them every 5 to 10 years or sooner if needed. Avoid overloading your garage door and ensure proper installation.
While it’s recommended to hire a professional garage door repair service for safety and efficiency, you can follow steps such as disconnecting power, securing the door, loosening springs, removing the old cable, installing the new one, and reconnecting power.
Consider factors like the type (torsion or extension), size (diameter and length), and quality (material, coating, and construction). Consult with a professional garage door service for expert advice tailored to your specific needs.
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