How to Hang a Garage Door Opener
An automatic garage door opener is a device that adds even more security and convenience to your home. Hanging a garage door opener is a challenging task, and each brand is slightly different from another, but they all follow a series of similar steps. Consult a professional any time during the installation if you run into difficulty, so you don’t risk voiding any warranties that the manufacturer may offer. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Connect the track to the drive unit using a screwdriver. The drive unit is a motorized housing that moves a carriage along the track, which opens and closes the garage door. Assemble the track and drive unit on a table or on the floor. Then slide the carriage into the bottom channel along the track. Consult instructions included with your specific kit for further details.
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Attach the first part of the header bracket from the opener kit to the end of the track opposite the drive unit, using an appropriate size socket wrench and bolts provided. This header bracket installs in two parts. Connect the second part of the header bracket to the wall above the middle of the garage door. Be sure to mount the second part of the header bracket over a wall stud, part of the framework that can support a lot of weight. If there is no wall stud, you may need to nail a 2x4 across two studs and mount the second part of the header bracket on the 2x4. Consult the instructions for specific details on bolting the header bracket to the wall.
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Set up a ladder in the middle of the garage and have an assistant lift the drive unit to the top of the ladder while you join the header bracket on the other end of the track together with the bracket on the wall above the garage door. Use the bolt included with the kit to join the two parts of the header bracket together, consulting the instructions for specific details. When the end of the track above the garage door is secure, open the garage door and let the weight of the drive unit rest on the ladder for now.
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Connect the drive unit bracket to a support stud in the garage ceiling, and then join the drive unit to the bracket and make the connection. Consult the instruction manual for details on making the attachment. A ceiling stud must be used to support the heavy load of the drive unit.
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Run the switch wire from the drive unit across the ceiling to the wall-mounted switch. Choose a convenient place to install the switch, and follow kit directions for connecting it to the wall. Next, mount the infrared sensors on either side of the garage door, six inches above the floor. This safety feature switches off the power or opens the garage door if the sensors detect something obstructing the door. Screw the sensor mounting brackets into the garage door frame. Follow instructions for running the sensor wires back to the drive unit, and for attaching the sensors to the mounting brackets.
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Screw in the reinforced mounting bracket into the middle of the garage door inside the garage. This provides a solid place to attach the L-shaped metal arm connector. The L-shaped metal arm has pre-drilled holes where bolts join the arm to the reinforced door bracket and the sliding carriage on the track. The metal arm along with the sliding carriage is what opens and closes the door. Check the manual for special mounting instructions. Finally, plug in the drive unit and test the remote controls, the infrared sensors and the wall switch.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure there is a place to plug in the garage door opener before beginning the installation.
Check that the garage door spring tension is correct before the installation. Seek help from a professional if adjustments are needed.
Do not wear loose jewelry or clothing while installing a garage door opener.
Use care on ladders.
References
- Photo Credit brown and white house image by Stephen Orsillo from Fotolia.com
