How long do garage door cables last?

Two doors installed on the same day can need cables at very different times. A door that opens many times a day, sits in a damp spot or has a worn drum will wear its cables faster than one that is used lightly and stays dry. That is why we judge cables by what they look like, not by how old they are.

What wears cables out

• Use. Every open and close cycle flexes the cable around the drum.
• Moisture. Water at the bottom of the door, from rain or sprinklers, can rust the cable ends near the bottom brackets.
• Abrasion. A cable rubbing on the track, a bracket or a misaligned drum wears through strands.
• Drum and balance problems. Worn drums or an out-of-balance door can let a cable slacken and jump off.

What to look for

From the floor, without touching anything, look for broken or frayed strands, rust, kinks, or a cable that hangs slack instead of staying taut. A door that sits crooked or lifts unevenly is another sign. If you see any of these, stop using the door and arrange service; a cable rarely gets better on its own.

Catching wear early

A yearly tune-up includes a cable inspection, which is the easiest way to replace cables before they snap. When one cable is worn, the other usually is too, which is why we typically recommend a matched pair; see whether both cables need replacing.

Read more

• Garage door cable replacement
• Garage door cable repair
• Garage door tune-up

Related questions

• Can I repair or replace a garage door cable myself?
• Do both garage door cables need to be replaced at once?
• What is the difference between garage door cable repair and replacement?
• Can I put my garage door back on the track myself?
• Is it safe to use a garage door that's off track?

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