What to Do If a Garage Door Cable Snaps

First, stop pressing the button

Cycling a door with a broken cable can shred the second cable, bend the track, and damage panels — turning a $200 fix into a $1,500 one.

Three rules

• Always replace cables in pairs — uneven wear destroys the new one fast
• Inspect the drums and bottom brackets while you're in there
• Re-balance the door after the swap