Last Updated on October 22, 2024 by Kravelv
If homeowners are looking for a brand new garage door opener, they might consider handling the garage door installation themselves. Even for those who are experienced, experts suggest the following tips for anyone attempting to install or repair a garage door opener on their own.
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Reading all the rules and instructions
The homeowners should read and understand all the instructions before starting work on anything. If the house is very new and no door openers have been installed, experts recommend that headers and supports should be installed first. This instruction is usually given in the manual and every home owner must follow this. There could be very minor appearing instructions that maybe ignored if rules and instructions are ignored leading to permanent nagging issues with its smooth operation.
Ensuring the usage of the right type of tools
A typical garage door opener does not specifically require a job-specific set of tools. So, if the homeowner has a good set of home repair tools, the garage door opener installation can be done pretty efficiently. Since the door opener has to last for a long time, the supports and connections should be secured in their respective places appropriately. You must ensure you leave the prescribed gap between parts as well as use a torque wrench to ensure appropriate tightness. Also, if there is any damage caused by faulty garage door opener installation, insurance companies might deny the claims.
Never attempt to loosen or tighten the door springs that is fixed on to the shaft under high tension and you could cause grievous injury attempting to tinker with it. While adjusting the chain nuts, ensure you do not over tighten or slacken the chain. Emergency release mechanism must be enabled if required while attempting to install the opener.
Manufacturers usually supply straps that can be used as opener hangers. Experts suggest using a perforated iron angle, which provides a good sophisticated look to the entire setting. On the wall that is close to the door, a strong framing lumber can be used for better support. The center should be nailed or screwed to the studs on the framing lumber.
- Avoid using a hacksaw on the body of the openers
It is always better to use thin steel blades on the body. These thin steel blades are available in any general store.
- Adjusting the garage door’s force
The door’s force should be adjusted appropriately and it should be retested multiple times to ensure that everything is okay.
- Use light bulbs that are durable
The light bulbs used should be able to withstand any kind of vibrations. The wattage of the bulb should not exceed the listed wattage on the opener.
- Use of Ladder
A right kind of ladder should be used for garage door opener installation.
- Choose right opener
The most important factor is to choose the right kind of opener to ensure that it stays strong.
- Being patient
It is very important for the homeowner to remain patient during the entire process. Sometimes it can get frustrating and hence it is very important for the person performing the task to remain calm.
- Watching a video on garage door opener installation
There are many videos available online. It is advisable that you watch some of the easily available online videos that details installation of garage door openers. These videos show the bottlenecks that one may encounter and also shows the solutions for the same. A lot of valuable information on tips and precautions can be garnered from these videos that would help with safe and appropriate installation.
