Need help identifying a garage door part

[abc]

Hello,

New here, made a brief introduction in the other thread.

Don't know much about garages, but trying to help my Dad (its his account).

He wants to replace this 'rod and spring' (see pictures), I guess the mechanism that allows the garage door to open when lifted/closed.

Does anyone know what it is called, and it is DIY or best through a garage door company?

I want to pull one that is excellent quality as opposed to run of the mill.

Once done, we want to put a garage door opener, like a liftmaster, but that's step 2.

Can anyone identify the item in the pictures above?

Thank you

 

[gnpenning]

Welcome to GJ.

Spring shaft and torsion springs. Why are you looking to replace them???

You need to know the spring size to have the door balance properly when done. Spring id + wire size of spring + spring length (unwound) for both springs. They should be the same but don't count on it.

While you are at it check for any frayed cables. Good time to replace.

 

[readhead]

I'm wondering also why you want to replace them.

 

[abc]

Welcome to GJ.

Spring shaft and torsion springs. Why are you looking to replace them???

You need to know the spring size to have the door balance properly when done. Spring id + wire size of spring + spring length (unwound) for both springs. They should be the same but don't count on it.

While you are at it check for any frayed cables. Good time to replace.

Hello,

I want to put a garage door opener, you know the type which opens with a motor, as my Dad is getting a vehicle and wants to put it in the garage.

I read online, maybe it was fiction, that one should make sure the springs are good before putting a garage door opener?. Thus, I took photos of those and asked.

Maybe a better question is, "I want to install a garage door opener, what components of the existing garage do I need to check? Also what measurements do I need to make sure a garage door opener would fit?"

Thanks

 

[Ben Buck]

Om My !!

Drop the wrench and back away !!!

YMMV- but someone might get hurt here in this adventure !!!

just sayin

 

[evintho]

You don't want to mess with torsion springs and I really don't see any reason why you should. Going out on a limb here but how's your mechanical background? I think you're best bet would be to call a reputable garage door company and at least get an estimate for a garage door opener installation. I'll bet it's not more than a couple hundred bucks, including the opener and accessories. Sometimes it's best to just pay and have a pro do the work.

https://www.aladdindoorsaustin.com/

 

[abc]

Oh yes, I am not planning to do the garage door install or any prior part changes myself.

I am just trying to figure out what parts may need replacing, and what are good quality replacements, so I can ask the installer to use quality parts as nd have a reasonable idea of what needs to be replaced and what does not.

I am in the North Houston area, does anyone know any garage door companies who would service this area?

My mechanical ability is good+ but of course this is not something I am going to mess with

Thanks

 

[BillK]

None of the existing parts should need to be replaced if the door is operating properly now.

The site below has all of the information you need. Anyone with average mechanical knowledge should be able to install a garage door opener.

https://ddmgaragedoors.com/

 

[PassnThru]

Does the door open easily by hand? If so, the springs are fine. If you can open it fairly easily by hand then an opener will work fine.

 

[gnpenning]

Thanks for the additional information as I could see no reason to replace from here. Someone already asked about how the door opens by hand. If you raise the door and stop when a top of the sections rollers are just past the radius and let go of the door, what happens?? Do this for each section and report back. Check the following before reporting back.

It appears you have a strut across the top panel. This is needed to reduce the chance of bending the top panel. Down low on each side of the door track are there any small wires on both sides?

Depending on the height of the door behind were the tracks end, about the center between the tracks is there an electrical outlet and 3 sets of small wires?

By the man door about light switch height is there any small wires showing??

 

[abc]

Ok thank you I will go there tomorrow and check how it functions manually.

I do know that it can be opened and closed by hand, and when open it stays in place, i.e. it does not just roll down and close.

It does require some strength to give it the initial lift to raise it when closed, once it gets the initial push to open, it rolls up easily.

I'll check more tomorrow

 

[engineer2]

My door is an identical setup. One spring broke and the opener bent the door trying to pull with a broken spring. I replaced both springs. It's a PITA and it ain't been right since. Next time I'll call someone. The experts have the magic to get everything adjusted right.

If you are getting a new opener and the springs are over 10 years old, you may want to have new springs put in when they put your opener in. Cheap insurance vs. bending the door.

 

[kbs2244]

Sorry.
but the questions you are asking are to basic for a DIY project.

Call a pro and watch closely what he does.
Then you will be prepared for next time.

 

[Old Man Roger]

Just in case no one mentioned it, that spring can be very dangerous. Especially if you don't know what you're doing.

It provides most of the lifting power to open your garage door.

 

[abc]

Good evening,

Yes, I am going to use a professional to change any springs etc. I was just trying to get some inputs from you experts.

What measurements do I need to take to see if I can use a regular ceiling mounted garage door opener or if I will need a side mounted garage door opener?

Would I need a 2hp opener?

Any recommendations on what brands of garage door openers are good? I don't need fancy features like wi-fi connectivity etc., but if they are part of the model that is fine.

Thanks

 

[Innovate1]

How big is the door? The springs could be replaced as they do have a life and will eventually break - it is dependent on the number of cycles they have seen. Is the door used a lot? If so, more of its life is used up.

I think I have a 3/4 hp on a 8 x 18 residential door and haven't had any trouble. 2 hp is overkill unless they have started grossly overstating the power.

Looks like you have plenty of room above the springs for an opener.

If the springs are a little weak and the door is hard to life the springs can be tightened when they install the opener. Mine got a little tightening after about 5 years.

 

[baoser]

Shouldn't need a 2hp opener for your metal non-insulated door. Even a 1/2hp should suffice if it is balanced and operating properly. From your pictures, you should be able to use a standard overhead unit.

Another consideration is if you want chain, screw or belt drive. The screw and belt drives are quieter.

Any of the big names should be fine, Craftsman, Chamberlain, Genie, etc. One feature that may be useful is battery backup. I use my garage door exclusively for entry and don't carry a house key. It saved me on more than one occasion during power outages. I have an electronic deadbolt on the front door now as well.

 

[johnnyradiant]

One of the big, reputable service companies here had to fix a door at a condo building I was working in. They had a 'union' that they used on the broken spring that had a setscrew to grab the spring. I was just there again today, several months later, and it is still working fine. Not sure if that was a temporary till it breaks again, temporary but forgot about or that's how they roll. Something to keep in mind/research if you get a broken spring.

 

[baoser]

That sounds scary. Especially when winding it up again.

 

[abc]

Hello,

I purchased a Chamberlain Wall Mounted Garage Door opener model RJ 020. I am not sure if it will fit in my father's garage, if not, I will have to exchange it.

Do any of you know of a good garage door company in the NW Houston area, close to the premium outlet malls?

If so, please send me the recommendation.

Thank you

 

[SGKent]

I would look at the yellow pages, Angie's list or Home Advisor. Let them do it all. Those springs can kill. The old style were on arms instead over the door. I remember back in the 1970's them going thru roofs, putting holes in car doors etc when they broke. Then safety wires were added. The ones that wind up take a lot of force. A garage door weighs a lot so it takes a strong spring to lift it.

 

[gnpenning]

I believe that is a Chamberlain number for the 8500. The 8500 is well documented for having wall controller failures on this site and others. Google 8500 wall controller garage journal. Hopefully it is the 8500w.

We only install jackshaft openers with pusher springs unless doors have high lift tracks, which your dad's doesn't. You may get some responses saying you don't need them, see if anyone that tells you that will come on short notice to fix any birds nesting of the cables for free. 15" pushers should work fine for that door.

 

[abc]

I believe that is a Chamberlain number for the 8500. The 8500 is well documented for having wall controller failures on this site and others. Google 8500 wall controller garage journal. Hopefully it is the 8500w.

We only install jackshaft openers with pusher springs unless doors have high lift tracks, which your dad's doesn't. You may get some responses saying you don't need them, see if anyone that tells you that will come on short notice to fix any birds nesting of the cables for free. 15" pushers should work fine for that door.

Thank you. I am going to have to read your response a couple of times to understand it, as it is much above my level of technical knowledge!!

I am curious, should I have chosen a regular ceiling mounted opener instead of a side mounted opener?

Thank you

 

[rburke65]

A side mounted opener will free up your ceiling area.

 

[gnpenning]

You didn't give a reason why you went with the jackshaft opener over trolley. Do you have a need for more space above the door?? Remember with the door open it may not matter.

Do you plan on putting in a lift extra storage above the door? If so then a jackshaft will be a benefit, if not I don't think you will see much advantage other than the cool factor.

If you have questions about my last post please ask either publicly or privately.

 

[abc]

Hi gnpenning,

The primary reason I purchased this side door opener was because 1-2 of my dad's friends, who are weekend DIY types, felt that there may not be enough space for a ceiling mounted garage opener...I think the ceiling door to the attic is in that area.

The Chamberlain RJ020 was on sale at Lowes, so I thought it may be the safe bet as it is side mounted, and was supposedly a good machine.

However, it may be the same model as the LiftMaster 8500...so I am wondering whether I should return it?

@gnpenning I am going to PM you as well.

Thank you

 

[gnpenning]

If the access panel is something you use regular and will be blocked then a jackshaft opener would be your best choice.

If it's returnable I would a go with a 8500w.

I replied to your pm.