Garage Door Cable Has Too Much Slack (Solved)
Is your garage door feeling sluggish lately? Like does it take much longer than usual to open and close? The reason might be a loose cable!
This is a very common issue and you should be able to fix it yourself if you have a technical background.
In this guide, I’ll explain why Garage Door Cable Has Too Much Slack and how to tighten a garage door cable that has too much slack.
However, these cables are under extreme tension so it might be dangerous too. If you are not good with tools or DIY stuff, you should call a professional like us!
Excessive slack in your garage door cables can be caused by a few different issues:
- Broken Cable: This is the most serious cause. Garage door cables are under a lot of tension, and if one snaps, it can cause the door to become unbalanced and inoperable.
- Worn Cables: Over time, the constant opening and closing of the garage door can wear down the cables, causing them to stretch and become loose.
- Loose Connections: The cables are attached to various components like drums and pulleys. If these connections loosen up, it can introduce slack into the system.
- Broken Springs: Garage door springs counterbalance the weight of the door. If a spring breaks, it can cause the door to put uneven pressure on the cables, resulting in slack on one side.
Important Note: Due to the tension involved, garage door repairs can be dangerous. If you suspect your cables are slack, it’s best to call a professional garage door technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Tools You’ll Need
You’ll need all these tools to adjust garage door cables:
- Ladder
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Wrenches (usually 7/16″ or 1/2″)
- C-clamps, Vice grips or locking pliers
- Safety gear (gloves and goggles)
Safety Precautions
Before starting any work on your garage door, you must follow a few safety precautions.
Go ahead and disconnect the garage door opener from its power source so it doesn’t accidentally start while you’re working.
And wear safety gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes from potential injuries.
It’s also a good idea to have someone help you just in case – especially if you’re not used to doing this kind of work.
How To Tighten Loose Garage Door Cable
Here’s what you should do if your garage door cable has too much slack:
#1 Open The Garage Door
Start by fully opening the garage door.
This way, you can easily access the cable and drum system at the top of the door. Plus, it reduces the tension in the cables, making them easier to adjust safely.
Now, if the door is too heavy or difficult for you to lift up manually, you might need to temporarily reconnect the garage door opener to raise it.
Once the door is open, you need to keep it in place so it doesn’t move while you’re working.
Use the C-clamps, vice grips, or locking pliers for this.
Clamp them onto the tracks just below the bottom rollers on both sides.
#2 Locate The Cable Drums
Next, find the cable drums at the top of the garage door. These are located on either side of the torsion spring shaft and they wind the cables when the door moves.
Carefully check the cables and drums for any damage, like frayed cables or incorrect routing.
This is important because damaged cables or improper setup can make the adjustment process harder and less effective.
Make sure the cables are in good condition and properly placed in the drums before you continue.
#3 Loosen The Set Screws
Now find the set screws that secure the cable to the drum. These screws typically have a square or hexagonal head, and they’re located on the side of the drum.
They hold the cable in place.
Using the right wrench (usually 7/16″ or 1/2″), carefully loosen these set screws.
Be careful not to take them out completely, because the cable might be under a lot of tension.
Keep a firm grip on the drum or cable while doing this to avoid any sudden movements.
#4 Tighten The Cable
After loosening the set screws, you can now pull the cable tight to remove any slack.
Use pliers or a wrench to get a good grip on the drum and rotate it, taking up the slack in the cable until it’s nice and taut.
Don’t over tighten it though, because that can cause the cable to bind or even break.
Make sure the cable is correctly seated in the drum’s grooves. While keeping the cable tight, retighten the set screws securely.
This will lock the cable in place with the correct tension.
Repeat this process on the other side to ensure both cables have the same tension, which is crucial for the door to work properly and stay balanced.
Tighten With Cable Bracket (Alternative)
If your garage door uses a cable bracket instead of drums, the process is a bit different.
Find the cable bracket and loosen the screws or bolts holding it.
And then pull the cable through the bracket to remove the slack, then tighten the screws or bolts to secure the cable.
Handle the cable carefully to keep it tight while making these adjustments.
#5 Check The Tension & Alignment
After tightening the cables, check the tension and alignment on both sides.
The cables should be evenly taut, with no slack or excessive tightness on either side. If one side is tighter than the other, adjust the drums or cable brackets until the tension is balanced.
Also make sure the cables are running parallel to each other and aligned properly with the pulleys or cable guides.
#6 Remove The Clamps
Once all that is done, carefully remove those vice grip clamps or C-clamps that were holding the door in place.
Now slowly lower the door to make sure it moves smoothly and without binding.
If the door operates correctly, reconnect the garage door opener to the door.
Test The Door
That’s it! Now you just have to test the garage door using the opener.
Open and close the garage door several times. The door should open and close smoothly without any jerking, binding, rubbing or any unusual sounds.
Also pay close attention to the cable tension and alignment as the door moves.
If you notice any issues, such as the cable coming off the drum, uneven movement, or binding, immediately stop and repeat the process.
Wrapping Up
If the door is difficult to lift or doesn’t stay open, the torsion spring may need adjustment.
This is more complex and garage door springs are under tremendous tension and can be dangerous to work with.
So I highly recommend calling a professional (or us GTA Garage Doors) for cables and spring adjustments.