If your garage door spring breaks, it will spring across your garage with a force that can penetrate a double layer of ⅝’ wallboard. Safety cables will keep your garage door spring from shooting around your garage. They are just like garage door cables, just lighter in weight.
Your garage door transfers its weight through the cables in springs in the door system. If your garage door does not have cables, the extension and torsion will cause the springs to wear out quicker and may damage your garage door. Making sure your garage door is safe for use is important.
Two Types of Garage Door Cables
There are two types of garage door cables, torsion springs, and extension springs. Torsion springs are attached above your garage door when it’s closed and extension springs are attached on both sides of the upper tracks.
Garage doors with extension springs will have a safety cable on each side of the door. Those safety cables will run through the spring and attach to either the wall or the ceiling. The cables are important because extension springs are under a lot of tension, and the safety cable helps control broken springs.
Why Do I Need Safety Cables?
Safety cables are attached to your garage door track or wall near your stationary pulleys. They lace through your garage door springs and will connect to the same support. The cables are tightly wound so that means they are under a lot of tension. The safety cables are pretty easy to install and most of the time come in a kit with all the necessary items.
Here is how to install your safety cables:
- Thread the open of the cable through a hole in the horizontal metal frame where the cable from the pulley’s cable attaches. Choose a hole closest to your garage door opening.
- Next, thread your cable up and through the center of the spring.
- Then, take the cable through a hole in the upper vertical metal spring support, next to where the spring is. Loop it back and tighten it onto itself with a cable clamp.
After you have installed your safety cables you want to test the movement of your garage door. Go slow at first and make sure your safety cable doesn’t bind.
Don’t DIY
While it is possible to create your own garage safety cables, it is also possible for an install or creation malfunction. Safety cables are a crucial piece in your garage door, so it is always best they are installed properly. You can always call and get a professional to help install your safety cables to prevent any malfunctions or the breakage of windshields!
Garage Door Safety
Your garage door is the largest moving appliance in your home. They’re typically opened with electric door openers, but proper maintenance is needed to make sure your garage door is safe. Here is a list of safety tips:
- Safety cables prevent your garage door spring from damaging your property and prevent possible injury.
- Replace garage door springs when they get old. If the springs wear out they can break off and cause damage. Also, you will have to open your garage door manually.
- If your garage door isn’t operating smoothly, call a professional to fix the extension spring. If you are not a professional it is a safety hazard to mess with the spring.
- Get a new track. You need a track that is designed for your specific door so your system runs smoothly. Sometimes the use of an old track may slow down your door movements.
The importance of garage door cables is that they support the spring and door tracks. With the cables, the springs will then have enough support to close and lift your garage door. The cables also help minimize the tension the springs endure during lifting and closing your garage.
Silver State Wire Rope and Rigging
When completing any project using wire rope cables you want to take the necessary safety precautions. At Silver State Wire Rope and Rigging, we are the only company in Nevada that deals with wire rope. We have several divisions and have expertise in each field. If you need new wire rope or safety cables for your garage, contact us today!
