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How to install a garage door opener

By Bunnings Magazine /

The top of a Garage roller door with the motor

Overview

Improve your home security by converting your manual roller door into one that rises automatically using a garage door opener and a smartphone.

There are a couple of things you need to check before beginning this D.I.Y. project. First, you need at least 95mm clearance from the side of the roller door to the wall. The second thing you need is a handy powerpoint.

Once you’ve determined your garage door is suitable for installing a smart garage door opener, you’ll need to buy it and a connectivity kit. You’ll also need access to two ladders.

Before you begin, be sure to read the manufacturer’s safety recommendations and follow all of the steps. Not feeling confident? Visit the Service Desk and arrange for Bunnings to install your new garage door opener for you.

Steps

  1. 1

    Disable the locks on the roller door

    Disable the garage door locks and manually check that the door opens smoothly. To begin installation, on the opposite side to where the opener will go, clip the supplied stop collar over the axle and against the drum; tighten with a small shifting spanner.

    Person’s hand disables locks on roller door
  2. 2

    Pin the door and secure with a drill

    To pin the door and prevent it from ballooning upwards when it moves, close it fully and then lift by half a turn to secure the supplied, self-tapping metal screws into the ends, using a drill with an 8mm nut driver. You’ll want the screws to go in about 50mm and through the drum behind.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Work from inside the garage on a stable ladder.
    Door is pinned and secured with self-tapping metal screws and drill
  3. 3

    Secure the red rope (provided in the kit)

    Knot the red rope through the cable loop at the side. Pull the cord until you hear a click and check the legs turn freely. If your opener is on the left of the door, follow the instructions to change it from a factory-set right opening.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: After installation, adjust the rope to be 1800mm above the floor.
    Hand is on Chamberlain Roller Lift Plus with red rope
  4. 4

    Secure the tie-down strap

    Open the garage door and secure a tie-down strap around the rolled drum. Position a ladder underneath with a folded drop sheet on top of the ladder. Mark the position of the nuts before removing the U bolt from the wall bracket with a 13mm socket. Lift the axle to move the rolled drum onto the ladder and remove the bracket.

    Roller drum is secured with tie-down strap
  5. 5

    Replace wall bracket

    Slide the garage door opener over the fork to straddle the spokes in the drum. Replace the wall bracket and lift the door back into position. Place the supplied clamp over the axle and through the bracket to tighten the screws over the marks with a 13mm socket. Remove the strap and ladder.

    Chamberlain roller lift attached to garage door
  6. 6

    Secure the weight bar

    Measure halfway along the base of the door and use the weight bar as a template to drill holes with a 5.5mm bit. Using a screwdriver and spanner, secure it with the supplied bolts. Add the warning labels, plug in the opener and follow the instructions to set the door-opening limits, testing with a timber offcut.

    Persons hand uses screwdriver to secure bolts on Chamberlain
  7. 7

    Install mounting brackets on both sides of the door

    To install the connectivity kit sensors, position the supplied mounting brackets inside either side of the garage door. Make sure they’re the same distance up from the floor and no higher than 100mm. Secure with the appropriate screws. Check that the eyes of the sensors face each other and that the invisible beam between them is unobstructed.

    Mounting bracket on side of door
  8. 8

    Plug in the router

    Unplug the door opener before running sensor cables to the control panel using the supplied self-adhesive cable mounts to hold them against the wall. Remove the access panel of the opener to connect the wires. Plug in the router and opener, then download the app to pair the door to your devices. Your door is now ready to roll.

    Self-adhesive cable mounts hold sensor against the wall
  9. 9

    Keep in mind…

    • Garage doors attract insects so protect yourself by wearing gloves and closed footwear.
    • Choose the right ladder for the job: make sure it has non-slip feet and set it up on a flat, stable, solid surface. Maintain three points of contact on the ladder at all times (for example, both feet and one hand) and make sure another person is nearby. Never stand on the top rung.
    • Don’t allow people or pets to walk under the open garage door while working on it.

    *This product uses a coin/cell battery. Keep out of the reach of children.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and gloves, for example) and follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
  10. 10

    While you’re at it...

    Does your garage door weather seal need replacing? Check out our handy D.I.Y. guide.

    Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

     

    Photo Credit: Natasha Dickins

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.