Automatic Garage opener

Blackmirror · 02-25-02, 08:19

I want to install one in my garage. Thinking about getting one from Sears. Anyone ever install one by themselves or with help?

fenrir · 02-25-02, 08:28

I've installed a few on the job. They aren't that hard to do. I don't know how the newer systems are. But winding up those old springs can be very dangerous. If you have someone else with you it shouldn't be too hard.

bretfraz · 02-25-02, 09:20

I'm thinking about the same thing. My new house won't come with one (the builder wanted $500 for one!!) so I'm going to Lowe's or someplace and buy one. Don't think I'll install it myself although it prbably ain't too difficult a job. I figure $300-350 installed is the right price for a Genie or Chamberlain.

What I'd really like is a Wayne Dalton opener but I believe they're only available with the W.D. garage doors as a system.

FWIW, in the Jan 02 issue of Consumer Reports, they tested garage door openers. Rankings are:

(1) Liftmaster Estate Series 2500
(2) Genie Pro Stealth
(3) Sears Craftsman 53965
(4) Sears Craftsman 53964
(5) Chamberlain WD922K

Oh, and Chamberlain makes both Sears and Liftmaster openers.

Brad B. · 02-26-02, 06:06

Opener installations are very easy and straightforward, one-person jobs. I have done a few by myself. All Chamberlains, but the theory is the same with them all. Go for it!

JohnN · 02-26-02, 08:00

I just had my garage door re-done, so I had the Sears opener installed (53965). So far, so good.

The installer happened to be a friend, and despite him being a Genie dealer, advised me to go purchase the Sears unit for him to install (said that they were much more reliable).

He took about $100 to install, and it took those two guys about an hour to knock it out. Considering I've never done one, I'd say it would take me about 3 hours or so to get it done. Also factoring in the fact that I wouldn't want my garage door crashing down on anyone (or God forbid, the car!!) - I passed on doing it myself.

It all comes down to time and money - I think Sears will provide installation for $125, and they guarantee the installation. If a few hours putzing around with the opener doesn't bother you, then go for it. If you value you spare time (and would rather be waxing your car) then let these guys come and take care of it for you.

Dave C. · 02-26-02, 10:05

We have 1988 Sears openers in my house, and only one needed some work last year (gets used 10x as much as the other one). I forget exactly what it needed (new gears maybe

) Overall, very reliable, and my dad and I installed them ourselves. So, a one man job (I don't count I was 5 at the time!!

)

8ball · 02-26-02, 01:24

I've installed at least 10 openers by myself in my rental properties (6 in one day once). It's pretty straight forward, just follow the instructions carefully, make sure you have the right tools, and it doesn't hurt to have someone available to assist you for certain things (like helping to hold the unit while you get it attached to the mounting brackets).

When I did 6 in the same day, the first one took about 3 hours. The last one took less that an hour and a half. Good luck!

v85097 · 03-27-02, 09:22

I have the Liftmasters, it took just about four hours to put up the first one, (myself and my son) with a quick lunch thrown in there and then the second one took less time. Very straight forward as mentioned considering the instructions and with the unit itself being fully assembled as delivered. A lot less intimidating once you lay everything out and get into it. A second set of hands made a big difference if you have a helper available.