Garage door cables are an essential part of the system, responsible for supporting the weight of the door and ensuring smooth operation. When replacing garage door cables, it’s important to understand the different styles available to choose the right one for your specific needs. Here’s a comparison of common garage door replacement cable styles:
1. Standard Lift Cables
Usage: Standard lift cables are suitable for most residential garage doors with standard lift systems. These are the most commonly used garage door cables.
Features:
- Standard lift cables are designed for overhead garage doors that lift vertically, then follow a horizontal track before curving into the ceiling.
- They are available in various lengths to fit different door heights.
- These cables typically have a loop at one end for attachment to the bottom bracket and a stop at the other end for securing to the drum on the torsion spring.
2. High Lift Cables
Usage: High lift cables are used for garage doors with high lift or vertical lift systems. These systems have higher horizontal and vertical tracks.
Features:
- High lift cables are longer and designed to accommodate the increased vertical height of high lift garage doors.
- They have the same end attachments as standard lift cables, but the extra length is necessary for the extended track system.
3. Low Headroom Cables
Usage: Low headroom cables are designed for garage doors in situations where there is limited clearance between the top of the door and the ceiling. These cables are used in low headroom track systems.
Features:
- Low headroom cables have shorter lengths and specialized end attachments to fit within the confined space of low headroom garage setups.
- They are compatible with track systems that curve immediately after the horizontal track, allowing the door to sit closer to the ceiling.
4. Extension Spring Cables
Usage: Extension spring cables are used in garage doors that operate with extension spring systems. These systems are typically found in older garage doors.
Features:
- Extension spring cables are designed to work with the extension springs located on both sides of the door.
- They attach to the bottom brackets and run through pulleys located near the door’s tracks.
5. Torsion Spring Cables
Usage: Torsion spring cables are used with garage doors equipped with torsion spring systems. These systems are more common in modern garage doors.
Features:
- Torsion spring cables connect to the cable drum at the end of the torsion spring assembly.
- They are specifically designed to handle the torque and tension generated by torsion spring systems.
6. Safety Cables
Usage: Safety cables are used in conjunction with extension spring systems. They are essential safety features to prevent a broken extension spring from causing damage or injury.
Features:
- Safety cables run through the extension springs and prevent them from flying across the garage if they break.
- These cables provide an additional layer of safety and are typically recommended for all extension spring setups.
When selecting replacement garage door cables, it’s essential to choose the style that matches your garage door system’s configuration and spring type. Using the right type of cable ensures proper support and safe operation of your garage door. If you’re unsure about the correct cable style for your door, consult the manufacturer’s specifications or seek professional assistance to avoid potential issues and safety hazards.