If your garage door cable has snapped, come loose, or simply worn out over time, you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to cost to fix it. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Whether it’s a noisy door, one that won’t open, or a dangling cable that looks ready to cause trouble, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about garage door cable repair cost.
Why Garage Door Cables Matter
Garage door cables do the heavy lifting behind the scenes. They help balance the weight of the door, especially when working together with the springs. If your cables are frayed, broken, or off track, your garage door might stop working altogether—or worse, fall unexpectedly.
That’s why cable problems should never be ignored. They’re a critical piece of your garage door’s safety and performance system.
How They Work
Most garage door systems include torsion or extension springs connected to cables that run through pulleys or drums. These cables wind and unwind as the door opens and closes, keeping everything smooth and controlled. When a cable fails, it throws off the entire mechanism.
Without these cables doing their job, your garage door could jam, bend, or even crash down with dangerous force. That’s why catching problems early—and knowing what repair costs to expect—can save you time, money, and headaches.
How Much Does Garage Door Cable Repair Cost?
Average Cost:
Most homeowners pay anywhere from $90 to $350 for garage door cable repair. If both cables need to be replaced or if extra repairs are needed, it could be a bit more.
What’s Included in the Price?
Replacement cables (usually around $15–$50 each)
Labor (usually $75–$150 per hour)
Minor part replacements or adjustments
Inspection of your door system for other potential issues
Pro Tip: Always ask if the service includes both the cable and a full inspection. It’s better to catch any other hidden issues early!
Factors That Affect the Final Price
Here’s why prices vary from one repair job to another:
Type of garage door (single, double, or custom)
Severity of the issue (snapped cable vs. loose cable)
Emergency repairs (after-hours or weekend calls)
Location and local labor rates
Condition of springs and pulleys
Age of the door system
If your garage door is older, you might run into parts that are harder to find or additional components that need replacing.
Signs Your Garage Door Cable Needs Repair
It’s not always obvious when a cable is on its way out. But here are some common signs to watch for:
- Your garage door is crooked or lopsided
- Loud banging or snapping noise
- Loose or dangling cables
- Garage door won’t open all the way
- One side moves while the other doesn’t
- Fraying or visible wear near the ends of the cables
If you notice any of these signs, stop using the door and call for help. It’s better to be safe.
Can You DIY Garage Door Cable Repair?
Technically, yes. But should you? Not really.
Garage doors are heavy and under tension. One wrong move, and you could get seriously hurt. Professionals have the tools and experience to do it safely and efficiently. Plus, a trained technician can spot issues you might miss—like worn rollers or unbalanced springs.
Here’s what can go wrong with DIY:
- You could install the wrong type of cable
- You might fail to properly tension the springs
- You risk injury from snapping cables or falling doors
Skip the stress—call Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound at (253) 400-3880 for fast, expert repair service!
How Long Does Cable Repair Take?
In most cases, a technician can fix your cables in about one to two hours. If there are other issues (like worn-out springs or damaged tracks), it might take a little longer.
Quick fixes include reattaching loose cables or tightening brackets. Bigger jobs might involve rebalancing the entire system.
When to Replace vs. Repair Cables
If your cables are only a little loose or showing early signs of wear, a repair might be all you need. But if they’re frayed, rusted, or completely broken, replacement is the way to go.
Replace if:
The cables are more than 5–7 years old
They show rust or corrosion
You see broken strands or fraying
The cable has snapped completely
In most cases, both cables should be replaced together to keep the system balanced.
How to Prevent Cable Problems in the Future
Here’s how to keep those cables in top shape:
Schedule regular maintenance (once or twice a year)
Don’t ignore strange noises
Watch for fraying or rust
Keep the door balanced
Clean tracks and rollers often
Don’t force your door open or closed
Adding a little lubrication to the pulleys and keeping the system clean can also go a long way. If you live in a wet or coastal climate, corrosion can be more common—so check your cables more often.
Additional Costs to Consider
Sometimes, cable problems are just part of a bigger issue. During repair, your technician might find:
- Broken springs
- Bent tracks
- Damaged pulleys
- Worn rollers
These fixes can add $100 to $1000 or more to your final bill. Still, catching and handling these issues early can prevent a full door replacement later.
- Fully licensed and insured
- Fast, local service in Puget Sound
- Same-day and emergency repairs
- Honest pricing with no surprise fees
- Over 20 years of trusted garage door experience
- Friendly, trained technicians who get the job done right
We’ve seen every kind of garage door issue out there—and fixed it all. Whether your cables are a little loose or completely snapped, we’ll get your garage back in top shape.
How much should it cost to replace a garage door cable?
Replacing a single garage door cable typically costs $90 to $200, depending on labor and materials. If both cables are replaced together, expect the total cost to be $150 to $350.
Can I open a garage door with a broken cable?
It’s not safe to open a garage door with a broken cable. The door may become unbalanced, increasing the risk of damage or injury.
What happens if a cable breaks on a garage door?
If a cable breaks, the door might tilt, jam, or fall unexpectedly. This can damage other parts of the system and create a serious safety hazard.
How often should I replace garage door cables?
Garage door cables should typically be replaced every 5 to 7 years, or sooner if they show signs of fraying, rust, or damage.
Call Now for Expert Garage Door Cable Repair!
Reach out to Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound at (253) 400-3880 to schedule service or get a free estimate today!
