How to Install a Garage Door Opener

garage-door-openerHaving a garage door opener makes life a lot easier and it can add safety features to an existing door. There are numerous kinds of opener and more kinds of doors, but for the sake of brevity, we're going to cover installing a garage door opener that mounts on the wall above the door. This type of installation allows for more head room and can be a lot safer. The type of door for this opener is usually the type that will either fold up, or that can be raised on a track.

First, you'll need to follow the instructions that are included with your opener. All openers are different, and while we can supply some general tips, you'll need to make sure you are using the right tools and techniques for your particular opener. Keep these instructions in a safe place when you're done in case you ever need to repair your opener.

Ok, let's get started. Before you go any further, disconnect the power to the garage. First, you're going to need to mount that opener above the garage door. Make sure that the wall is sturdy enough to handle the weight since some openers can be quite heavy. Using countersunk screws, attach the provided mounting brackets to the wall. You will need to make sure that you are attaching these brackets to a stud and that the screws are firmly in place.

Attach the wires in the motor to the switch on the wall. You may need some additional help from a qualified electrician if this is a brand new installation. If you're just replacing an opener, follow the instructions to hook up the wires correctly. Make sure that you do everything correctly - wiring is not something you want to mess with. IMPORTANT: make sure that you properly hookup the emergency disconnect device. This will save a life if someone gets trapped under the door.

Now, attach the motor to the brackets, taking special care to make sure that it is secure. Attach the motor to the door using the provided belts or chains. Again, all openers are different, so at this point you will need to refer back to your instructions. Set that emergency disconnect device to MANUAL before going any further.

Raise up the door until it is completely up and then put it back down until it is completely down. Make sure that there aren't any hitches in its movement. It should be fluid and as noise free as possible. Keep in mind that belt attachments are usually much quieter than chains.

Plug in the opener and then set up the remote control. Follow your unit's instructions. Clean up the area and double check all connections. Turn the power back on and test the unit. Please note that it's best to be outside of the garage during testing to avoid getting trapped inside. (It does happen.) Once you're sure everything is working properly, you're all set - go have a cold drink and celebrate!

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-11-20 05:08:16. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • soundproofingHow to Soundproof a Room Whether you live by a busy road, you just had a new baby or your children have discovered the wonders of musical instruments, soundproofing a room has many benefits. Commonly, bedrooms are the rooms where soundproofing brings the most benefit, but literally any room can be soundproofed. It’s easier than......
  • window-boxesHow to Install Window Boxes Window boxes add charm to any home and they are so easy to install that anyone can do it. You're going to need to get a few things together before you get started. Your tools will include: window box brackets a level that is longer than the window box you......
  • Pre-Hung DoorsDoor Installation Instructions for Knocked-Down Pre-Hung Doors Doors are something in our homes that we often take for granted. On the surface they are fairly simple, but as with most things in the home they’re a lot more difficult to deal with when you’re doing it yourself. Below you’ll find some door installation instructions to help you......
  • garage-doorSelecting the Best Garage Door Today, we have so many options when it comes to picking a garage door that it can be a bit overwhelming. However, there are a few guidelines and tips you can use to make the selection process a lot easier. Let's take a look at the four main types of......
  • drillbitsThe Basics of Drilling 4 Holding your Bits: If you want to keep your drill bits from bumping into one another and other tools, which could cost them their cutting edge in the process, then you should absolutely avoid storing them in any loose way. Instead, what you can do is either buy a bit......
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites
  • blog traffic exchangeHow to Choose a Door Lock by Bob Donson Consumers have many options when it comes to door locks. Home safety is a booming industry, and there are many options available. This article attempts to break down the categories of locks, to help consumers make an educated decision. One of the most common locks for interior......
  • blog traffic exchangeBook Review: The LL Bean Ultimate Book of Fly Fishing by Macauley Lord, Dick Talleur and Dave Whitlock When it comes to the great outdoors, LL Bean is probably one of the most recognized authorities on the subject. They have built up quite a following over the years with their outdoor clothing and accessories and it was only natural that instructional books would follow. If you are interested......
  • Matt KucharTurning Stone's Fourth Round Wrap Up It's been a pretty long time since we saw Matt Kuchar winning anything during the PGA Tour. It is because of this that we are not surprised he had a serious case of nerves when he ended up in a sudden death playoff during the fourth round of the Turning......
  • concrete-paintConcrete Paint For Your Home Garage or Basement Floor Concrete floor paint has been available in the industrial market for years. It has been used on industrial floors because of its resilience to oil, grease, and various other industrial chemicals, and for its durability. However, in recent years it has become popular for floors in homes as well. Homeowners......
  • timemoneySave Time, Money and Space in Over 80 Ways If you're looking for handy gadgets, tools and various items that can save you time, money or space (or all three!) this list of more than 80 top products is just what you need. Everyone's got saving money on their minds these days. Some of us are always looking to......
Online Stores If you liked this article, vote for it on del.icio.us and stumbleupon.


Categories:

Doors, Garage, Handy Man, Install, Safety



Tags:

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,


0 comments ↓

There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.

Leave a Comment

Email Updates

appearance appliances basic tools budget Curb Appeal debris dirt Doors downside drains electricity elements Flooring gloves hammer handyman Hardware Store heavy duty holes home improvement home improvement projects home improvements insulation job ladder lighting fixtures little bit money nails paint pipes pliers plumber plumbing right tools sandpaper screw screwdriver screws shape soap stains surfaces tiles water damage