garage door opener tips/tricks

[polexican23]

going to tackle installing this in my garage this week. 1 car garage.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-4-hp-chain-drive-garage-door-opener/p-00953990000P

I am replacing an oooooooold chain drive unit. The opener only worked by turning this t-handle on the unit itself. Needless to say my fiance couldnt reach it.

Do you guys have any ticks or trips to make this job go a little more seamlessly? I am going to assume, replace center rail, unit, sensors and then run the wiring.


I circled the opener. Wish my garage was still this empty. You can see other headaches I will be dealing with later , like the gas meter inside and the electrical box (yes and sink that close to it.
View media item 35215

 

[Vinci]

I just did that job with the belt-drive version of that opener earlier this year.

Having two 8' ladders would have been handy when getting it setup, and a second set of hands would have been better still.

I did it solo with a 6' ladder (8'6" ceiling), and it took a lot longer than necessary.

I don't know about your garage door, but mine was kinda bent up where the old opener arm attached to the door. I took some extra time to cut up some flat stock and sandwich the old mounting location and tie it into the hurricane braces to prevent that from getting worse.

I also made my own enhanced mount for the motor-end by spanning two trusses (parallel to the opener) under the ceiling with 1x2's and using heavier angle brackets than what came with the unit. The old unit was mounted pretty badly and I didn't want this one coming loose, like the old one had.

I'll upload some photos later, if I can.

 

[Vinci]

This is why you use two ladders and a helper...

Here is the reinforced door attachment. There is a matching piece of flat stock on the back side of the door sheet metal.

Here is the motor unit and the mounting I made for it. I finished painting it after the photo.

 

[Gary S]

I've done a bunch of them over the years. If yours is like mine, it takes a single person with a single ladder. The center rail is hopefully on a swivel bolt at the end that mounts to the wall. If so, just assemble the opener on the floor. Take the end of the rail up and mount it with its swivel. Then you can go to the end with the motor on it and lift it up in place and attach it. There should be good instructions with it to assemble all the parts.
It is a very easy job if you follow the instructions.

 

[polexican23]

arg, always my demise.... instructions following. I appreciate the tips guys. I will post as I tackle this job. Everyone gets a kick out of how I have to open the door currently.

 

[Lambo nut]

I've done a bunch of them over the years. If yours is like mine, it takes a single person with a single ladder. The center rail is hopefully on a swivel bolt at the end that mounts to the wall. If so, just assemble the opener on the floor. Take the end of the rail up and mount it with its swivel. Then you can go to the end with the motor on it and lift it up in place and attach it. There should be good instructions with it to assemble all the parts.
It is a very easy job if you follow the instructions.

Same as described above. I have had no problems with one ladder and doing it by myself. Done plenty of single and double overhead doors myself too.

Kevin

 

[AndyL]

Ok...

Step one... read instructions... Use highlighter... FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS (especially the part about tension on the chain)

As for that need 2 people and 2 ladders things - no... (this is one time I advocate deviating from the instructions). Install your lintel bracket (header bracket by chamberlain parlance). Open the door - push it about 8" past full open, vice grip on the track to hold in place.
pull the release - slide the traveler assembly to the operator head.
Follow directions - put a piece of 2x4 on the door - across the center.
Slide the opener up the 2x4 - all the way till you hit the wall. If you've pushed the door past full open at least 8" - the opener will balance in place. If not - it'll try to slide off the way you just slid it in.
Run to the front - install the header pin and keyring... Backhang like this:

Two verticals - one on a 45(ish)
The 2x4 you put on the door face and the operators now resting on - is setting your spacing to the factory recommedation so bolt her in with good punch (toss that **** they send with the opener). And call it done.

 

[White 99]

I have two ladders and used both. Seems like the second ladder can't hurt if you can find one.

Second person may or may not help. For me it sometimes seems like I get into fewer arguments when I work around the house by myself.

 

[polexican23]

For me it sometimes seems like I get into fewer arguments when I work around the house by myself.

^^^^x2^^^^^ even my dog gives me sass sometimes.

Worked on it last night after failing to get the snowblower running and a few beers. Got everything lined up on the floor and together. Stopped when I couldnt figure out the trolly spring thing. The pics in the manual arent even close to what came in the kit.
But I just googled Chamberlin installs and their directions were A LOT better. Will hit it again after work.

What I have. Wish I found this image last night, it might be done and working