Broken Cable Emergency
DO NOT OPERATE - Call Now
Cable snapped? Hanging loose? Door crooked or stuck? This is DANGEROUS - door is unbalanced and can fall. DO NOT try to operate. Call now for 60-90 minute emergency response and same-day cable replacement.
CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING
A garage door with broken cable is EXTREMELY dangerous. Do these things IMMEDIATELY:
- 1. DO NOT OPERATE THE DOOR - Don't try to open or close. Don't pull emergency release (can cause unbalanced door to fall).
- 2. KEEP EVERYONE AWAY - Unbalanced door can fall without warning. Door weighs 200-400 lbs - can cause death or severe injury.
- 3. CALL PROFESSIONAL IMMEDIATELY - This is NOT a DIY repair. Cables are under extreme tension. Improper handling causes serious injury.
- 4. SECURE THE AREA - If door stuck open, block vehicle access to garage (prevent accidental entry under unstable door).
Broken cables mean door has NO weight control. It can fall at any moment. This is a life-threatening emergency - treat it as such.
Signs Your Cable Broke
Emergency Cable Replacement Process
Call Immediately - Priority Dispatch
Broken cables receive priority emergency response (60-90 minutes) due to danger. We'll provide safety instructions while technician is en route - keep everyone away from door.
Safety Securing & Assessment
Technician secures door to prevent falling, releases spring tension safely, assesses damage (cable only, or spring also failed), provides upfront quote ($150-$500 depending on damage).
Cable Replacement (30-60 Minutes)
Remove broken cables, install NEW cables (correct size and length), wind cables onto drums, adjust spring tension, balance door. We replace BOTH cables for safety (same age/wear).
Testing & Safety Verification
Test door operation (manual and opener), verify balance, check cable tension, ensure safety. Door is safe and functional before we leave.
Why We Replace BOTH Cables
Even if only one cable broke, we ALWAYS recommend replacing both cables at the same time. Here's why:
Same Age = Same Wear
If one cable broke, the other has identical age, wear, and corrosion. It WILL break within days or weeks - guaranteed second service call and emergency.
Unbalanced Door is Dangerous
Mixing new cable (strong) with old cable (weak, frayed) creates unbalanced door - wears opener, damages tracks, creates safety hazard as old cable stretches differently.
Better Value
Replacing both cables costs $150-$300 total. Replacing one now ($125) then paying second emergency call in 2 weeks ($125+) = $250-$300+ plus inconvenience and repeated danger.
Peace of Mind
With both cables replaced, your door is balanced and safe. No worrying about second cable breaking next week. Fresh cables last 10-15 years with proper maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a broken garage door cable dangerous?
YES - VERY dangerous. When cable breaks, door loses balance - one side lifts while other doesn't. This creates severe stress on tracks, rollers, and remaining cable (which may snap next). If spring still under tension when cable breaks, door can fall suddenly. DO NOT operate door with broken cable. Call for immediate professional repair.
What causes garage door cables to break?
Common causes: normal wear (fraying over 7-10 years), rust/corrosion (moisture damage), improper installation (wrong cable size), broken spring (excess load on cables), cable came off drum (jammed, then snapped when forced). Most breaks occur during opening when tension is highest.
How fast can you replace a broken cable?
60-90 minute emergency response. Cable replacement takes 30-60 minutes after arrival. We replace BOTH cables (if one broke, other has same wear and will break soon). Most customers have working door within 2-3 hours of calling. We carry all cable sizes on trucks.
How much does emergency cable replacement cost?
Cable replacement: $150-$300 (includes both cables, labor, adjustment, testing). If spring also needs replacement (cables often break due to spring failure): $300-$500 total. Upfront quote provided before work starts - no surprise charges.
Can I manually close my door with a broken cable?
NO! Door is unbalanced and extremely dangerous. Manually operating with broken cable can: cause door to fall (crushing injury), damage tracks/rollers, break remaining cable, bend door panels. Call for emergency service - we'll secure door safely if it's stuck open.
Do you replace one cable or both?
We ALWAYS replace both cables. If one broke, both have identical wear and age. Replacing only one = second cable breaks within days/weeks, requiring second service call. Replacing both together costs less than two separate calls and ensures balanced door operation.
Broken Cable Emergency? Call NOW!
This is a dangerous emergency. Do not wait. Do not try to operate the door.
Priority 60-90 minute response. Professional cable replacement. We make it safe.
(405) 555-0365
