Broken or Frayed Garage Door Cable? What to Do

A broken or frayed garage door cable is a safety problem. If one side of the door hangs lower, a cable is loose or frayed, or the door will not lift evenly, stop using the door and keep clear of it. The cables carry the weight of the door, and they are under high tension. Call a professional rather than trying to fix it yourself.

Signs of a broken or frayed cable

1. The door hangs crooked. One side sits lower than the other.
2. A cable is loose, hanging or frayed. Look beside the door where the cables run to the bottom corners.
3. The door will not lift, or lifts unevenly. The opener may strain or stop.
4. A loud snap. Cables and springs can break with a bang.
5. The rollers have come out of the track. A cable failure can leave the door off track.

Why cables break

Cables wear with every cycle, and rust, fraying and impact can weaken them. A broken spring can also put extra strain on the cables. Because the parts work together, a technician will usually check the springs, cables, drums and rollers at the same time.

What to do right now

• Stop using the opener and the door.
• Keep people, pets and vehicles clear of the door.
• Take a photo of the damage if it is safe to do so.
• Call a professional for an in-person estimate.

How a professional repairs a cable

A technician will secure the door, inspect the cables, drums, springs and rollers, replace the damaged parts, and test the balance and safety features before leaving. If the door has come off its track, see our guide to a garage door off track.

Get help from DDS Garage Doors

If the door is stuck and you cannot secure your garage, call our emergency garage door repair service. For other repairs, see garage door repair, or read about a broken garage door spring.

Frequently Asked Questions