Neighbor complaining of a rattling noise. Didn't take more than a moment to determine chain is slack on his GDO. Simple fix -- end of story.
But, got me wondering as to the potential downside of a "slack" chain -- beyond the noise and *eventual* wear on it and the drive bar from that rubbing.
OTOH, a *taut* chain is a recipe for premature wear in the mechanism...
There's a spring in the door-capture mechanism that cushions excess tension.
If it's like my door opener, which has a slack chain about every three months, there is an adjustment screw on the back of the motor/gear box. Climb up there and tighten the chain.
I have not yet found a way to keep the adjustment from moving and slacking the chain.
Paul
This adjustment is in series with the chain -- i.e., the attachment of the chain is via a variable length (threaded rod) member; shorten it and the chain is effectively tightened. *It* doesn't "move" (with wear).
I'm just curious as to the downside of a slack chain (assuming it is not excessive)
The downside is it wears the paint on the front of the door!
Paul
It would have to be *really* loose to sag that much!
On some you can move chain sprocket.
Which I why I've always bought Genie screw drives. My oldest one lasted about 35 years of near daily use. Only repair was to replace the engagement teeth ($10) once.
Screw drive openers hae minimum size requirements placed on the garage! I bought one for my BinL as a gift. It sat in an unopened box until long after they sold their condo: couldn't *cut* the screw to make it fit in the space they had available (a chain drive would have been relatively easy to alter).
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required