Garage Door Cable Repair and Replacement in Newton, MA
A snapped cable or a cable off its drum leaves the door tilted or stuck. Springline repairs cables in Newton and checks the springs at the same visit.
Two steel cables lift your garage door. One runs on each side. When one snaps or slips off its drum the door tilts and jams. It can also fall. Cable problems are common and they often show up with a failed spring. This page explains what a cable repair involves and when you should stop using the door.
Signs of a cable problem
- One side of the door sits lower than the other.
- A cable hangs loose or looks frayed.
- The door jams a few inches up and will not move.
- You hear a pop or a snap and the door will not lift.
- The cable has come off the drum above the door or the pulley by the track.
What causes it
- A broken spring leaves the cable slack. It then jumps off the drum.
- Rust and fraying wear the cable down over time.
- A door that hits something can knock a cable out of place.
- A door that is out of balance puts extra pull on one side.
What a cable repair visit covers
- The technician checks both cables and both drums. A worn cable on one side usually means the other side is close behind.
- New cables are matched to the door and fitted correctly.
- The springs are checked. Cables and springs share the load. A tired spring will wear out a new cable fast. See spring repair.
- Rollers and tracks are checked for damage that caused the problem.
- The door is balanced and tested.
Why you should not pull or reset a cable yourself
The cables are under heavy tension from the springs. A cable that slips can whip free. Putting one back on a drum without releasing the tension can cause serious injury. Do not touch it. If the door is stuck open or half open keep people and cars clear.
What changes the cost of cable repair
- One cable or both
- Whether the drum or the pulley is damaged
- Whether a spring also needs replacing
- Door size and weight
- The time of day you call
You get a written price before work starts. If we find a second problem we show you and quote it separately. Nothing is added without your yes.
Newton notes
Salt tracked in on tires and boots rusts cables over time. A garage that stays damp through the winter wears them faster. Old Newton garages with older doors often have cables that have never been replaced.
Cable questions
Can I still use my door with a snapped cable?
No. The door can tilt or drop. Do not run the opener.
Is a cable repair the same as a spring repair?
No. They are two parts. One often damages the other. Ask the technician to check both.
Why did the cable come off the drum?
Usually a broken spring left it slack. Sometimes the door hit something.
Should both cables be replaced?
Often yes. The second cable has the same age and wear.
How do I stop it happening again?
Have the springs and cables checked once a year. Fall is a good time before the cold sets in.
Cable snapped or off the drum?
Send a photo of both sides of the door with your request. It helps us bring the right parts.