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A chain drive garage door opening system lifts the doors by way of a trolley system. There are three different types of openers that do this, the others being belt and screw driven. The chain drive differs from this other system in many ways such as engineering, cost, availability, and even how much noise it makes. It’s important to understand how such a system works in case you want to perform future maintenance on it. Such knowledge could help save you money by avoiding having to call a garage door service professional.

Benefits of a Chain Drive Opener for Your Garage Door System

As the name indicates, a chain drive opener utilizes a chain that runs along a rail, attaching to the electric motor and a trolley to lift and lower the door. Your garage door is composed of a moderately complex system of pulleys and counter-balances that determine the amount of force that is exerted in opening the door. The motor only controls how far the door can be opened and closed. All of these functions are adjustable and need to be carefully appraised before doing any maintenance. The trolley is connected to an arm that is, in turn, connected to the top of the garage door. The chain drive pulls the trolley back, which moves the arm and garage door back and forth.

Smooth Operation with a Chain Drive System

One advantage of the chain drive system is that it is basically a glorified pulley system, and it can be operated as such in the event of a power outage. The chain that moves your garage door is part of an assembly unit that is attached to springs. These springs ensure that the door stops in precise positions when open and close. The chain drive is connected to a series of gears and rollers to move the trolley to a general location. Smooth operation is determined by how it is set upon these gears, and its relative attachment to the trolley.

Tips for Chain Drive Garage Door

The chain drive is attached to the electric motor which is usually mounted to the roof towards the back of the garage. The chain is fitted around the drive socket on the motor that is powered by your home electricity. The chain is also fitted around an idler sprocket at the opposing end of the main track. This idler sprocket serves only to complete the loop. As the power motor turns the drive socket, the chain guides cables and pulleys onto rotors which facilitate the opening of your garage door. Chain drives, due to their overall simplicity, are among the cheapest available garage door openers and also among the longest lasting.

Maintain Balance & Lubrication of Your Chain Drive Garage Door

Eventually, though, the chain can loosen around the drive socket. This requires maintenance to ensure that your garage door remains balanced. This condition can also produce safety hazards like your door becoming stuck or falling. Periodic inspections and lubrication of your chain drive can go a long way toward preventing such a situation. It can also help to quell the noise that they produce, which is really their only drawback.

A proper understanding of the inner workings of your chain drive unit can save you time and money on costly repairs. It can also be helpful in preventing possible safety hazards.