How to Replace a Garage Door Opener | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron replaces an old garage door opener with a smart opener.

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Time: 3-4 hours

Cost: $350

Skill Level: Moderate

Tools List for Replacing a Garage Door Opener:
Flathead screwdriver
Open ended adjustable wrench
Screw gun

Shopping List:
Smart garage door opener and accessories
Plastic conduit

Steps:
1. Turn the power off to the garage at the circuit panel.
2. Unplug the existing garage door opener. Loosen the brackets securing it to the ceiling and gently lower it down.
3. Use the open ended adjustable wrench to loosen the bracket and remove the bracket on the door and the bracket above the door.
4. Install the bracket that comes with the garage door opener over the garage door using the screw gun.
5. Slide the track into the bracket and secure with the wrench.
6. Screw the new motor into the existing brackets in the ceiling using the wrench.
7. Connect the lifting arm from the door to the track.
8. Wire the keypad into the wall on the inside of the garage.
9. Run the wire through a conduit and connect it to the garage door opener motor.
10. On the outside of the garage, mount the wireless keypad using the screw gun.
11. Mount the electric eyes about 6” from the floor on the inside of the garage.
12. Plug the motor into an outlet and turn the power back on.

Resources:
Scott installed the Ryobi Ultra-Quiet Garage Door Opener (ryobitools.com). In the workshop, he showed some optional accessories including a fan, speaker, and extension cord that can all dock into the opener. Both the motor and accessories can be found at home centers.

Everything else Scott used to install the garage door opener, including the pliers and the drill, are available at home centers.

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How to Replace a Garage Door Opener | Ask This Old House
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