How to Install Garage Door Opener Screw Types

A screw-driven automatic garage door opener consists of a power-head, rail, carriage, door arm and brackets that mount the garage door opener to the garage and garage door. The power-head is the heart of the system. It contains the motor and electronics necessary to control the movement of the garage door. The rail is attached to the power-head. Within the rail is a worm gear that drives the carriage. The grooved carriage attaches to the door with a two-part door arm. Each component must be properly installed for the garage door opener to function correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Tape measure
• Carpenter's pencil
• Drill
• #2 Phillips screw tip
• Phillips screwdriver
• Ratchet
• 9/16-inch socket
• 7/16-inch socket
• Adjustable wrench

Instructions

1. Clear the front half of the garage to allow ample working room, including the area around the base of the garage door.

2. Assemble the main assembly of the screw-driven garage door opener. Lay the power head on the garage floor. Attach the first rail section to the power-head per the manufacturer's installation instructions. Mount the next section of rail to the partially assembled garage door opener assembly. Ensure that each section of the rail is orientated correctly by facing the stamped arrow in the proper direction. Continue attaching the properly orientated rail sections until the rail is complete. Inside the rail connections, align the worm gear notches. Slide the collar over the two sections of the worm gear to secure the sections together.

3. Measure the distance between the mounting holes located on the end rail and the power-head to determine the assembly's total length. Find the center of the garage door by measuring the door's width and dividing the width measurement by two. Mark the location with a carpenter's pencil. Mark the height of the rail mounting bracket and the door bracket per the manufacturer's recommendations. Secure the rail mounting bracket to the wall with the supplied hardware and drill. Perform the same operation for the door mounting bracket.

4. Locate the mounting bracket for the power-head by measuring out from the rail mounting bracket the total length of the screw-drive assembly. Place a mark on the ceiling at that distance. Secure the power-head mounting hardware at the pencil mark.

5. Insert the end of the rail into the rail mounting bracket attached to the garage wall. Place a bolt through the lower mounting hole. Loosely thread a nut on the bolt. Raise the assembly to the power-head mounting bracket attached to the ceiling. Secure the power-head to the mounting bracket. Insert the other mounting screw into the rail mounting bracket. Tighten all bolts with the ratchet and proper size sockets to secure the garage door assembly.

6. Secure the small radius door arm to the garage door mounting bracket. Connect the straight section of the door arm to the carriage. Align the two sections of the door arm. Insert the door arm bolts into two of the mounting holes of the door arms. Place a nut on each bolt. Tighten the bolts to lock the door arms together.

7. Locate the infrared (IR) safety devices at the base of both sides of the garage door. Mark the height of each IR device per the manufacturer's specifications.

8. Install an electrical outlet if your garage does not have one. The electrical outlet must be located within three feet of the power-head. If you do not feel comfortable performing electrical work, hire a professional electrician to perform the outlet installation. Plug in the screw-driven garage door opener.

9. Operate the garage door opener to ensure that it operates smoothly and does not bind. Test the IR devices by placing your foot in front of one of the devices. The garage door will not close if the IR devices are functioning properly.

References

• Genie Screw Drive Installation Manual