Cable Repair
Emergency Same-Day Service
Broken garage door cable? Your door is unbalanced and could collapse. DO NOT operate. We offer same-day emergency cable replacement throughout Oklahoma City with 1-3 hour response.
What Are Garage Door Cables?
Garage door cables are heavy-duty galvanized steel cables that work with your torsion springs to safely lift and lower your garage door. Two lift cables run from the bottom corners of the door, through pulleys, and connect to drums on the spring shaft. When the springs unwind to lift the door, cables prevent the door from falling if a spring breaks.
Lift cables (also called main cables) do the actual lifting work. They're typically 1/8" diameter galvanized steel rated for 200-300 pounds of tension. Safety cables run through the center of extension springs on some doors to contain the spring if it breaks, preventing it from flying across the garage.
Cables are under constant stress - winding and unwinding thousands of times per year. In Oklahoma's extreme heat (110°F+ summers) and cold (sub-20°F winters), cables expand and contract, accelerating wear. Most cables last 7-10 years, but Oklahoma's climate can reduce this to 5-7 years.
Warning Signs of Cable Failure
DANGEROUS - Do Not Operate Door
If you notice ANY of these cable failure symptoms, DO NOT operate your garage door. An unbalanced door with broken cables can collapse suddenly, causing severe injury or crushing vehicles. Call for emergency service immediately.
Most Dangerous: Cable Off Drum
When a cable slips off the drum (the round cylinder at the top corners), the door becomes critically unbalanced. The other cable is now supporting the entire door weight alone and will likely snap within hours or days. The door could collapse at any moment.
If you see a cable wrapped around the shaft or hanging loose: Do not touch it, do not operate the door, do not try to re-wind it. Call for emergency service. We typically arrive within 60-90 minutes in Oklahoma City metro.
Cable Types: Choosing the Right Cables for Your Door
Standard Galvanized Cables
Both cables, installed
- 1/8" diameter galvanized steel
- 7-10 year lifespan (typical use)
- Suitable for standard residential doors
- 1-year warranty on materials
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners, doors under 10 years old, standard 16x7 or smaller doors
Premium Coated Cables
Both cables, installed
- Aircraft-grade galvanized steel
- 12-15 year lifespan (extended)
- Rust-resistant coating for Oklahoma climate
- 5-year warranty against breakage
- Rated for heavy doors (300+ pounds)
Why we recommend: Extra $50-75 upfront = 5+ years longer lifespan. Oklahoma's heat, humidity, and dust make premium cables the smarter long-term investment. Installed on 85% of Oklahoma City homes.
What's Included in Every Cable Replacement:
- Both cables replaced (even if only one failed)
- Spring tension adjustment and balance testing
- Roller and hinge lubrication
- Drum inspection and tightening
- Safety sensor testing (auto-reverse)
- Old cable disposal and cleanup
Never Attempt DIY Cable Repair
Garage door cables are under extreme tension (200+ pounds of force) and attached to drums wound with hundreds of pounds of spring force. When a cable snaps, the sudden release can cause the drum to spin violently, the door to collapse, or the cable to whip across the garage at high speed.
DIY cable repair results in hundreds of emergency room visits annually: broken bones from door collapse, severe lacerations from cable whipping, crushed fingers from drums, and traumatic injuries from falling doors. Professional cable replacement requires specialized winding bars, safety clamps, protective equipment, and training in proper tension release procedures.
Even if you watch YouTube videos or read installation guides, you lack the specialized tools, training, and insurance coverage professionals have. Our technicians complete manufacturer certification and carry $2 million liability insurance. If something goes wrong during a professional repair, we're covered. If something goes wrong during your DIY attempt, you're personally liable for property damage and medical bills.
The risk is never worth the cost savings. Professional cable replacement costs $150-$300. Emergency room visits from DIY attempts cost $5,000-$50,000. Always hire a licensed professional for cable repairs.
Why Cables Fail Faster in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City's extreme climate creates the perfect storm for accelerated cable wear. Summer temperatures reaching 110°F+ cause metal expansion in cables, while winter drops below 20°F cause contraction. This constant expansion and contraction weakens cable strands faster than moderate climates.
Extreme Heat Impact
110°F+ garage temperatures (metal surfaces can reach 140°F) cause cables to expand and soften. Galvanized coating degrades faster. Cable tension increases, accelerating spring wear. Result: 20-30% shorter cable lifespan.
Tornado & Wind Stress
Oklahoma's position in Tornado Alley means doors face extreme wind pressure during storms. Even if your door survives, cables experience shock loading from wind gusts and debris impacts. Post-storm cable inspection is critical.
Ice Storm Brittleness
Sub-freezing temperatures (Oklahoma's record: -31°F in 2021) make steel cables brittle. Operating a door in extreme cold risks sudden cable snap. We recommend manual operation during ice storms if temperature drops below 10°F.
Humidity & Rust
Despite Oklahoma's reputation for dry heat, humidity levels reach 70-90% during spring/summer mornings. Moisture accelerates rust on galvanized cables, especially where coating is scratched. Coastal-grade corrosion protection recommended.
Oklahoma Reality: Cables fail after 5-7 years here vs. 10-12 years nationally. We recommend annual cable inspection and preventive replacement at 6-7 years before failure occurs. Catching fraying early prevents emergency calls and protects your safety.
How Oklahoma Weather Affects Your Cables
Oklahoma's extreme climate creates unique challenges. We know how to address them.
Extreme Heat Expansion (110°F+ Summers)
Oklahoma's brutal summer heat causes cable metal to expand, increasing tension stress. Combined with repeated thermal cycling, cables develop microscopic cracks that lead to sudden failure. Heat also accelerates lubricant breakdown, increasing friction.
Ice Storm Brittleness (Sub-20°F Winters)
When temperatures drop below 20°F, cable steel becomes brittle and prone to snapping. Ice storms add weight stress while making cables inflexible. A single cold snap can turn a cable with minor fraying into a complete break.
Tornado Stress Events
Tornado season (March-June) brings sudden pressure changes and high winds that slam doors open/closed violently. This shock loading can snap cables instantly. Even near-miss tornadoes cause structural stress that weakens cables for months after.
Temperature Cycle Fatigue
Oklahoma's 80-100°F daily temperature swings (common in spring/fall) cause expansion-contraction cycles 2-3x more severe than northern climates. Cables flex and stress repeatedly, developing fatigue cracks that lead to failure 40% faster than national averages.
With + years of Oklahoma experience, we've seen it all. From tornadoes to ice storms, we know how to keep your garage door working.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cable replacement cost?
Garage door cable replacement costs $150-$300 for both cables. Price depends on door size and cable type. We recommend replacing both cables even if only one broke, as they wear at similar rates.
Is a broken cable dangerous?
Yes, broken cables create a dangerous situation. The door becomes unbalanced and could collapse suddenly. Never operate a door with broken cables. Call for emergency service immediately.
What causes cables to break?
Cables break from wear over time (typically 7-10 years), rust/corrosion, improper installation, spring failure putting extra stress on cables, or fraying from drum damage.
Can I replace cables myself?
Never attempt DIY cable repair. Cables are under extreme spring tension and attached to drums under hundreds of pounds of force. Professional tools and training required. DIY attempts result in serious injuries.
How long do garage door cables last?
Garage door cables typically last 7-10 years with normal use. Regular maintenance and lubrication can extend lifespan. Visible fraying means cables need replacement soon before they break.
Do cables fail suddenly or gradually?
Both. Cables can snap suddenly with a loud crack, or you may notice gradual fraying over weeks/months. Visible wire strands separating from the cable means failure is imminent. Don't wait - call for replacement before complete failure occurs.
Can I drive my car if the garage door cable is broken?
If your car is trapped inside with a broken cable, DO NOT attempt to open the door yourself. Call us for emergency service - we can safely open the door, secure it, get your car out, and complete repairs. Attempting to force the door open risks collapse and severe injury.
Does homeowners insurance cover cable replacement?
Insurance typically does NOT cover cable replacement from normal wear and tear. However, if cables broke due to storm damage (tornado, hail impact), vehicle collision, or vandalism, your policy may cover it. We provide documentation for insurance claims when applicable.
Related Garage Door Services
Cables often fail alongside these other components
Spring Repair (Torsion)
Broken springs are the most common garage door failure. Often occurs together with cable damage. Same-day emergency spring replacement with lifetime warranty.
Preventive Maintenance
Annual tune-ups prevent cable failures. Includes cable inspection, lubrication, tension adjustment, and spring balance testing. Extends cable lifespan by 40%.
Emergency Service
Broken cable is a dangerous emergency. Call now for 60-90 minute response time in OKC metro. Same-day repairs guaranteed.
Broken Cable? Call Now for Emergency Service
Dangerous situation. DO NOT operate door. Same-day emergency cable replacement with 1-3 hour response time.
(405) 555-0365
