Garage door openers: brands and drive types

We service and install all opener types and brands; most common are LiftMaster, Chamberlain and Genie. To figure out what you have, start with two questions: what moves the door, and who made the motor unit.

Identify the drive type

Look up at the opener with the door closed.

• A chain looping along a ceiling rail is a chain drive; Chamberlain likens it to a heavy-duty bicycle chain. (source: Chamberlain)
• A flat belt on the rail is a belt drive, which uses a steel-reinforced rubber belt. (source: Chamberlain)
• A threaded rod inside the rail is a screw drive, a type Genie still lists in its residential lineup. (source: Genie)
• No ceiling rail, and a motor on the wall beside the door turning the spring shaft, means a wall-mount (jackshaft) opener. (source: Garaga)

Identify the brand and age

The brand name is on the motor housing or light lens. Age matters as much as brand: LiftMaster's remote and keypad lineup covers openers made in 1993 or later, (source: LiftMaster) and Chamberlain's myQ Smart Garage Control lists compatible openers by maker and year, from 1993 or 1996 depending on the brand. (source: Chamberlain)

Opener brands

• LiftMaster: the dealer-installed line, with Premium, Plus and Basic series, and how to read the learn button.
• Chamberlain: the store-bought, DIY-oriented sibling, and which parts kits make a repair possible.
• Genie: Intellicode remotes, rail extension kits for 8 ft doors and the Aladdin Connect app.

Drive types

• Chain drive: sturdy and budget-friendly, with ways to quiet one you already own.
• Belt drive: the quiet choice for garages next to living space, and how to read DC motor ratings.
• Wall mount (jackshaft): for low or cathedral ceilings, and the three things your garage needs first.
• Smart openers and add-on controllers: built-in Wi-Fi versus retrofit controllers, and what they require.
• Screw drive: how to spot one and what upkeep it needs.

Before blaming the opener

An opener should only guide a balanced door, not lift dead weight. If the door feels heavy by hand, check the springs first (broken spring repair). Our general opener service page covers repairs and installs, and pricing lists what we publish.

Not an authorized dealer for any brand. Licensed and insured, and we service and install all brands. Proof of insurance, license and 1099 available on request. We really serve all of Massachusetts; see service areas.

Call (781) 602-0737.

Call (781) 602-0737

Brand names are trademarks of their owners.