Garage Door Cable Tension – How to Release It without Injury – GWC Mag

Occasionally, prospective buyers might question why most homes typically include garages as a standard feature. Some buyers may prefer to repurpose the garage as living space to maximize their home’s square footage besides using the space for cars.

However, there are several advantages to owning a home with a private garage, including increasing the home value and providing everyday benefits such as asset protection and improved home functionality.

So, if you own a garage, you must know the importance of maintaining a garage door. Constant exposure to various elements increases wear and tear. For instance, garage door cables often come off the track for various reasons. The proper functioning of your door requires a well-balanced tension between the cables and the springs.

Any disturbance to this equilibrium can unwind the cable, which might happen for different reasons, such as a broken torsion spring, an incorrectly sized drum with the spring, or the door colliding with an object.

So, to help you release the cable tension without getting injured, here’s an in-depth outline and the steps you must follow to safely and effectively release tension, ensuring your garage door system’s longevity and proper function.

1.   Preparation and Safety

Before diving into “How Do You Release Tension on a Garage Door Cable?” It’s vital to disconnect the garage door opener from the power supply to avoid any unintentional mishaps.

Having done that, assemble all the indispensable tools, including gloves, safety goggles, a ladder, a C-clamp or locking pliers, and a winding bar or socket wrench. Safety is the cornerstone of success, so never underestimate the value of protective gear. Wear your work gloves and safety eyewear to protect yourself from potential mishaps.

Wearing boots or shoes that won’t slide about is also a smart idea. Get the right-sized tools for efficiency and to avoid injuries. Understand the procedure from an expert before conducting the task. It will help to complete the process efficiently and successfully.

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2.   Secure the Garage Door

To ensure the garage door stays firmly in place and doesn’t cause any accidents, it’s essential to secure it using a C-clamp or locking pliers. Place the clamp or pliers below the lowest roller on the garage door tracks.

This simple yet effective measure will help you avoid unpleasant surprises or sudden movements, keeping you stress-free and providing a safer working environment. Remember to prioritize your safety at all costs, so taking this extra step will go a long way in preventing any potential mishaps.

3.   Locate the Torsion Spring

You’ll find the torsion spring mounted horizontally above the garage door, which is responsible for counterbalancing the door’s weight, making it easier to lift and lower.

The garage door cable tension is directly related to the torsion spring, and releasing the tension will involve working with this spring. Note: You must memorize this location before moving forward.

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4.   Unwind the Torsion Spring

With your winding bar or socket wrench in hand, please insert it into the winding cone at the end of the torsion spring. Hold the bar firmly and loosen the set screws on the winding cone using another wrench. Once the set screws are loose, slowly unwind the torsion spring using the winding bar. Be sure to maintain a firm grip on the bar, as the spring is tense.

5.   Releasing the Garage Door Cable Tension

As the torsion spring unwinds, you’ll notice that the tension on the garage door cables decreases. Continue unwinding the spring until the tension is fully released. At this point, you’ve successfully released the tension on the garage door cable.

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6.   Checking and Re-tensioning

Examine the cables for evidence of wear or damage after the strain has been released. You can re-tension the cables should they appear in excellent shape by winding the twisting spring back up. However, if the cables show evidence of fraying, rust, or other damage, it’s best to have them replaced by an experienced technician.

Carefully wind the torsion spring back up to re-tension the cables using the winding bar or socket wrench. Monitor the garage door cables to ensure they’re winding evenly and smoothly. Once you’ve reached the appropriate tension, tighten the set screws on the winding cone to secure the spring in place.

7.   Reconnecting the Garage Door Opener

With the garage door cable tension properly adjusted, it’s time to reconnect the garage door opener to the power source. Ensure to remove the C-clamp or locking pliers from the garage door track before operating the door.

8.   Testing the Garage Door

Finally, test the garage door to ensure it’s functioning smoothly and safely. If you notice any issues or if the door isn’t balanced correctly, it’s best to consult a professional garage door technician for assistance.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial for your garage door’s longevity and safety. As you’ve learned, releasing tension on a garage door cable might seem daunting, but with the right tools, precautions, and determination, you can tackle it like a pro. Professionals are always available to help if you need clarity or assistance.

The garage doors are an essential part of your home, so treat it with the respect it deserves and enjoy its benefits for years to come. Hopefully, this guide has given you valuable insights and confidence to handle garage door cable tension issues.

Author Bio: Nancy is a passionate writer & guest blogger. Writing helps her to improve her knowledge, skills & understanding of the specific industry. She loves writing & sharing her knowledge mostly in the health industry. She believes health is the real wealth & wants to spread her belief across the world. Apart from writing, she loves travelling & cooking. She is currently learning about Elite Garage Door.

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