Why Your Garage Door Cable Came Off the Drum — and How to Fix It
Published: Jan 6, 2026
When a garage door cable comes off the drum, it’s not just a minor inconvenience — it’s a real safety risk. Cables play a key role in lifting and lowering your door smoothly. If they slip off or snap, the door can shift, jam, or even slam shut unexpectedly. Whether your garage door cable came off one side or both, this guide walks you through the causes, what steps to take, and when to call a pro. At Up & Down Garage Doors, we help homeowners fix cable issues safely and avoid bigger repair bills down the line.
What Causes the Garage Door Cable to Come Off
There are a few reasons a garage door cable came off the drum. Some are simple wear-and-tear issues, while others indicate more serious mechanical problems.
1. Incorrect Spring Tension
If the springs are too tight or too loose, the cable can lose tension and unravel. This is a common cause if the garage door cable came off both sides at once.
2. Worn or Broken Garage Door Cable
Over time, cables fray or snap. A broken garage door cable may slip off the drum or fail to hold the door’s weight properly.
3. Dirty or Misaligned Tracks
Obstructions like debris or misaligned tracks can interrupt door movement and cause uneven strain on the cables.
4. Drum or Hardware Damage
A bent or cracked cable drum throws the cable off its path. In these cases, a garage door cable drum replacement is usually necessary.
5. Uneven Door Movement
If your garage door tilts or moves unevenly, it can put excess strain on one cable, causing it to slip off the drum. In many cases, the issue may be linked to a worn, misaligned, or incorrect garage door cable drum type.
To better understand common cable drum issues, how to maintain them, and when it’s time for a replacement, read our full guide on garage door cable drum types and maintenance tips.
Safety First: What Steps to Take if Your Garage Door Cable Came Off
Cable drum issues may appear harmless, but they involve high-tension components. If the cable has slipped or snapped, follow these steps:
1. Stop Using the Opener
Using the opener can worsen the damage or cause the door to fall. Leave it in its current position and don’t try to move it manually.
2. Unplug the Opener
Disconnect power to prevent accidental operation.
3. Secure the Door
Clamp the tracks just below the bottom roller using vice grips to keep the door from shifting or falling.
4. Call for Garage Door Cable Repair
Because spring and cable drum replacement involves extreme tension, it’s safest to leave the fix to a pro.
How to Repair Garage Door Cables Safely
If you’re wondering how to fix a garage door cable that came off the drum, the actual process involves detaching the broken cable, securing a new one, and properly winding it around the pulley and drum.
It’s a high-tension repair that requires precision, so it’s important to know it’s not a beginner-friendly DIY task. We’ve explained each step in our full guide on how to repair garage door cables, including safety tips and when to call a pro.
Risks to Know Before Attempting Cable Repairs
- Garage doors are under high spring tension — one wrong move can lead to serious injury.
- Rewinding cables on the drum correctly requires precision and knowledge of your door’s setup.
- If you’re unsure how to replace a garage door cable drum, leave it to a trained professional to avoid damaging other components.
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Why You Should Call a Garage Door Professional: 3 Key Reasons
1. Extreme Spring Tension Is Dangerous
Garage door springs store high‑torque energy, and improper handling during cable or drum repair can cause serious injury if that tension is released unexpectedly.
2. Cable Repairs Require Specialized Tools
Safely rewinding the cable around the drum and rebalancing the tension isn’t possible with household tools. Professionals use calibrated equipment to complete the repair properly and safely.
3. A Pro Can Find the Root of the Problem
If your garage door cable came off the drum, there’s often an underlying cause — like the wrong spring size, a warped drum, or track misalignment. A trained tech can pinpoint the issue and fix it properly to prevent it from happening again.
For reliable, long-term solutions, trust the team at Up & Down Garage Doors. We provide expert-level garage door repair services — always focused on safety, quality, and lasting results.
Stay Safe and Call Up & Down Garage Doors for Garage Door Cable Repair
A garage door cable that slips off the drum isn’t something to ignore. Whether caused by uneven tension, worn parts, or drum misalignment, it’s always better to act early to prevent further damage. While quick fixes might sound tempting, garage door cable repairs involve real risks. Rather than risking further damage or injury, let a trained technician handle the repair with the right tools and know-how.
Homeowners and businesses trust Up & Down Garage Doors for prompt, careful service and clear recommendations. If your garage door cable came off the drum, don’t wait for it to get worse. Give us a call or request a quote — we’ll walk you through your options, schedule a visit, and make sure your door is fixed safely and reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the garage door cable to come off the drum?
It usually happens due to incorrect spring tension, a broken cable, a damaged drum, or misaligned tracks.
Can I fix a garage door cable myself?
We don’t recommend it. Cable repairs involve high spring tension and can be dangerous without proper tools and experience.
What if the garage door cable came off one side only?
Even if just one side is off, the door becomes unstable and should not be used until it’s repaired professionally.
How do I know if I need a new cable drum?
If the drum is cracked, warped, or not holding the cable in place, you likely need a replacement garage door cable drum.
How often should I inspect my garage door cables?
Check them every 6–12 months for fraying, slack, or wear to prevent unexpected failure.
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