Garage door openers

[ksmith]

Since all knowledge is contained within LJ....

I have an ancient Craftsman garage door opener. Model 139.655000. 1/3 hp. Chain drive. It still works, but the remotes went south back when Dad was still alive. I've needed to operate it from the touchpad inside the garage for years, and while yeah, it still works, it would be nice to have an opener that I can open and close with a remote, especially in bad weather.

This opener was discontinued years ago. I can't find even a hint that parts are available anywhere, and universal remotes may not even work with it. I could try one of those converter kits, but I've read a number of complaints about lack of range--more than 30-40 feet away, and the garage door won't open. Hell, my driveway is 85 feet long.

So, if I replace the opener with a new 1/2 hp chain drive model...

...can I use the same chain, or is that not desirable/possible?

Can I install it myself using the same brackets/supports? IOW, pop off the old box and pop on the new box?

Even if I need to drill/install brackets/whatnot, can I do it myself? Or does the job require male hand strength?

Comments

[threeoutside.livejournal.com]

I have no idea what the answers are but I didn't want you to feel neglected and overlooked...

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I guess this particular bit of knowledge is not contained within LJ. Which leads me to think that I should hire someone to install a new opener.

[trillium-flower.livejournal.com]

I would replace the whole thing if you're going to replace it. The supports should be fine, but the new opener will come with its own brackets. And the answer to whether you should do it yourself has to do with wiring. Depending on what model you choose you may need to hard wire it in (instead of using a plug and extension cord). As for hand strength.. that's what power tools are for.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

The current unit is hard-wired, and I'm wondering whether it may need to be replaced.

As for power tools, I wasn't thinking of tightening bolts etc so much as the odd snapping and positioning and pushing into place that sometimes needs to be done. I've had to get inventive in the past with a rubber mallet because I just couldn't work a latch or push something into place.

I may have a handyman do the install. When it comes time to hire someone to replace some old frame siding and paint, I will throw in the door opener.