Handyman Question - Fixing a wire cable loop end?

[C-2]

Hey Guys: The cable end on my chain drive garage door opener snapped. The loop end feeds thru a chain link very similar to a bicycle chain.

Can the loop end be crimped/fixed? I can't readily find what type of crimp I would need.

Any ideas?

 

[CampbellCarl]

Is that some sorta plastic protective cover on the loop joint? If so, cut that away to reveal what kinda clamp device is being used.

 

[CampbellCarl]

I think the clamp device is called a 'swedge' and it is crimped onto the continuos run and the end of the loop.

Home Dump carries that stuff in the hardware aisle.

 

[slowride]

Carefully cut away the cover and swage so the remaining cable is as long as possible. Got to HD and look for "cable clamps" for that diameter cable. Make a loop the same size as the existing, tighten down the cable clamp and re-assemble. Done.

 

[C-2]

Is that some sorta plastic protective cover on the loop joint? If so, cut that away to reveal what kinda clamp device is being used.

Duh, lol.

Yes, a standard crimp? Do they sell them at Lowes/HD?

 

[CampbellCarl]

Duh, lol.

Yes, a standard crimp? Do they sell them at Lowes/HD?

View attachment 297897

Yes. Swedge/swage. You'll also need the jaws that go into your vise to get that dealio closed up correctly. I doubt that you can get it to hold by crimping the swedge/swage with a pair of pliers.

 

[C-2]

Ok, thanks guys; will check it out. :thumbup:

 

[Gramps]

I'd go with this stuff

 

[slowride]

I'd go with this stuff

Holy crap.... a cable clamp.....

 

[McRib]

Home depot/loews may have the tools to remove old crimp then recrimp a new swedge on for you.

 

[obnoxious001]

Yes. Swedge/swage. You'll also need the jaws that go into your vise to get that dealio closed up correctly. I doubt that you can get it to hold by crimping the swedge/swage with a pair of pliers.

You might substitute a hammer and chisel for any special tool.

 

[Wheeler]

I can't readily find what type of crimp I would need.

Any ideas?

Nicopress tool, if you were in Parker I would loan you one. ACS has an economy model nicopress tool for 20.00.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/search/search.php?s=nicopress+tool&x=0&y=0

 

[parker ed]

In a pinch I've used bolt cutters as a crimping tool. :hmm

 

[yz450mm]

I'd go with this stuff

X2

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

 

[rrrr]

Buy new cables. Less than ten bucks.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Se...i_kw=&ci_gpa=pla&ci_src=17588969#.UmSTD3Aqj7o

 

[OCMerrill]

I'd sell the house and buy a new one with a decent garage door opener and no horses.


That's just me.

 

[C-2]

Buy new cables. Less than ten bucks.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Se...i_kw=&ci_gpa=pla&ci_src=17588969#.UmSTD3Aqj7o

View attachment 297944

Thanks for that. I saw those, but think they are "safety" only cables; meant to help pull, but mainly to stop a door in case the torsional spring snaps?

I have an old fashioned door, f*in thing weighs a ton. It's a chain drive/cable system.

 

[C-2]

I'd sell the house and buy a new one with a decent garage door opener and no horses.


That's just me.

Yeah, no kidding. F* those horses.

 

[C-2]

I have bolt cutters too. I'll cut the loop off and take it down, see what I can find. I thought about the clamps, but it's really small cable. I figure if I run short on the cable, I'll just jack some bicycle chain and add a few links.

The crap I'll do to save a hundred fitty.

It's only been broken for the past month. :eek

 

[obnoxious001]

Thanks for that. I saw those, but think they are "safety" only cables; meant to help pull, but mainly to stop a door in case the torsional spring snaps?

I have an old fashioned door, f*in thing weighs a ton. It's a chain drive/cable system.

You are correct, that "pair" of cables is for a modern sectional garage door.

Actually, on a torsional door the cables do all of the lifting. The springs and drums are on an axle in bearings, and the only attachment to the door is the two cables.

I was involved with the door and gate business for 50% of my life.

 

[C-2]

You are correct, that "pair" of cables is for a modern sectional garage door.

Actually, on a torsional door the cables do all of the lifting. The springs and drums are on an axle in bearings, and the only attachment to the door is the two cables.

I was involved with the door and gate business for 50% of my life.

Thanks Barry. If the cables are the same thickness, I am guessing they could be used primarily for lifting?

I'll measure my cable and see if it's 12'; otherwise, I still have to loop an end.

 

[boatnam2]

I was involved with the door and gate business for 50% of my life.[/QUOTE]

That is a long time

 

[obnoxious001]

Thanks Barry. If the cables are the same thickness, I am guessing they could be used primarily for lifting?

I'll measure my cable and see if it's 12'; otherwise, I still have to loop an end.

Yes, they could be used if the length was correct,, or you may be able to buy one the exact length from a door company.

If I were doing it I would probably shorten the cable and add a couple of links, as you said, but then you start having to track down a master link and couple of inches of chain.

Don't know what brand opener you have or for what size door? Stanley and Chamberlain (also sold under Sears name) both had some of the cable/chain operators. The cable doesn't carry much load if the door is properly balanced,, for many years 1/3 HP was the norm for operators.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHAMBERLAIN-LIFTMASTER-SEARS-REPLACEMENT-CHAIN-CABLE-ASSEMBLY-FOR-7FT-OPENER-/200963931168?pt=Garage_Doors_Openers&hash=item2eca623c20

That first link might have been a used one, by the description,, here is another one that claims to be new for a little less $$$

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHAMBERLAIN-LIFTMASTER-SEARS-REPLACEMENT-CHAIN-CABLE-ASSEMBLY-FOR-7FT-OPENER-/400521065495?pt=Garage_Doors_Openers&hash=item5d40ea7417

 

[Old Texan]

A word of a advice from an old man whose been there before.....Call an overhead door service and get it fixed right and tuned/adjusted correctly. You'll pay out a few bucks, but be done with it.

 

[obnoxious001]

A word of a advice from an old man whose been there before.....Call an overhead door service and get it fixed right and tuned/adjusted correctly. You'll pay out a few bucks, but be done with it.

If he understands how to adjust the up and down limits on the machine, this won't be a difficult job, but he knows me well enough to call if he needs instructions.