Garage Door Opener Replacement

[Uartipt]

My garage door opener is about 30 years old and has difficulty going down. It is temperamental in that most of the time it will stop halfway down and then go back up. I'm probably overdue for a new garage door opener in any event, but I don't know if I also need new springs or other parts as well. Is a new garage door opener something a handyman can install or does it require a specialized garage door repair person to accomplish this task?

And one more question.

I need to drill ~1mm holes in some aluminum bolts for a project. Problem is, the bolts are 3/4" long, and the hole needs to go all the way through.

I got some carbide bits https://drilling-it.com/best-drill-bits-for-hardened-steel-reviews/ from Harbor Freight, and some HSS bits, but both break very quicky because of the small size. How can I get these holes made?

Thanks!

 

[xavier296]

IMO, this is a handyman type job. Have you tried disconnecting the door from the motor and seeing how well the door moves on its tracks by itself. The springs should be set so that the door doesn't use too much force to open and will stay open by itself after about half way. I am no garage door expert, but I just watched the professionals set up my high lift door, and I could open my 400 lb door with one hand, and it would stay open by itself.

Have you lubricated the tracks and cables with silicone?

If the door opens and closes nicely with the motor unattached, then changing the motor should be DIY.

 

[Busted Knucles]

Probably just a force adjustment knob that needs adjusting.

 

[Beans]

If it's actually 30 years old and you can afford it, get a new one.
I installed a new opener, 16x8 door, wiring, tested, etc. at a new garage by myself a few months ago but I'm a mechanic. No offense but if you're asking those kind of questions it sounds like you need to have a garage door person take a look at it. Out of balance doors can easily get away from you and the springs alone can really tear you up, it's deceptive. Think it through, good luck and be safe.

 

[CJ7VFR]

IMO, this is a handyman type job. Have you tried disconnecting the door from the motor and seeing how well the door moves on its tracks by itself. The springs should be set so that the door doesn't use too much force to open and will stay open by itself after about half way. I am no garage door expert, but I just watched the professionals set up my high lift door, and I could open my 400 lb door with one hand, and it would stay open by itself.

Have you lubricated the tracks and cables with silicone?

If the door opens and closes nicely with the motor unattached, then changing the motor should be DIY.

Do this first!

Your opener may be fine, but the door may be sticking somewhere along the track.

Or, the springs can perhaps be the wrong ones. Have they been replaced recently? If so, is that when the problem started?

Before you go and spend money on a new opener, first make sure the door and all its hardware are in good working order. To do that, you have to test the door manually, with the opener disconnected from the door like xavier296 has mentioned.

Even if you just want a new opener, you have to test the door manually anyway to make sure the springs are the right ones and if they are still good.

Jim

 

[GarageFull]

Interested to hear how this turns out. Was wondering it myself