Which Type of Garage Door Opener Is Better--Chain or Screw Drive?
We need a new GDO. Which is better/will last the longest--chain drive or screw drive? I have only had experience with the screw-type (Genie) GDO. My mother-in-law had it installed about 1972. We bought the home after her death in 1980 and have never had any difficulty with it. I grease the screw every 3 -4 years. Go with the screw drive. It will also be quieter than the chain. Both are good openers. One thing you have to look at is the type and weight of your door. If you have a heavy door, it is better to have a chain drive. On a screw drive your opening bar will get a bend set in it over time, while a chain drive does not. Yes, the screw drive is quieter for those who need a quiet setting. But they also have quiet screw drives also. So it is really your cholice. The main thing is, do not get a cheap opener. Do not buy a bargain style. Get a good opener. In openers you will get exactly what you have paid for. It is the electric parts you want to be good. I would be causious of any opener priced under $125.00 Good Luck I went through two Genie screw drives in about three years. I kept them greased like they said to and everything, but they kept binding up and dying on me, one of them even blew a circuit board. I bought a chain drive and the thing has worked like a champ since day one. Fast and just as quiet (or noisy?) as the Genies were. I don't know that I'll ever buy another screw drive, but I know others who are completely happy with theirs. I personally hate the genie line of GDO's. Nothing but problems. Excuse me, what I mean is that the new line from Genie is very problematic. I personally stay away from screw drive machines, as they get very noisy as they age. You can't go wrong with a chain driven machine. Also keep in mind. All box store GDO's are packed so you can put it in your car. Meaning that the rail is in peices. For a heavy door this is not good, I have seen too many store bought machines with mangled rails.. If you need a stronger machine, (full 1 peice rail), contact your local Garage door company. I have a chain drive....it is noisy...very noisy Its not the drive that is noisy...its the plastic housing that makes all the noise. I have a solid wood door, and after weighing the door I went up on the spring size..it helped some, but now my problem is with the remotes. I have some super secure model that dosnt operate at the same frequency as the universal remotes you can buy at the store, and now I find out that to order 3 remotes only costs $20 less than a new garage door opener. I am considering just buying the Geni screw drive myself, at least I can get replacement parts easier, and with my springs set the way they are, you can open the door with 1 hand, so stress shouldent be a problem.
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