How To Install A Garage Door Opener

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Shannon from www.house-impr... shows you how to install a residential overhead garage door electric opener. The one shown here is a typical one that is a belt-drive 1/2 horsepower unit. If you have any questions about your home DIY projects, stop by the forum on our website and ask.
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Video © 2014 SKS Media. Videos produced by SKS Media (House-Improvements.com) are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in the videos is intended to give general guidance to simplify DIY (do it yourself) projects. Because tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, building codes and local regulations are constantly changing, SKS Media cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Further, SKS Media will not accept any claim for liability related to, but not limited to, omissions, errors, injury, damage or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there are any questions or doubt in regards to the element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional. SKS Media conducts all matters in accordance with the laws of Saskatchewan, Canada.

[@nealdownhomeimprovementnea4087]

I love the way you explain your self and your camera man is on point, he zoom in close so you can see what's going on as you explain.

[@marlymar4]

I must say you have the perfect temperament and patience for making videos. I dont' think one can be more thorough than yourself. I've watched a ton a videos on KZbin and you don't find many that get straight to the point without all the unnecessary commentary. This video really answered my questions and touched on my concerns for my install tomorrow. Thanks again!!

[@MrPhillymo]

Best home improvement video I ever saw. Thank you for showing all the steps in a most articulate and calm manner including the end where you showed me not to quit or panic but just patiently trouble shoot it out through a process of reviewing all steps done previously done. Well done Shannon!

[@henryj8965]

The trial and error exercise in adjusting the opening and closure is very helpful. In reality we as a first DIYer would not have the luck of one shot done👍👍

[@HouseImprovements]

They always need to be adjusted to get it right

[@bwashd]

I was gonna pay someone to install a new opener but after seeing this video I'm doing it myself. Thanks for sharing!

[@rustyfeathers73]

Thanks Shannon, this is one of many videos I've watched of yours. Learned so much more watching your videos rather than just relying on the product installation instructions.

[@dalejohnson207]

This was by far the BEST how to videos I have even seen on the internet. Great job!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Nik-by5mi]

thanks for NOT editing out the trouble shooting at the End! Now I know what to expect. great video! thx

[@terryyouth]

Yes

[@alejoangeles8562]

Very clear explanation.

[@mattbartolovich8228]

What size is the door?

[@maryali3174]

My husband has been watching you for years, grateful we stumbled on this gem. Good work.

[@pdogakron1623]

I watched like a half dozen garage door install videos, yours was the most thorough. Thank you!

[@evannancyjune17thne]

Thanks for the tutorial, like the way you keep showing all the little things that can go wrong and your trouble shooting them as you go, excellent work!

[@garfieldisgod]

I look forward to any "how-to" video Shannon does. He calmly and thoroughly shows how to accomplish any task presented.

[@nealdownhomeimprovementnea4087]

I love the way you explain how you install a garage door. You are the BEST...!!!!

[@speedogon1]

Hey Shannon, you are the man! Your videos are always on-point. As an avid DIY, I watch your videos before, during and after every job.

[@HouseImprovements]

Wow, thank you!

[@fauxbot5000]

You made installing my "gradge" door much easier. Thank you!

[@keithlewis8238]

Lmfao

[@olenrobert2947]

L look P

[@STamagni99]

Haha 😂 first thing I noticed

[@nixaeagle141]

😂😂😂nice garadge

[@crisonyajackson8839]

😂

[@kcharles66]

Very good instruction. I watched this and took notes. I was contracted to install one a couple of days ago. Although I am a Journeyman Carpenter with 20 years of various experience, I always research my new jobs if i dont have help. After watching and taking notes, I didnt need to go back to the notes at the jobsite. I simply went by the instructions supplied and remembered the video and notes. I didnt have any issues. Mine was a little different with the force adjustments but overall the same. The height of the track was not quite the height either but it was enough to work. Shannon mentioned that a DIY'er would take about 3 hours. I took about an hour to watch this video and take notes. Then I took 6 hours to install the opener. I didnt feel i was too slow. The customer was very pleased to pay me $300 CAN to install. So, thanks for the video.

[@brandanslate584]

Bought a second-hand opener. It was half assembled, had no instructions, and ended up missing a couple of pieces. This cleared up what I needed and how to get it installed. Thank you!!

[@cubanorebelde]

I got to point few mistakes. When you connected the straight arm to the trolley, you left the straight arm on the outside part instead in-between/ inside the 2 tabs that the straight arm is supposed to slide in. When setting limits for the first time, it's better to keep the trolley disengaged, and run the opener, that way if the up or down limits are wrong, nothing will happen to the door itself. This will only apply to openers with manual/analog limits, new openers come with digital limits so you can set them up at the 1st try. The issue you ran at the end was expected since manual/analog force always come at the lowest setting. I would recommend to keep it around 5 or 7, more than that could be potentially dangerous. With new openers, force is setup automatically after you set the limits since the opener will run one up and down cycle. Also the other reason why the door wouldn't close other than the force, could've been the sunlight, since I notice the sunlight was hitting the sensor by the left side. The angles to mount the opener don't need to be bend outward like that, the kicker or side angle should go from the bottom part of one of the vertical angle and the other end should be connected to the top part of the other vertical angle, there're other ways too but the one I mentioned it's pretty common, but bending out the angle like that it's not ok. For the sensors, it's way easier if you install the sensor on the bracket first and then mount the bracket, also the sensor should be 3 to 6 inches off the floor. the bracket has a hole where you can use the same track bolt that's holding the jamb bracket, the only modification that you need to do is to cut off the 2 tabs in the back of the bracket that look towards the panel.

[@Keifsanderson]

Just found your channel with your install of the garage door. You do the best how-to videos I've ever seen on the web. You get down to the details the amateur/homeowner needs while still keeping the watch-ability and flow of your videos. Thanks. You can count me as a subscriber.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks

[@rbridel]

Well done. The issues you experienced are actually helpful as it gives an even better understanding of the sensitivity of the adjustments. Problem solving is the best way to truly understand.

[@OK002]

I purchased a new garage opener and DIY. I watched your video and learned a lot from it. Keep those video going it's a fantastic learning tool.

[@curlious]

Shannon, thank you so much for posting this. It was really helpful watching you install this opener before I tackled the job myself. The strap to hang the opener while trying to mount it was a lifesaver. I really appreciate it!

[@austinahenakew9548]

By g N

[@jason01095]

Thanks for taking the time to post this video. Being primarily a computer/network guy by profession, I only know very little about how a garage door system actually works, and your video was most informative to me. I currently have a chain-driven opening system, and the door we use the most's motor just died. In doing my research and searching around the web to see what's available these days (my existing system was originally installed in 1995), I have learned about the various popular opening systems (chain driven, screw driven and belt driven.) The belt driven system option was brand new to me, so being able to watch you go step by step through the installation process was extremely helpful. Also, toward the end of the video you said you thought it might be boring watching the door open and close, but to me, I found that to be the most interesting part, because it showed you thinking out loud through the troubleshooting process relative to the adjustments you have on your system (force up and down, and travel up and down.) Being able to see someone perform that troubleshooting was absolutely invaluable to me, so thank you very much for not editing that part out. For me, it's not so much about the overall length of a video; if it's a subject I'm interested in knowing more about, I'll dedicate the time to watch it, as I think will most people. So anyway, new subscribe now, and thanks again. Now I'm off to watch your video about the door installation that you referenced a few times in this video. :)

[@gregferreira8309]

You would think the manufacturer could have included the bulbs.Shannon, you are the man. Terrific installation video

[@nehemiahcook51]

I had to install a garage door opener today for a client and it was the same unit being installed in the video. That made it a lot easier. Awesome video.

[@Hectorgarcia-ed7su]

How much does someone charge to install one of these?

[@iiaggo000]

I like how you left the last troubleshooting part on the video. Very helpful

[@ewelarry]

Just want you to know this really gave me the confidence to install an opener. My only problem was with the thin wire for the opener button. So, I went to Lowe's and bought a more substantial wire. Thanks.

[@bikegtxcr]

Great video!! I'm now more confident about installing my own garage door. I also like watching him troubleshoot.

[@HouseImprovements]

You can do it!

[@flacohueso307]

If you get snow in the winter you might want to increase your up force for when you get an ice build up under the weather strip. When I installed mine I mounted the eyes nose to nose on the ceiling, they never get out of alignment. Were both in our 70's and no grandkids.

[@beebob1279]

WOW!!!! Great tutorial on how to do this. Your problem solving was so important and I'm glad you left those in. One of the best how to videos I've seen in years. I'm putting in my garage opener after having it in storage for twenty plus years. I'm going through a variety of videos to prepare for the job. This video is by far the best I've seen so far. The best part is that I can go step by step tomorrow right along with your video. Thank you very much

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it was helpful!

[@beebob1279]

@@HouseImprovements Hear me out on this for help. Years ago I ended up extending my garage because the builders (years ago) optioned the owners to have a short garage with a bigger dining room. I got stuck with a small garage and had it extended to put in a car. I just measured the garage for the opener and the old header is in the way. I can't use what I've had in storage for years. So, my neighbor told me about the Wall Mounted garage door opener that I guess I'm going to have to go with. I gave him my old opener for his workshop. We do that for each other and he could use it. Anyway, are there any videos from you on installing the wall mounted garage door openers? I'll be looking through youtube to see. Any thoughts on these products as to what brand to go with? They are more expensive I know but at least I can get in and out of the garage without lifting it all the time.

[@mikemann8500]

Thanks Shannon, you have a great knack of communicating with the public. Your video was easy to comprehend and very non-intimidating for the do-it-yourselfer.

[@666dynomax]

You've got videos on everything don't ya! Watched 3 of your videos now since building my new house. Thanks again!

[@andreasknerr1020]

Thank you sooo much, would have been completely lost without your help and tutorial as my doors came without a manual.

[@Matty_ice429]

Thank you for this video Shannon. My fiancé and i just bought a house last month and there is no garage door opener. We bought one, but i want sure if i could do it, this video will definitely help me out. I feel all my questions were answered. You couldn't have made this video at a better time. Thanks

[@lindaloftus8780]

Thank you for going into so much depth in installing and operation of opener. I'm in process of installing new opener as old one went out. Like Marco said after trying to follow instruction on the new genie opener I am clueless. One problem I'm having is how tight to get the belt, connects together differently than one in your video. Since I haven't gotten it installed, just put together, not sure what problems I'll have, although you explain and show exactly what to do so I shouldn't have too many problems. Great video and very informative. You're the best.

[@felicitousxDevota]

Thank you, gave me the confidence to buy and install a garage door opener for my parents. Wish me luck.

[@Duneyrr]

Very comprehensive! Your information was very easy to follow and I appreciate the amount of detail. Many thanks from this first-time home buyer.

[@zeelog]

Very well done video with a professional installation. Now, I am motivated to do a DIY to my garage door replacement in a few months.

[@powe7687]

your instruction may have saved me from buying a new unit. I just have to adjust the kg force controls. Great information.

[@markgall4218]

Your instructions were right on and to the point and I liked when you gave some hints like the marking gor right and left,thank you very much for doing this video

[@scottmerlack1704]

Thank you.....your video's helped me finish my basement and now with installing my garage door opener.

[@durvalrebelo2624]

Another great video, it was nice to see that there was a problem and he figured it out and explained what went wrong.

[@Loafin2010]

Thanks for explaining this in perfect detail I'm installing two of them on a finished ceiling and besides looking through the instructions you have given me a lot of extra tips thanks friend. 🍻

[@eper1586]

Shannon, again thanks for the video. Like I mentioned on the other video you made, I will be installing my removing and installing my first garage door opener. Very informative, detailed, and clear video. And, no you are not boring me lol. Sometimes things happen and it was a real scenario that could happen to anyone. Thanks again for taking the time to make this how-to video.

[@alfredopaez9097]

The best video I watched installing garage door, I just became an expert installing garage door opener♥️

[@jlaner99]

you always run into these factory settings then you have to find the troubleshooting in the manual I am glad you showed us the problems that came up while programming it very good video

[@HouseImprovements]

+jlaner99 Thanks , there are always "real world" problems

[@fredmorgan996]

Awesome! Very informative and not at all boring. I'm personally glad to see the issues you were having at the end. Now I know what to expect. THANKS!

[@forrestgump1000]

Very in formative. Bought pretty much the same opener u installed, I ran into a problem with it going up and down so I took it back. Wish I had of watch ur video first. Thanks

[@lindonrollins9879]

Great videos ,I am confident that I will be able to do my own.I like how you show little hick ups during the installation.

[@allove4288]

Very good explanations. Have to do this for my daughter when she gets hers

[@stevencrowley7489]

Great job on this video. No shortcuts on this job. A job done right!

[@photovoltaic2246]

Appreciate the run through. It's good to see an unexpected glitch and troubleshoot.

[@HouseImprovements]

We try to keep those things in there as they happen to everyone at times

[@Larry342516]

Great video. I learned a lot that I didn't know. The adjustments at the end may have aggravated you some what, but I learned from you. Doing those adjustment with you helped me to understand how to correct those problems if they came up. Thank you for the video.

[@JamesMcG]

Thank you sir! It helped me fix our garage door after Hurricane Matthew! Was able to get the chain and bar/pins aligned correctly. Great video!

[@HouseImprovements]

You're welcome, James.

[@alexneil1967]

this was not boring this was great i learned alot mostly about the settings... thank you.

[@rolandchartier7851]

You are doing a very good job ! You're asey to understand and you talk about every little details that very help when we do the works ! It is hard to find good explanations like you do ! So thank you and live long 😄 .

[@sivakandula]

excellent instructional video ! very professional with minimal non-relevant info. THANK YOU

[@spreadcreekjr1731]

Great video. This is what I like to see! Trouble shooting. I always run into problems, and I’m sure I would have ran into this issue at the end. Trouble shooting should not be edited out. Thank you.

[@randywilson3572]

Not boring at all! Thanks a lot Shannon!

[@arafarenos2926]

Love the way you explain. You make it easy. You are my favorite. God bless you

[@CFBOnYoutube]

Just wanted to say thank you for this video. Perfect explanation. I did this yesterday from start to end. Saved me a ton of $$$

[@totalproductionz]

Excellent video. Thank you for the detailed step by step. Now to install my garage door opener.

[@Ender3D]

Thanks for the video, especially with showing the minor complications.

[@wheinemail]

You are "cool" under pressure. I am getting ready to install a garage door opener at an older friend's house and this video gave me the thorough walk through that I was looking for. The issue that occurred with not enough downward pressure was very helpful to see. Thank you for this well explained video. Will in Michigan (Near Windsor!)

[@macwelder2012]

if I was not for the problems, nobody would know how to fix the problem. thank you for that

[@jayyoshihara7416]

The information was very complete and the presentation is excellent. Thank you for posting the video.

[@superkicker1985]

Thank you for the detailed video for adjustments. I recently had to replace the worm gear in a 20 year old Craftsman opener and I have not been able to get the thing back down. It sits right in the middle of track and will only move 6 inches either way. I will try this out tonight.

[@HouseImprovements]

Good luck, stop by our forum if you need more help @ www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@herbhibbs]

I am about to install my first garage door opener for my daughter. I do not know what I am looking at because its a finsihed small older house with a wood door. should be very interesting but your video was great and i feel confident.

[@sgarcata]

I love Canadians... This is fabulous... esp with all the troubleshooting.

[@bbruuse]

Excellent Video's... Extremely well done.. Very Informative... "However my wife sayz she couldn't work with you cause you're too nice of a guy. ( She mentioned the lack of ) "Screaming and those "Special Words" when things go sideways...." Your video's give me hope, I can change"

[@HouseImprovements]

I can bite my tongue when i need to usually! LOL

[@denhouse1]

Thanks for doing all the video's, they are very informative and have inspired me and helped me with some projects around my house. Many of the videos that you have done also provided me with valuable information when hiring a contractor for more involved work. Keep up the good work!!

[@HouseImprovements]

Thankyou, please subscribe. Also check out our website and forum. www.house-improvements.com

[@yim-fongwu7184]

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[@garagedoors-thegaragedoork7732]

Interesting garage door video ... uploaded to our Google+. Thanks.

[@reeefaa]

Your video gave me the confidence (and know-how) I needed to do this alone. Thank you so much!

[@redeskins1968]

Bit of advice , if you like to be exact you can take your measurement from side wall to center of door and copy that distance from wall to your center mark for motor mount.

[@vuau3734]

great video. I just adjusted my door height, thanks again.

[@jhollisphoto]

Great video, very thorough. Troubleshooting is always a part of the process, and I'm glad you left it in. Thanks!

[@dharris574]

Very great illustration, good job....sits through all demonstration, thank you

[@markcunningham2431]

Thanks SO much. Very professionally done. Saved a ton of money.

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad to hear

[@mo-reesespieces9066]

Again, I learned so much from watching. Thanks again for showing all the small detail and troubleshooting. That was very helpful since the same thing would happen to me and would not know how to fix it. Great Job. Peace

[@fernandoullaguari9073]

Thank you Sr. As always you covered every single detail. You have saved me a lot $$$$

[@richardcortez2727]

Excellent. I learned a lot, especially the troubleshooting.

[@zeelife7813]

Great Video. Very briefly described and nicely commented every single situation

[@JaydeepDave12]

Man, you are awesome!! Best videos on each topic. Thank you.

[@HouseImprovements]

thanks Jaydeep

[@latech]

thank you very much for the video - I ran into the same problem like you had in the very end with adjusting the up and down force.

[@koov87]

Saved a lot of money! Thanks for the video.

[@dennislysiak]

Thanks so much. I was really interested in the spring tension on the belt and you made it very clear what to do. You can count on another happy subscriber! Thanks again.

[@kenblack4802]

Great job, I feel a LOT better about my upcoming install but it is a 1 1/4 hp on a 12' door. Still, I feel a LOT better about doing it, thank you!

[@jaysun2894]

Great video. Well thought out and very easy to comprehend.Thank you!

[@HouseImprovements]

Thank you

[@sercoco14]

Great !!! I did install first time the Chamberlaine opener with digital adjustments but basically all the steps are the same. Thanks dude

[@abensonmpa]

Thank you so much. You gave me the confidence to finish my project.

[@HouseImprovements]

good luck

[@sherm_Z]

Enjoyed this graj door opener video now my graj has a quite graj door opener

[@turtultsoozol2586]

great video i have ever seen about to make garage door and opener, very good explanation thank you and good luck

[@monkeydude3987]

This is extremely helpful, never really understood all the adjustments as clearly as you laid them out here. I have a quirky door at home that I think just needs some fine tuning - thanks for sharing!

[@awdeveau]

Best install video I have seen!

[@robertsalay7312]

Shannon you are the MAN...love your videos. I'm in the states but if I were in Canada I would buy you some Tim's

[@fastelbow]

great video from start to finish. Thank you very much!!!!

[@MrChakamaka]

Awesome video, especially the last section of the troubleshooting was very helpful !!!

[@browndyt]

One other possible cause of you closing problem near the end is too much sun on the sensor. I had a similar problem with mine and needed to swap the sender/receiver units to the opposite sides of the door. It took a while to find the problem since it only screwed up at certain times of the day when the sun was in just the wrong place and blinded the receiver.. Real face palm when I finally figured it out.

[@HedroomMax]

I worked in a garage doors & openers manufacturer for six years and I have to say that most users end up removing those sensors for all the problems they bring. Ants, spiders, water and sun are common enemies. A real pain in the neck.

[@joshgrami]

I have the exact same issue. I didn't realize those sensors could be switched. I'll have to give that a try! Thanks!

[@twatts1707]

That wasn't sensor it was force setting. Chamberlain openers will click and lights will flash. He didn't have bulbs in but there was no click. Force setting

[@djaeckels1983]

Thanks for the video. Really helped me out with installing my garage door opener. And also your video on installing a Garage door is very helpful. 👍

[@Magnum_Wolf]

I can't get over how quiet that door is. I recently put in a new chain opener, but now I'm wishing I had put in a belt.