Garage Door Cables: Important Maintenance Tips, If your garage door is making strange noises or isn’t working properly, it might be time to check the cables. Although it might seem like a daunting task, checking and replacing your garage door cables is relatively easy and can be done in a few hours. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when maintaining your garage door cables.
1. Check the cables regularly for wear and tear.
2. Lubricate the cables with a silicone-based lubricant.
3. If the cables are frayed or damaged, have them replaced by a professional immediately.
How To Adjust Garage Door Cable Tension
If your garage door isn’t opening or closing smoothly, the problem could be with the tension in the cables that help lift the heavy door. You can adjust these cables yourself with a few simple tools.
First, check that the tracks are clean and free of debris. Then, look at the pulleys to see if they’re properly aligned. If everything looks good there, it’s time to adjust the tension on the cables.
To do this, first, loosen the bolts that hold the cable drums in place. Then, use a wrench to turn each drum a quarter turn clockwise. This will tighten the cables and take some of the slack out. Test your door to see if it’s working better before repeating this process on the other side.
How Long Do Garage Door Cables Last
It’s not uncommon for garage door cables to last for 10-15 years. However, there are a number of factors that can contribute to how long your particular cables will last.
One important factor is the material the cables are made from. Galvanized steel cables are going to last much longer than standard steel or iron cables. If you live in an area with a lot of salt in the air, like near the ocean, then galvanized steel is especially important to help prevent corrosion.
Another factor is how often you use your garage door. If you open and close it multiple times per day, then the wear and tear on the cables are going to be greater than if you only use it a few times per week.
Finally, how well you maintain your garage door can also affect the longevity of your garage door cables.
How To Measure Garage Door Cables
Over time, cables can become stretched or frayed, which can cause the door to become unbalanced and not open or close correctly. It’s important to measure the cables periodically to make sure they are in good condition and working properly. Here’s how to do it:
First, you’ll need to identify which type of cable you have. There are two different types of garage door cables – extension springs and torsion springs. Extension spring cables are attached to the bottom of the door and run along either side of the tracks. Torsion spring cables are located above the door on either side of the center support bracket.
Next, you’ll need to remove the cable from the bracket on the door and attach it to a tape measure or ruler.
Then, you’ll need to measure the cable in order to identify if there is any stretch or fraying.
It is important to regularly maintain your garage door cables to prevent any accidents or injuries. By following these simple tips, you can prolong the life of your garage door and keep it functioning properly.