Garage Door Help

shingler

I have an older client with back problems and a garage door problem. We can not install a garage door opener due to clearance problems with the ceiling, framing, and pipes. This is an older house, not intended for an electric opener. There might be a way to install an electric open of some sort, but I don't know of one.

So we came up with another option to aid her in manually opening the door. What I hoped to find is a solution that will assist with the weight of the door during the first 3 feet or so. So she can get the door up to waist height.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

mdshunk

There are openers that require no headroom whatsoever. The "miracle opener" has been installed in my part of the world for this appication since at least the mid 80's. It installs on the door and grips the curve of the track. I think it runs around 3-400 bucks, because I had to supply one on a job a few years ago. They are super easy to install (maybe 20 minutes).

I couldn't find the web link to the company, but here's an online vendor:
http://www.aaaremotes.com/miracleinstruments.html

nadonailer

Awesome save MDS! Is this a great forum or what????????

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mdshunk

For completeness, there is the I-drive opener. With that system, there's be a heck of a lot of hardware to change from a normal tension spring door. It mounts like a torsion rod spring, in the same place that a torsion rod would mount. I've never installed one, but I've seen a number of them installed lately. They must be pretty new out.

Tom R

Or you could just tighten up the existing spring cables some more.

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Glasshousebltr

If you do that, be damn carefull useing that torsion bar on the spring......those babies can hurt ya...........bad.

Bob

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Bob

Excalibur

Well here is a antique type of method, but it might work well in this situation. Way back when I was young (40+ years ago) the local general store had a door closer which was constructed with cable pulleys and a weight on the end, the weight pulled on the cable which pulled the door closed. I have seen large shop overhead doors assisted with counterweight systems very similar to this. Best part of this system is it is cheap to build and much safer than playing with torsion springs.

shingler

Thank you Excalibur. That is a great idea. If you have any links or references of pics or parts please let me know. I will do some research to see what I come up with. I think that should do it!