| TheWorm |
Ours is dying a slow death. It's a pre-'93 model so doesn't have the latest safety features (infrared reverse) and it's time to replace it. I'm tired of getting calls from TheWife, who's invariably sitting in the driveway: "honey, the garage door won't open/close, will you please come out and fix it?"
I've been handy enough self-installing all the gear in the 'X as you know. Of course, that's mostly nuts and screws, which turn left as well as right (for a do-over) in case of user error :)
Is installing a new opener a DIY? |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
Is installing a new opener a DIY?
Yes, especially replacing your existing opener.
You already have existing electrical (110 volt supply line), you will need to run new wires (should be included with new opener) for the safety sensors on each side of the door.
Some new installations can be difficult with certain conditions like a high ceilings, high garage doors, but replacement should be very easy if you stay with the same type, worm gear or chain drive. For some reason I bet you have the "worm" gear type.
You should be able to do it in less than 1 1/2 hour, including about 1/2 hour to read the instructions.
Be sure to follow the instructions to adjust the up and down tension for added safety. |
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| wmquan |
Consumer Reports did a review, I think it was the January issue.
One model that really interested me was the LiftMaster 2500. Extremely quiet, which I found appealing. Supposedly it's only $200 but since it is only sold by garage door companies, you're at their mercy for installation charges. (It's a special Chamberlain model.) I was really ticked when I called about seven companies around here that install it (decided to let someone else do the install). The ones that had heard of it wanted a total of $400 installed, which was outrageous. Also annoying that it was so highly ranked in CR yet some dealers didn't carry it or had heard of it.
I bought the Genie Excelerator from Home Depot. They had two versions -- a $200 one with a limited warranty, and a $249 with a "lifetime" warranty (in-home labor). It's a screw drive unit with a DC motor and, while not as quiet as the LiftMaster, is supposedly more quiet than average. Comes with assorted remotes and an outside wireless keypad. The main gimmick on it is that it opens the door up to twice as fast as other openers. For safety reasons, though, it closes the door at normal speed.
A contractor sourced from Home Depot will install it for $89 soon. Like you, I have a really old opener. As my son gets older and is out and about more, I want the added safety features.
Judging from your handiness with your MDX's accessories, I think you'll lick the garage door opener installation easily. |
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| BigDog |
| As a General Contractor I have to say the Liftmaster is the pooooh (Thats a good thing :29: ) I would stay away from Genie if you can, IMHO. BTW Worm you're out of Moraga right? If it seems to much for you I would recomend Contra Costa Door out of Martinez, a very good professional shop. |
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| wmquan |
| I suppose I could always return it. But what specifically are the issues with the Genie garage door openers? Thanks! |
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| TheWorm |
Thanks for the tips/encouragement. A few more questions if u don't mind...
BaldEagle's right, our current one is one of those "worm" drives :D BigDog - thanks for the referral in case I need it :)
William - will hunt down that CR article/review...
- I noticed there are chain, screw, and belt driven units. Does it really matter? Looks like the chain drives are least expensive
- I've seen the Genie, Stanley, and Craftsman a lot (Craftsman on sale almost every weekend @ Sears lately). My parents have had a Liftmaster for AGES and it's still going strong and is very quiet (impressively so, actually). I can't even remember the brand we currently have; it wouldn't surprise me if it's 20 yrs old, tho.
- We're planning on moving in a year or so, so I don't want to spend a ton of $ on a superduper model that'll last forever, since it's gonna get left behind. But safety and quality still matter, of course. |
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| Warzau |
This is from what I heard, Screw last longer, chain, well the chain will eventually strech and need to be replace the belt is the quietest one, actually those are the same material etc as the belts used on Harleys.
Someone correct me if I am wrong. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Warzau
This is from what I heard, Screw last longer, chain, well the chain will eventually strech and need to be replace the belt is the quietest one, actually those are the same material etc as the belts used on Harleys.
Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Sounds pretty good saying it that way. imagine telling some tough biker dude that Harleys use the same belts that are used on garage door openers...
:eek: :3: |
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| BigDog |
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
I suppose I could always return it. But what specifically are the issues with the Genie garage door openers? Thanks!
It's not that the Genie is the worst opener out their but their quality has suffered of late. BTW I have a Genie. I would go with a screw drive or belt & try avoid the chain if you can. If you have a lighter door, single or metal double a Genie is probably ok, but double wood door, that is a heavy bugger, then I would spend the bucks for a Liftmaster. Just my 2¢;) Also check the HP it will make a difference on heavy door. |
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| wmquan |
Thanks, I should be fine then. My garage has three individual doors (each needing its own opener, but that's another story). The Genie should handle its door with no problem. It's a screw-drive unit.
I liked the Liftmaster but didn't like the idea of paying about $200 for the opener and then $200 for the installation (one outfit wanted $475 for the whole thing). All the Liftmaster dealers in my area either hadn't heard about the 2500, or didn't have it as a "unit they normally sell" (they'd have to order it from their distributor and then check it out when it came in). Rather strange given that the opener is featured on their web site and the January Consumer Reports gives it such a glowing review. Perhaps it's just something about my area's dealers -- I called seven of them! |
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| TheWorm |
Thanks again, everyone, for the tips & commentary. I ended up getting the Excellerator like William (thanks for the pointer to the CR stuff). When looking, I figured for +/- $50 I might as well get some speed :)
It's in, and yea - I did it myself. Not difficult at all. Most time consuming part was pulling all the old hardware and mounting the "cleats" on the door + header. Significantly quieter than our old one -- sorta puts out a humming noise rather than the old grinding I was used to -- and faster of course...
Only problem is now the dog won't hear MrsWorm coming home so she can jump off the couch w/o getting caught :) |
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| msu79gt82 |
| They were not that bad. Just take your time and allow plenty of time. Both of mine were from Sears; one a chain drive and the latest a belt drive - no significant difference in installation. Good luck. |
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| Rodzir |
| If you are a member of Costco it has all the bells and whistles as the $250+ models for $165. I am very happy with it and it was not difficult to install about 2 hrs hanging from a high ceiling. |
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