Are Jackshaft Garage Door Openers Reliable?

When it comes to garage door openers, there are two primary options: trolley and jackshaft. Jackshaft garage openers are known for smooth operations and remarkable security, but they’re also the more expensive choice. So, is a jackshaft door opener reliable enough to justify the hefty price tag?

The jackshaft garage door opener is a dependable option that maximizes the storage room in the garage, promotes quiet operations, and is often suitable for irregular garage spaces. It also offers enhanced security assurances and easy customization.

What is a jackshaft garage opener? How does it work? What are the benefits and disadvantages associated with this garage door opener? You will discover the answers to these questions and more below. 

What Is a Jackshaft Garage Opener?

New garage Door Installation close up

Wall-mounted garage door openers, also known as jackshaft openers, are a particular type of garage door opener installed on the left or right side of the garage door opener rather than hanging overhead on a track and rail system. This is the most notable feature of the design.

To raise and lower the garage door, jackshaft openers are linked to the door’s torsion bar.

How Does a Jackshaft Opener Work?

A jackshaft opener (on Amazon) is fixed on the wall near the garage door. It raises and lowers the door along the tracks by rotating the torsion bar.

The springs are mounted on a shaft that is connected to the opener. It’s suitable for many upright, conventional, and high-lift doors. Within six feet of the opener, there must be an electrical outlet.

The jackshaft garage door opener for residential use can open doors up to 14 feet tall and 18 feet wide. Its installation technique, operational capacity, longevity, long-term performance, and warranty are all comparable to those of trolley openers.

However, jackshaft openers normally costs 25 to 30% more than other types of garage door openers, such as belt drive and chain drive openers. But they come with a variety of advantages that may make it worth the price.

Advantages of Jackshaft Garage Door Openers

The following are some advantages of a jackshaft garage door opener:

More Storage Space

Many individuals choose to store their bikes, kayaks, canoes, and other large goods in the ceiling area of a garage, where a rail system with belt and chain drive openers would often be placed. Residential jackshaft openers leave that storage space open. They can also be used for high-lift doors in the home, eliminating the requirement for a fake panel.

Less Noise

Because of its quiet operation, the jackshaft is an excellent alternative if your garage is close to bedrooms or other living areas.

Highly Usable in Unusual Garages

Jackshaft openers are significantly better suited to garages with cathedral ceilings and limited depths. Many homes lack the minimum 48 inches of clearance above the garage door that the rail-based trolley systems require. If your garage includes pipes or boilers near the ceiling, these items may block the space needed for a regular opener, making the jackshaft opener the best option.

Increased Safety

Instead of a motor unit dangling over your car for years, the jackshaft motor can be carefully tucked away to the side of the door, away from any potential hazards. You can also operate the jackshaft opening, making it safer in an emergency. 

Customization

You can remotely control some door opener models via a computer, smartphone, or tablet, and many come with a battery backup and a non-electric power system as options. Some of the prime home jackshaft openers on the market today have several alternatives for customization. The opener can function even if there is a power outage in your home.

Disadvantages of Jackshaft Garage Door Openers

There are some drawbacks to using a jackshaft opener, some of which include: 

Cost

Traditional systems are more expensive than jackshaft operators. Jackshaft openers are, however, more expensive than other types of garage door openers. The opener and installation are significantly more expensive than a standard opener.

Jackshaft openers can range in price from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, while other types usually come in at a few hundred dollars max.

Space Constraints

Due to space constraints, these openers should only be used in garages with ample room. If you have a restricted amount of room on the side of your garage, a jackshaft may not be the best option.

The Drums’ Cables Are Removed

The operator rotates the torsion shaft to open or close the door on a jackshaft opener. When the weight of the door pulls on the cables, they come loose for a short time. When the door is closed from an open position, the cables can sometimes come off the drums.

Most garage door providers will charge a hefty sum to fix the cables each time they come undone. It’s possible that they’ll need to disassemble and reinstall the door if they can’t get to the cable.

Blinking Light Bulbs and Unable to Close Doors 

Before the garage door opener moves in the down direction, the safety reversing sensor must be properly attached and positioned. To resolve the issue, follow these steps.

Ensure that the safety sensors are appropriately suited and placed and that they are not obstructed.

Without using a clicker or a wall switch, most openers allow you to set the limitations on the motor. You’ll need the jackshaft openers handbook to figure out using the wall switch or clicker.

Load Constraints

Overhead garage door openers provide the ability to lift and lower. The same cannot be said for jackshaft openers, which have a weight restriction.

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