Chain, belt or wall-mount: which garage door opener fits?

Garaga calls the chain drive the most common type: a chain pulls or pushes a trolley that moves the door. Clopay calls it the most budget-friendly opener and notes it is known for durability and strength, but says the chain makes more noise than other types. Garaga says it is best suited to a detached garage.

A belt drive works like a chain drive with a rubber belt in place of the chain. Clopay says it is significantly quieter with minimal vibration, and costs more than a chain drive. Both Clopay and Garaga call it ideal for attached garages. One maintenance difference: Garaga says not to grease or lubricate a belt drive.

Clopay says wall-mount openers, also called jackshaft openers, install on the wall beside the door, suit garages with limited or high ceiling clearance, run relatively quietly with no chain or belt, and cost more up front than other types.

The catch is fit. Chamberlain's pre-purchase checklist for its wall-mount openers says:

• Install on sectional doors with torsion springs only. Not for doors with extension springs, and not for low-headroom track with outside pickup drums.
• There must be a 120-volt outlet within 6 feet of the install area.
• Any gap between the floor and the bottom of the door must not exceed 1/4 inch, or the safety reversal system may not work properly.
• The previous opener must be removed completely.

If your door does not meet every requirement, Chamberlain says to choose a different opener.

Clopay describes screw drives as a trolley riding a threaded steel rod, with fewer moving parts to maintain. It also says they can be affected by temperature swings. Garaga makes the same point about lower maintenance.

• Bedroom or living space over or beside the garage: belt drive, or a wall-mount if your door qualifies.
• Detached garage, tight budget: chain drive.
• Ceiling clearance problems: wall-mount, but only on a sectional door with torsion springs.
• Extension springs along the tracks: rule out a wall-mount.

Whatever you choose, LiftMaster's manual says to install an opener only on a properly balanced door, and that spring and cable repairs must be done by a trained technician before the opener goes in. Do not adjust springs or cables yourself.

We service LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Craftsman and Genie openers, and carry openers on every truck. For brands, horsepower and smart features, see our opener guide, or go straight to garage door openers.