A homeowner in Omaha, NE, contacted Titan Garage Doors NE for help with their garage door opener. Upon examination, we found the stripped opener gears caused the issue. However, the homeowner informed us that it was the second time they would replace the gears in six months. Given that the garage door opener was already old and prone to breakdowns, we advised replacing it with a better-performing one. We discussed how a garage door opener replacement could be more cost-effective in the long term than frequent repairs. They chose a LiftMaster chain drive opener, which we installed for them after a few days. They were pleased with its performance and amazed by MyQ technology's convenience. They thanked us for our recommendation and the reliable garage door service we rendered.

One cause of a slow garage door opener is the motor — which can fail when older. A motor may also have stripped gear teeth, whose nylon pieces break down over time or fail with too much stress. Our technicians can identify these issues and perform the repair or replacement that your hardware needs. You can easily discover stripped gear by finding the indications.

Common Signs That Your Opener May Have a Stripped Gear

  • Nothing happens if you press the remote control, but your opener makes a buzzing noise. That demonstrates that your drive gear is spinning despite losing some of its teeth.
  • You have a stripped gear if you see shavings of white plastic on the ground. You can tap on the motor's bottom case, and the shavings should come out.
  • When in doubt, open the garage door opener case and peek inside. The main drive gear is not difficult to see. There should be a mixture of white shavings and broken gear teeth on the gear.
  • There is a strong probability that your sprocket has cracked or bent if you find your opener chain is slack or hanging down. You must check the sprocket for damage, replace it, and then tighten the chain again.

    In many cases, the opener's gears have become stripped due to too much pressure from a heavy garage door. So, when considering replacing your garage door, please consider the strength of the opener needed to lift it.

    Garage Door Opener Horsepower

    1/3 Horsepower: Openers with one-third horsepower are the most affordable option, but they have the least power and typically do not last as long as other options. Openers at this level have a shorter lifespan—they last longer when used with lighter doors made from materials like aluminum. One-third-horsepower openers can technically lift any door with evenly distributed weight, but remember there is a chance to replace them more often. 

    1/2 Horsepower: The most popular garage door opener is the ½ HP. This opener is best for average-sized single and double garage doors, such as carriage-style doors. 8-12 feet wide doors are no problem for this opener. It is the medium option in both price and power, making it a great choice for many households.

    3/4 Horsepower: A more powerful opener is needed for garage doors made of wood or oversized (14 feet or wider). The most powerful option is a 3/4 HP opener, which comes at a higher price. However, this option is also the most durable and long-lasting.

    Reminder: It is important to ensure your garage door is always balanced, no matter your choice. Even the most powerful opener will have trouble with an unbalanced door.

    At Titan Garage Doors NE, we know a reliable garage door opener is essential for convenience and safety. That is why we offer a wide selection of quality garage door openers at affordable prices. Our selection includes top brands like LiftMaster and Chamberlain. Our team of licensed garage door technicians also install and replace openers. So call us if you need a new garage door opener or repairs, and we can help you do the right job. 

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