How to Tell If Your Garage Door Cables Are About to Snap

While the springs store the balance weight of your garage door, the steel lift cables do the actual lifting. These cables run from the bottom brackets of your door up to the drums on the torsion shaft. Because they are under extreme tension, a snapped cable is a major safety hazard.

Signs of Frayed or Damaged Cables

Inspect your cables regularly for these warning signs:

• Fraying Strands: Look closely at the steel wire. If you see individual strands starting to separate or stick out, the cable is compromised and must be replaced immediately.
• Rust and Corrosion: Especially common in coastal areas, rust weakens the metal core of the cable, making it brittle.
• Slack in the Cables: If you notice a cable hanging loose when the door is closed, it can slip off the drum, causing the door to jam.