Getting a garage door up with a broken cable is difficult and dangerous and should only be attempted in an emergency to get your car out, as the door will be extremely unbalanced and heavy. First, disconnect the garage door opener by pulling the red emergency release cord hanging from the trolley so the door can be moved manually. Because one cable is broken, the door will likely be crooked and jammed in the tracks, with one side hanging lower. You will need at least two strong people, one on each side, to lift evenly from the bottom edge, using your legs not your back, and keeping the door level to prevent it from going further off track or binding. The door can weigh 150 to 300 pounds, and with a broken cable the weight distribution is uneven, so lift slowly and be prepared for the door to want to fall on the broken side. Once lifted, you must securely clamp locking pliers or C-clamps onto the tracks just below the rollers on both sides to hold the door open, and place a ladder underneath for extra safety, because the door will not stay open on its own and can slam down violently causing injury. Do not leave it unattended propped open. Lower it slowly with help when closing. Do not use the automatic opener. Call a professional immediately to replace cables for 150 to 300 dollars, as operating with a broken cable can damage panels, tracks, and opener.
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