Garage door cables are an important part of the garage door system. The team with the garage door springs to help lift and lower the door, and if they break, it can cause a lot of damage.
Garage door cables can be replaced relatively easily, but how much does it cost? We’ll take a look at that in this blog post.
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How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Cables on A Garage Door?
The cables themselves cost between $10 and $20 per cable, depending on the material and length. The average do-it-yourselfer can replace both cables on a standard garage door in about two hours for about $45 in parts.
Hiring a professional will cost about $150 – $350, which includes the cost of the cables and labor.
What Do Garage Door Cables Do?
Garage door cables are responsible for helping to lift and lower the garage door. They are under a lot of tension, and if they break, it can cause the door to come crashing down.
Cables can snap due to corrosion, age, or even wear and tear. It’s important to inspect them regularly and replace them when necessary.
What’s the Difference Between Garage Door Cables for Extension Springs vs Torsion Springs?
Garage door cables for extension springs are attached to a pulley system along the ceiling that connects to the top of the door. Cables for torsion springs are attached to the side of the door.
Extension springs are typically found on older doors, while torsion springs are more common on newer doors.
How Often Should Garage Door Cables Be Replaced?
Cables generally need to be replaced every 5-10 years, depending on the environment and how often the door is used.
If you live in an area with a lot of salt air or humidity, your cables may corrode more quickly and need to be replaced more often. If you don’t use your garage door very often, the cables may not wear out as quickly.
How to Prevent Garage Door Cable Breakage
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your garage door cables from breaking:
- Inspect them regularly and replace them when they start to show signs of wear and tear.
- If you live in an area with a lot of salt air or humidity, lubricate the cables with WD-40 or a similar product.
- If you have an automatic garage door opener, make sure the sensors are working properly and that the door is balanced. An unbalanced door can put unnecessary strain on the cables.
How Much Do Garage Door Cables Cost on Doors with Extension Springs?
The average cost of garage door cables is between $10 and $20. If you need to replace the pulley as well, then the cost will be slightly higher.
How Much Do Garage Door Cables Cost on Doors with Torsion Springs?
The cost of garage door cables for doors with torsion springs is the same as for extension springs.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Professional to Replace Your Garage Door Cables?
The cost of hiring a professional to replace your garage door cables is between $150 and $350, depending on the type of door you have and the complexity of the job.
How Long Does It Take to Replace the Garage Door Cables Yourself DIY?
The average do-it-yourselfer can replace the cables on a standard garage door in about two hours.
What Are the General Steps to Replacing Garage Door Cables?
Here are the steps to replacing garage door cables:
- Disconnect the garage door from the opener.
- Release the spring tension.
- Loosen cable connections.
- Install the new cable and connect it to the spring or pulley system.
- Adjust the spring tension.
- Reconnect the opener.
- Check connections and test the door.
What Tools Do You Need to Replace Your Garage Door Cables?
The following tools are needed to replace your garage door cables:
- Safety glasses and gloves
- New cables
- winding bar or spring tension tools
- Ladder
- Locking pliers or vice grips
- Wrenches
- Socket set
- Screwdriver
How Hard Is It to Replace the Cables on A Garage Door?
Replacing the cables on a garage door is a relatively easy job, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
If you are not comfortable working with tools or heights, it is best to hire a professional.
Expect it to take 1 hr to learn (via YouTube and your systems instruction manual) and 1-3 hours to perform the actual labor.
How to Save Money on Replacing the Cables for Your Garage Door
There are a few ways to save money on replacing the cables for your garage door:
Shop around for cables – you may be able to find a better deal online or at a local hardware store.
Do it yourself – If you are handy and comfortable with tools, you can replace the cables yourself. This will be the cheapest option.
Hire a professional – If you are not comfortable working with tools or heights, it is best to hire a professional. This will be more expensive than doing it yourself, but it will save you time and money in the long run.
Get multiple quotes – When hiring a professional, be sure to get multiple quotes. This way, you can compare prices and find the best deal.
Ask for discounts – When hiring a professional, be sure to ask for any discounts that they may offer. Many companies offer discounts for seniors, military, and AAA members.
Conclusion
The cost of replacing the cables on a garage door is between $10 and $20. The average do-it-yourselfer can replace the cables on a standard garage door in about two hours. If you are not comfortable working with tools or heights, it is best to hire a professional. Many companies offer discounts for seniors, military, and AAA members.
