Home gym machines make it incredibly easy to stay in shape or achieve new health and fitness goals, but only if they work. Even the best-made equipment will break down eventually, and frayed or broken cables lead the pack when it comes to common problems. While these cables can’t be repaired safely, the good news is, they can be replaced. Read on to find out how to resolve the problem and get back to those daily workouts.
Step One: Order a Custom Replacement Cable
There’s no need to spend a fortune ordering replacement parts from the machine’s manufacturer. Instead, homeowners can order replacement gym cables from TK Star. They can customize everything from the hardware to the cable length to ensure that it will be a perfect fit and still spend less than people who order replacements from the manufacturer.
Step Two: Take Note of the Cable’s Route
Don’t jump the gun when the replacement cable arrives and remove the old one immediately. First, take the time to note how it is routed. Take pictures, draw a diagram, or write down notes for later reference to avoid unnecessary complications when it’s time to install the new cable.
Step Three: Remove the Old Cable
Getting the old cable off requires some tools. More specifically, it requires a wrench, a screwdriver, and wire cutters. Start by loosening the end of the cable that is attached to the home gym equipment using the wrench or a screwdriver. If the hardware won’t fit through the machine’s pulleys, don’t be alarmed. That’s normal, and it’s why a set of wire cutters is considered an essential tool for this job, though there are some other household tools that will do in a pinch. Just cut through the cable instead of removing the pulleys.
Step Four: Run the New Cable
Before attaching the hardware for the new cable, run it through the pulleys. That way, there’s no need to worry about disassembling the machine. Use the notes, diagrams, or photographs taken in step two to make sure the route is correct. People who unwisely skipped that crucial step can refer to their equipment’s user’s manual instead. Home gym owners who ordered custom parts as recommended in step one should already have a cable that’s the right length for their equipment. If it’s a little long, cut it now using the wire cutters.
Step Five: Attach It to the Machine
Once the cable has been run through the pulleys, it’s time to start attaching the hardware. Start by mounting the cable on the weight side by attaching it to the top of the stack.
Step Six: Finish the Job
Pull the slack out of the line, leaving one to two millimeters of slack in the cable. It’s important to keep in mind that there will still be hardware attached to the other end, as well. Only attach the eyelet once the cable is sized correctly, and don’t forget about putting that little ball back on before attaching it. There’s no way to get it on later once all the hardware has been installed.
The Bottom Line
Replacing a worn or broken home gym cable is much easier than most equipment owners think. That’s good news since repairing existing cables using tape or glue is not an effective solution. Instead of risking personal safety by performing DIY cable repairs or spending a fortune on parts from the manufacturer, buy custom replacement gym cables from a reputable third-party vendor and replace them at home.
