A loose garage door cable is a safety hazard and if not fixed, may result in injury or property damage. The cable is the thing that keeps the garage door in place and helps make it function properly. There are many causes of loose cables in garage doors, such as normal wear and tear, misalignment, or a symptom of a bigger problem such as mechanical failure.
When attempting to repair your garage doors, keep in mind that if you’re not an expert, it’s better to let a professional do it. Garage doors are heavy and complex fixtures which can cause injury and damage if not properly handled. But if you have the skills and equipment, fixing a loose garage door is pretty simple. Here are 4 easy steps to do it:
Step 1: Inspect
First, you need to check all of your garage door’s parts. Taking more time to check the hardware, especially the cables, pulleys, and brackets. Check for signs of rust, damage, wear and tear, or fraying. Check the tracks’ alignment as well. If the tension isn’t even, cables can get damaged and come loose.
Step 2. Replace
If you notice that the issue is that the cables are damaged, frayed, or worn out, they need to be replaced. Again, take extra precaution if you decide to do this on your own or better call a professional if you’re unsure. When you need to replace cables, you need to find ones that are the same size and strength as the ones you are replacing.
Step 3. Misalignment
If you notice that cables are also misaligned, you need to adjust them. Misaligned cables are among the common causes of loose garage doors and are quite easy to fix if you have the right tools. To fix, loosen the screws that hold the tracks using a screwdriver. Now, start aligning the tracks using a rubber mallet, ensuring it’s perfectly vertical. Once done, put the screws back in and re-tighten. Do this to the other side of the door as well.
Step 4. Adjust tension
Sometimes a loose garage door can easily fixed by adjusting the tension on the cables. You start by locating the tension adjuster located at the top of the garage door. It looks like a metal bar with holes. Loosen this bar and use a cable adjuster or turnbuckle to turn it. After you find the right tension, start tightening the screws and bolts.
After making all the adjustments and steps, test your garage door by opening and shutting it. Adjust the tension again if there are sounds or traction issues. Also, make sure all screws and bolts are tightened and secured. To ensure your garage doors are in tip-top shape, follow simple garage door maintenance tips.