[MitchumMan]

I'm a new homeowner and have a few things on the "honey-do list" that I'm not sure how to tackle. The garage door is one of them.

It appears that the small piece of metal bolted into the door (where the opener pulls the door from the top middle of the door) is being pulled out. I've tried just tightening the two bolts back up but the metal is bent too much. In my head I was thinking I could replace the small piece of metal bolted to the door with a larger one and putting more bolts in it. Let's say 4. This way it's pulling in the middle of 4 and not 2. However, not sure if this would be best and also not sure if I can just screw into the door without problems. I attached a picture to show you what I'm looking at. Thanks!

 

[Just Bill]

You could beef up the inside gusset with a thicker, larger piece of metal. The pice should be as large above and below the opener bracket and be secured to the door gusset with screws at several places. Or add a piece of metal on the outside and the inside, then bolt thru all of that.

 

[FlyingHammer]

The bracket looks standard, so I'd guess the problem is more with the bolts. I would use a metal plate on the outside of the door, with bolts running through the plate, door, and bracket. Paint it the same color as the door and it will barely show.

 

[iamrfixit]

Is the lift arm able to adequately swivel in the bracket that is bolted to the door? It looks as though the door bracket may be contacting the lift arm which will restrict it's travel and pull the bolts out. It could be the bracket was installed upside down or that particular bracket was not original to that opener.

You can buy a universal, reinforced version of that bracket, you should be able to find something similar anywhere that sells door parts. It is much larger allowing for more screws into stronger positions on the door panel, some like this one have tabs that install behind the hinges.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Heavy-Duty-Garage-Door-Opener-Bracket-2-3-4-W-x-18-L-/230634145972

I would NOT run bolts through the door, most steel doors are not built to handle that. The bolts will never get tight and simply dent the outer panel in.

 

[DexterII]

I agree with the above, but before proceeding with anything else, make sure that the door itelf is operating properly. With the opener disconnected from the door (just pull the red handle down to release it), you should be able to manually raise and lower the door with very minimal effort, and it should remain fully closed or fully open. If not, check the rollers, track, etc., and if you do not identify any binding, you would want to hire a local door company to adjust your springs. After that, you, you should be good to go forward with corrections to the door.

 

[MitchumMan]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Some really good stuff! I think the last two suggestions will be my first approach. I don't really want to mess with the outside of the door unless it's truly necessary.

 

[firehawkmph]

Mitchum,
The reinforcement bracket shown in the ebay pic is the proper way to do it. Measure your top section, it should be either 18" or 21" tall. The bracket should be able to span the section. In other words, don't use the 18" bracket on a 21" section. If you have a local garage door company, they should have them in stock. While most wholesale door companies won't sell to homeowners, you could probably talk them into selling you the bracket. The one on ebay is pricey. I pay under $10 for them.
Mike Hawkins

 

[MitchumMan]

If I were to get that reinforcement bracket, or one like it, do u place it over or behind the hinge on the door? I'm guessing I would place the bracket over the hinge and screw it in place but I'm not sure. Thanks again!

 

[WirelessG]

I agree with the above, but before proceeding with anything else, make sure that the door itelf is operating properly. With the opener disconnected from the door (just pull the red handle down to release it), you should be able to manually raise and lower the door with very minimal effort, and it should remain fully closed or fully open. If not, check the rollers, track, etc., and if you do not identify any binding, you would want to hire a local door company to adjust your springs. After that, you, you should be good to go forward with corrections to the door.

I agree. I don't know a lot about garage doors, but it sounds like the door is binding on something.

 

[firehawkmph]

If I were to get that reinforcement bracket, or one like it, do u place it over or behind the hinge on the door? I'm guessing I would place the bracket over the hinge and screw it in place but I'm not sure. Thanks again!

The bracket goes over the hinge that is attached to the section below. Take the screws out of the top half of the hinge, slip the bracket over and reinstall the screws. You should have a metal strut going across the top of the top section. The bracket goes underneath the strut. So remove the screws in the strut that are where the bracket goes, and also the ones on either side of the center of the door. You should be able to slip the bracket underneath and reinstall the screws. A cordless impact gun works well for all this. If you don't have a metal strut across the top section, get one. You should have one their with an opener attached.
Mike Hawkins