Lifting Your Garage Door with a Broken Cable: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted Saturday, July 15th, 2023

Lifting Your Garage Door with a Broken Cable: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction:

Dealing with a broken garage door cable can be a frustrating experience. It not only hampers your daily routine but also poses potential safety risks. However, with the right approach and careful execution, you can still lift your garage door temporarily until professional help arrives. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to lift your garage door with a broken cable safely and efficiently.

Call a Professional Repair Service:

Lifting your garage door with a broken cable is a temporary solution. As soon as possible, contact a professional garage door repair service to assess the situation and replace the broken cable. Attempting to use the door with a broken cable for an extended period can lead to further damage and safety risks.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools:

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools handy:

• Sturdy ladder
• C-clamps or locking pliers
• Vice grips or locking pliers
• Assistant (if possible)

Step 2: Disconnect the Garage Door Opener:

For safety reasons, it’s crucial to disconnect the garage door opener from the door. Locate the emergency release cord usually hanging from the opener track and pull it. This will disengage the opener from the door, allowing you to lift it manually.

Step 3: Secure the Garage Door:

Position your ladder on the inside of the garage beneath the broken cable side. Use C-clamps or locking pliers to secure the door’s track just below the lowest roller. This prevents the door from sliding down when you start lifting.

Step 4: Lift the Door:

With your ladder and tools in place, it’s time to manually lift the garage door. Stand on the ladder and place vice grips or locking pliers on the track just above the bottom roller on the broken cable side. Gently lift the door by pulling up on the vice grips or pliers. If you have an assistant, they can help lift the door evenly on the opposite side.

Step 5: Manually Slide the Door Open or Closed:

Once the door is partially lifted, you can either slide it open or closed, depending on your needs. Keep in mind that manually operating a garage door can be challenging, especially if it’s heavy. Take your time and use your body’s strength while ensuring a smooth and controlled movement.

Conclusion:

A broken garage door cable might disrupt your daily routine, but with the right approach, you can still manage to manually lift the door temporarily. Remember to prioritize safety and take your time during the process. Always consult a professional garage door repair service to fix the broken cable properly and ensure the long-term functionality of your garage door system.