Garage Door Openers

[xrated]

So for reasons unknown my garage door opener took a chit yesterday.

10 years old I think, 1/2 horse chain drive. Chain jumped off the sprocket. When I loosened the chain to put it back on, and then tightened it back to where it had been, I thought I was set.

Did a test run and it opened, the metal rod deal hit the motor housing and started closing.....the damn shaft for the sprocket snapped off

So what should i look for in a new door opener?

 

[Himark]

if it is a Craftsman they have rebuild kits for them. But I would just replace it with the newer worm drive. They dont have near the problems in the winter months as the chains. I have no idea what they would cost because my good friend is a maintenence guy at a 1000 plus apt. complex. Peeps would buy openers for there rented garages then just leave them. They all have to be removed upon leaving...stacks and stacks of them.

 

[xrated]

so far I'm leaning towards belt drive....no idea on how much power though,

 

[adrenaline junkey]

Look at the craftsman series or wane Dalton there both good openers and what ever ya do stay away from genie openers have one that has needed more parts than a sled on a regular basis

 

[TNT5]

I would stay with anything made by Chamberlain. (Lift Master, Craftsman. the ones at Menards) They have much better receiver componets. If you have an attached garage I would get a belt drive, much more quiet and they ARE as durable as a chain drive. The screw drive (worm drive) are pain in the a**!! Worked for a garage door company for 5 years so I have installed many of these openers.

 

[Snow Flake]

Not sure if they all come with a wireless key pad to attach on the outside or not but that is a nice option.

 

[thinksnow]

Liftmaster 3/4 HP belt drive. I love ours. Quiet. The outside keypad is awesome. Don't even need to carry a key when you leave for a walk if you don't want to.

 

[xrated]

I had a lift master...was figuring on going to Lowes or Home depot to see what was out there...forgot about Sears. I'm trying to do all the pre shopping on snowest or any where but Menards...then if they are cheapest go there.

So is the only benefit of going 3/4 horse that it will work less to close and open the door?

Pretty sure the wife wants a key pad as well.

 

[summitone]

Not sure if they all come with a wireless key pad to attach on the outside or not but that is a nice option.

$35-$40 at your local hardware store. Just moved into our new house in May and put one on. Easy-cheesey.

 

[Blk88GT]

I've got a 1/2 horse chain drive and a 3/4 horse belt drive. Both are Liftmaster being used on 10x10 insulated doors.

Honestly, I couldn't tell you one is any better than the other. The belt drive is quieter, but I couldn't care less to be honest. It's not any faster either (yes, I've raced the doors, LOL)

I did have to use rough service bulbs in them to keep from going through 2 bulbs a week.

 

[X-it]

Costco's is real quiet (Chamberlin)

 

[Ex-Member]

Parents had a screw-drive at their old house, that worked well... genie iirc.

I have a craftsman chain drive 1/2 horse, haven't had any problems with it yet.

 

[CuzzinOlaf]

Repair it. I was going to buy a new one when mine took a crap and the repair was MUCH cheaper.

 

[decarls]

chamberlin "whisper drive"

keep the track lubed up and adjusted and you'll hardly hear it opening/closing

 

[milehighassassin]

It is important to lube up the wheels for the door, the guides as well as the chain.

Make sure you check your tension from time to time as well.

 

[Disco Dan Richter]

I have had hundreds of doors installed over the duration of my business, and I seen my first belt drive this year, with a clopay door(WHO i USED TO HATE), but I have to say, this was the smoothest, and quietest set up I have ever seen. A bit costly, but I boost them to all customers as an option on all garages now.

 

[Original Tetonice]

Ditto on the Clopay and the W.D. Openers.

OT

 

[DaveB]

I would stay with anything made by Chamberlain. (Lift Master, Craftsman. the ones at Menards) They have much better receiver componets. If you have an attached garage I would get a belt drive, much more quiet and they ARE as durable as a chain drive. The screw drive (worm drive) are pain in the a**!! Worked for a garage door company for 5 years so I have installed many of these openers.

I concur. I also installed and repaired garage doors for several years. I have 2 Chamberlains myself.....8 yrs old....untouched.

 

[phatty]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00953918000P

plus 10% off through today...

they were on sale a few weeks ago too... im crossing my fingers for a columbus day sale, as i need to get one too. Craftsman belt drive is the way to go!

 

[ChaAZydTalyr]

It is better to consult with any professional so they can look in person and guide you better.

Regards
LiftMaster Garage Door Opener Phoenix