Definition
The braided steel cable on each side of the door that transfers spring force to the bottom of the door and lifts it. Cables carry the full weight of the door under tension, so a frayed or snapped cable usually drops one side and leaves the door crooked in the opening. Because the cables are tied directly into the spring system, this is professional-only territory — releasing that tension incorrectly can cause serious injury. Watch for fraying near the bottom bracket, where moisture and grit collect.
Why this term matters for homeowners
Repair and maintenance terms map to springs, cables, rollers, and tracks — the wear parts that decide whether your door fails on a January morning.
- Use this term to ask better follow-up questions during estimates.
- Look for this language in Learn and Evaluate guides to connect definition to decisions.
- Confirm how this applies to your specific door size, age, and daily use.
Related pages
Category: Repair & Maintenance