Can I open a garage door with a broken cable?

You can open a garage door with a broken cable in an emergency to get car out, but it is very difficult, unsafe, and not recommended for regular operation, as door will be crooked, heavy, and likely off track. When a torsion or extension cable breaks, it loses tension that keeps door balanced, so door will be uneven, with one side heavier, and may bind in tracks. To attempt opening, first disconnect garage door opener by pulling red emergency release cord to prevent opener damage, as opener cannot lift uneven door safely. You will need at least two people to lift door manually, one on each side, lifting slowly and evenly from bottom to keep door as level as possible, as door weight is 150 to 300 pounds and side with broken cable will drag. If door is severely off track or cable tangled in rollers, do not force it, as forcing can bend panels and tracks, requiring more expensive repairs. Once open, you must prop door securely with locking pliers or clamps on tracks and ladder underneath, as door will not stay open and can slam down, causing injury. Do not leave door open unattended. Do not use automatic opener with broken cable. This should be temporary until professional replaces cables, costing 100 to 250 dollars for cables alone or 250 to 600 dollars with springs, as handling high tension springs is dangerous and professional ensures correct cable length and balance.