Cables and Drums
Garage Door Cables & Drums
Professional-grade lift cables, safety cables, and cable drums. Essential components that transfer spring power to lift your door safely.
Caution: Spring Tension Required
Replacing cables and drums requires releasing spring tension – a dangerous procedure if you're not experienced. The door must be secured and springs unwound before cable work. If you're not comfortable working with torsion springs, contact us for professional installation.
Understanding Cables & Drums
Cables and drums work together to transfer the lifting power from your springs to the door. Here's what each component does.
Lift Cables
Steel aircraft cables that connect the bottom brackets to the cable drums. They wind and unwind on the drums as the door moves.
- Galvanized steel construction
- Looped end attaches to bottom bracket
- Various lengths for different door heights
- Replace in pairs for even wear
- 7x19 strand construction (most common)
Cable Drums
Grooved wheels mounted on the torsion shaft. As the spring turns the shaft, cables wind onto the drums to lift the door.
- Standard and high-lift versions
- Left and right are different (matched pair)
- Sized by door height and cable diameter
- 400-series for most residential doors
- Vertical lift drums for special applications
Safety Cables
Run through extension springs to contain them if they break. Required safety feature on all extension spring systems.
- For extension springs only
- Prevents spring from becoming projectile
- Required by building codes
- Easy DIY installation
- Includes mounting hardware
How to Order the Right Parts
Getting the right cables and drums requires a few measurements. Here's what you need to know.
Cable Length
Based on door height. Standard 7' door uses different length than 8' door. Measure your door height or check existing cable length.
Drum Size
Most residential doors use 400-series drums (4" diameter). Look for stamped numbers on your existing drums or measure the diameter.
Cable Diameter
Most residential cables are 1/8" (0.125"). Heavier commercial doors may use 3/16". Match your existing cable or drum groove size.
Signs You Need New Cables
Worn or damaged cables are a safety hazard. Watch for these warning signs.
Fraying or Broken Strands
Visible fraying, rust, or broken wire strands mean the cable is weakened and could snap.
Cable Off the Drum
If the cable has jumped off the drum groove, the door will hang crooked or won't move properly.
Door Hangs Crooked
One side lower than the other often indicates a broken or slipped cable on one side.
Slack in the Cable
Loose or slack cables when door is closed could mean stretched cables or drum issues.
Shop Cables & Drums
Select what you need below. Not sure? Call us with your door measurements and we'll help.
Why Buy From Us?
Aircraft-Grade Cables
7x19 galvanized steel construction. Same quality we install on service calls.
Professional Support
Not sure what size? Call with your door dimensions and we'll figure it out.
Fast Shipping
In-stock cables and drums ship quickly from Houston.
Pro Installation Available
Not comfortable with DIY? We offer same-day cable replacement service.
Rather Have Us Replace Them?
Cable replacement requires releasing spring tension – not a job for everyone. Our technicians handle it safely with same-day service throughout Houston Metro.
