Anyone do-it-yourselfers installed an electronic garage door opener?

Question

I have done lot's of home projects, but this will be my 1st gagage door opener project. Looking for advice, your favourite make/model. Belt, chain, or screw drive, (other)? What power motor for a double sized metal door. (Overhead, not roll-up). Can I do it alone or will I need help? How long should it take start to finish?

Answer 1

I recently replaced a chain drive opener with a worm drive. The former one was a Craftsman and about 12 years old. I went with a Genie 1/2 hp. I found the directions easy to follow and got the job done in about 1/2 a day by myself. I also found making the adjustments on the start and stop positions very easy to define with the worm drive.

One of the biggest reasons for my pick of a worm drive was reduction in noise during operation. I've had chain and belt and have found the worm drive the best solution to this problem.

Answer 2

Genie is the most user friendly, offers a large variety of power options, and can be installed ALONE in half a day tops.

Gear/worm drive direct is best for many reasons, one being less moving/replaceable drive parts, and strength where it's most needed. I installed one recently at 1/2 horse for a sectioned door, made of steel.

Genie also offers the most complete easy to follow set of instructions I've ever found, especially for a DIY.

Lining it up is easy, defining the proper alignment for the door opener sensors and safety issues is also easy.

Rev. Steven

No I don't work for Genie

Answer 3

I personally like chain type ( easy to fix broken links) Lift master or Genie are good brands, lastly you might want to go with a 1/2HP if you want a good, sturdy and long lasting opener. lastly, you will need some help to make sure you have the drive lined up right

Answer 4

belt drive, Liftmaster, 1/2 hp. Easy to install with help, 4 hours.

Answer 5

Had several junkie chain-drives. Go w/cheap screw drive. They're much more reliable, and pretty easy to put together.