[RyanD]

Our new house which we're moving into in May has nice brand new doors but no openers. I found some nice ones that are around $200 but reading reviews some said it doesn't come with mounting hardware because they're assuming you're replacing an existing one. If there is no hardware(I don't remember) where do I find this? Also, when the inspector pointed this out he told me that when they are installed the doors should be reinforced so they don't bend in. What do I need to do this?

 

[RippySkippy]

I assume you're talking about the hardware to mount the opener to the ceiling of the garage? If you are, I REALLY like the angle iron that has the pre-punched holes in it as it allows a load of flexibility. It's readily available from all the big box stores near their openers. The hardware to mount the opener to the door should be included with the opener.

For one door you'll need 1 - 8' stick, several 1" bolts, nuts washers, lock washers to fit the holes in the iron, I "think" the last ones I used were 5/16". 2" lag screws the same size with washers to screw the angle iron to the ceiling. The HARD part here will be with out knowing which way your ceiling joist run, we can't tell you how to cut and piece this together.

When you install the opener...make sure your springs are set correctly, meaning your door should lift with one hand, and stay where you leave it on the track, in other words balanced. If you have torsion springs be OMG freakn' careful...if you don't know what you're doing and are fully aware of the hazards associated with them...don't touch them...they can be killers.

As for the stiffner, any garage door shop will have them...they are nothing more than a piece of light weight steel in a V that's screwed to the back of the door. IF the door has gone this long with out it...its likely that it will be fine with out it for some additional time....not sure I buy it that ALL door MUST have them. With the opener...it's really important to get the spring tension right to take the opening sresses off the door.

 

[Gary in WA]

These directions listed below are pretty generic, mainly follow the maker of your opener's directions to satisfy the warranty.
Here is the extra support needed. As RippySkippy said, where to buy the iron.

Pick your door style from this list:

http://www.clopaydoor.com/installation-manuals.aspx (6th one down- wood door, page 12 and 13)

Be safe, GBAR

 

[odleo]

When I installed my new opener, I used a piece of angle on the top section as a stiffener. Works well and I save some money having to buy a stiffener from the door company. Not sure if it will work on your door.

 

[n0c7]

I would just look for another opener that has all of the hardware. I bought a Chamberlain 4 years ago that had everything required including detailed instructions. Was about $250 CDN(about $175 US at the time).

Also, I would recommend a belt driven over a chain driven. Much quieter and same amount of work to install.

Can't comment on reinforcing the door. We have a tad more expensive door that was sturdy enough to just bolt into directly.

 

[RyanD]

This is the one I'm thinking of getting. It has great reviews and everyone says the instructions are easy to follow.

http://www.amazon.com/Chamberlain-W...Opener/dp/B0000CGGD6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

[RippySkippy]

That's the last door opener I installed.. and it as easy as they come. I'm a bit disappointed in the antenna range. It will include all the hardware to attach the opener to the door...but not to the ceiling....that's where the above comments come in.

If I think of it, I'll take a picture of our install showing the braces this evening...

 

[n0c7]

That's the one I'm referring to above as well. My neighbor purchased it and I'm sure it came with brackets. May have different items in the boxes in Canada though.

Only issue I've had with Chamberlain is every few months it opens by itself, tried every trick in the book and cannot figure it out. Can't trust technology anyway, only truly safe way is to manually lock the door. :furious:

 

[RippySkippy]

I've not experienced that behavior...I'd be calling the support number ASAP and not quit til it was resolved...

Here's the way I installed our opener...that's not to say it's the only way...it's just one way.

Here's the business end...note the 4' angle iron, there's one joist immediately above the opener...and one left and one right. To make it rigid, I spanned 3 joist and attached it with lag bolts through the drywall. Notice the two legs coming down connected by the angle strap? that keeps the opener secure left to right, it probably won't go anywhere with out it...but I know it won't with it. (the strap is included in the box.

Here's the other end...our door came with a stiffener integrated into the door (it's just above the yellow sticker) Everything in black is included in with the opener, our door just had a factory bracket installed so I used it instead.

Hope this helps...sorry for the poor pictures...cell phones only do so much....

 

[comp1911]

I installed these a month ago.

 

[Chemist1961]

G Door wiring tip

Since you have all the photos for the opener itself, one last thought on wiring, leave at least 12-18" excess wire at your cameras. Stretch it flat to take out any kinks. Don't cut it, coil it around a philips screwdriver making a "phone cord" coil in the cable like a handset has. Now you have a tidy coil with some flex so if anything bumps your cameras you have some spring in your wiring and it won't yank out of the camera. Also looks really professional :thumbsup: