Install Electric Garage Door Opener

Add convenience while enhancing home security with a garage door opener.

hdswt301_2cb_Garage-after

Materials and Tools:

garage door opener
10 pieces of slotted angle iron
1 box 5/16 x 1-1/4 inch bolts, nuts and washers
1 box 3/8 x 2-1/4 lag screws
1 box cable staples
cordless drill with magnetic screwdriver tip
hacksaw
staple gun
stud finder
wrenches
level
measuring tape
pencil
safety glasses

Steps:

hdswt301_2cd_cut-frame

1. Assemble the garage door opener following the manufacturers instructions. Once assembled, take a measurement from the end of the track to the point where the motor hangs. Cut the track to fit using the hacksaw or power chop saw if one is available.

2. The garage door opener must be attached to the ceiling joists. Once you find them, using a stud finder, mark them so you know where to screw your frame in.

3. Using the angle iron, assemble a frame that transitions the hanging bracket on the motor to the ceiling joists. Be sure to leave vertical adjustments in the frame by making your verticals a little long. You can cut them shorter later.

4. Over the center of the door frame, lag screw the header bracket to the door header. Be sure you're hitting solid wood. If the header is not solid where you need to lag it, nail a piece of 2x8 or 2x10 across the studs and lag the brackets there.

5. Lift the end of the track to the header bracket and pin it into place. Leave the motor end of the track on the floor for now.

hdswt301_2ce_bolt-motor

6. Standing on the ladder, have someone hand you the motor end of the track. Hold it up while they open the garage door. Now, you can use the garage door as a shelf to hold the weight of the motor while you work. Set a 2x4 on end (3-1/2" high) on the door, then set the track on the 2x4. This will hold the opener in the perfect position for the next step.

7. Lag the frame you built earlier to the ceiling joists, then bolt the opener to the frame.

hdswt301_2cf_Attach-track-header

8. Using the brackets provided, screw the lift arm to the door, centered under track.

9. Current law requires infrared sensors to be installed for safety. There are two pieces: a receiver and a transmitter. These 2 units point at each other from opposite sides of the doorway, and if the infrared beam is broken, the door won’t work. Screw the receiver to tone side and the transmitter to the other, and run the wires up to the motor housing.