How to Install a Garage Door Opener

Before replacing a garage door opener, clear out any clutter so you have ample space to work. Turn off power to your garage at the breaker box. Next, gather the following tools and materials:

• Ladder
• Level
• Flathead screwdriver
• Wire strippers
• Adjustable wrench
• Screw gun or impact driver
• Safety glasses and work gloves
• Garage door screens

Tip: Before replacing a garage door opener, think about getting a helper to make the project eaasier and quicker.

Installing a garage door opener is a DIY project that you can do in an afternoon.

• Before assembly, confirm that you have all the required garage door opener parts.
• Assemble the carriage tube as directed by the manufacturer. The carriage tube will allow the carriage to travel from the power unit to the front wall of the garage to raise and lower the door.
• Make sure to seat the carriage tube pieces securely.
• Measure to verify that the assembled length matches the length required by the manufacturer.
• Make any necessary adjustments with a socket wrench or other tool as directed.

• Mount the carriage tube to the front of the power unit.
• Attach the rail clamps, which will later connect to a bracket on the wall above the door.
• Some doors will require installing switches and wiring at this point.

When replacing a garage door opener, you’ll need to mount the carriage onto the carriage tube. Follow the manufacturer’s directions. Different makes and models attach differently.

The garage door opener mounting bracket, also called the header bracket, secures the carriage tube to the wall above the door. It is usually installed at the door center point.

• Manually lift the garage door to find the point of highest travel.
• Use a level and mark the wall above the door for this height.
• Measure two inches above the first mark and make a second mark.
• Line up the bottom edge of the header bracket with this second line.
• Attach to the wall with the appropriate fasteners.
• Lift the free end of the carriage tube and attach it to the header bracket.
• Make sure the power unit is resting on a pad to prevent it from getting scratched.
• Once the carriage tube is attached to the header bracket, raise up the power unit.
• Set it securely on top of a stepladder so it's close to the ceiling.

• Most units hang from angle irons and metal straps that have holes drilled in them at regular intervals.
• Bolt the angle irons to a rafter (or rafters) with lag screws.
• Attach the straps to the irons with hex-head screws.
• Attach the straps to the power unit with the hardware provided.
• Raise the garage door several times to make sure it clears the opener.
• Attach the wires as directed for the opener control box, then mount it to the wall of your garage. Make sure to position it so that it’s convenient for everyone and the wires are within reach of the power unit.
• Run the control box wires up the wall and across the garage ceiling to reach the power unit. Attach them as indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions.

The carriage has a metal arm that extends from it and connects to a bracket mounted on the door. This allows the carriage to raise and lower the door.

• Attach the connecting bracket for the carriage arm to the garage door. The exact location varies, depending on the door. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Attach the carriage arm to the carriage body according to the instructions.
• Use the supplied fasteners to secure it.
• Attach the elbow-shaped piece to the door bracket with the supplied fasteners.
• Join the elbow to the main carriage arm.

Make opening and closing your garage doors even more convenient. One thing you can do is install a garage door keypad.

• Using its enclosed mounting hardware, attach a hardwire keypad near an inside door. Connect its wiring to the motor.
• Mount a wireless keyboard outside with hardware. Program it with a code that’s easy to remember.

You can also control your garage door through your smartphone. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for their app. Or place a garage door fob on your keyring or put a remote unit in your car.

By law, all units come equipped with a safety device that can shut down the motor if something obstructs the path of a closing door. The safety device usually consists of two sensors that emit a light beam across the garage threshold. If anything breaks the beam while the garage door is in motion, the door stops and immediately raises to the up position.

• Use a laser level to align the sensor mounts.
• Make sure the sensors will be placed no more than six inches above the ground level of the garage.
• Mount one device on each side of the door as directed.
• Run the sensor wires up along the garage wall and roof. Most kits provide the appropriate fasteners to tack the wires in place along the path. Attach them as directed into the back of the power unit.
• Test the door operation and make any necessary adjustments.

Choose the type of garage door opener that best suits your home. Popular chain drive garage door openers connect the motor to the carriage with a chain. Chain drive openers tend to be budget friendly and capable of lifting heavy doors. They're durable but can be noisy. In a belt-drive garage door opener, a belt connects the motor and carriage. In a direct drive garage opener, the carriage travels along a large, threaded rod. Direct drive and belt drive garage door openers tend to be quieter but require a higher upfront investment.

• Before replacing a garage door opener, remove the previous opener mechanism.
• If you’re installing a garage door opener for the first time, make sure it’s near an electrical outlet. This is especially true if the power unit will be mounted on the ceiling.
• If need be, have a nearby outlet installed by an electrician.
• Confirm that the garage door is balanced and opens and closes properly.
• Clean the tracks and lubricate the opener and door with a lithium-based grease.
• For best performance, quickly replace any worn or damaged garage door parts such as garage door springs or garage door seals.

Tip: If your garage door is taller than standard, get a garage door opener extension kit to make up the difference.