There are many factors to consider when trying to decide whether or not to lubricate your garage door opener chain. In this article, we will explore the benefits of lubricating your garage door opener chain, and what type of oil you should use.
We will also discuss how often you should lubricate your garage door opener chain, and how to do it properly.
Finally, we will touch on what else you should lubricate on your garage door system, and how often to do so.
Belt Drives versus Chain Drives – Which Ones Need Lubricant?
Chains need lubricant, belt drives do not. Belt drives have white grease added during manufacture and that’s all they need. Chains come lubricated as well but need the application of fresh lubricant once 1-2 times per year.
What Happens When You Don’t Lubricate a Garage Door Opener Chain?
If you don’t lubricate a garage door opener chain, it will eventually start to produce a grinding noise. This is because the metal parts of the chain are beginning to wear down and rub together. If left untreated, this can eventually lead to the chain breaking entirely.
Garage door opener chains should be lubricated at least once a year and ideally twice a year to prevent this sort of damage.
Benefits of Keeping Your Garage Door Opener Chain Lubricated
There are several benefits to keeping your garage door opener chain lubricated.
- First, it will prolong the life of your garage door opener chain.
- Second, it will reduce the amount of noise your garage door opener makes. Third, it will make opening and closing your garage door easier.
- Fourth, it can help prevent rust and corrosion on your garage door opener chain.
- Finally, it can help increase the efficiency of your garage door opener.
So, Should Garage Door Opener Chain Be Lubricated?
Yes, the garage door opener chain should be lubricated. We recommend doing so twice a year, and more often if your garage door opener is used frequently.
When lubricating your garage door opener chain, be sure to use a high-quality oil designed for metal chains. You can find this type of oil at most hardware stores.
How Often Should You Lubricate a Garage Door Opener Chain?
You should lubricate the garage door opener chain every 6 months (the 4th of July and Christmas are good reminder times).
Be sure to use a quality lubricant, such as WD-40, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for lubricating your specific model of garage door opener. By keeping the chain well-lubricated, you can help prolong its life and avoid pesky problems like excessive noise or wear and tear.
How Do You Lubricate the Chain?
There are a few things you need to do to lubricate a garage door chain.
First, you need to clean the chain with a rag and some solvent. This will remove any dirt or grime that has built up on the chain over time.
Next, you need to apply a lubricant to the chain. You can use a variety of different lubricants, but we recommend using WD-40 or another similar product.
Once you have applied the lubricant, run the chain through a few times to make sure it is evenly distributed.
Finally, wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean rag.
What Type of Oil Should You Use for Your Garage Door Opener Chain?
You should use WD-40 or machine oil to lubricate your garage door opener chain. This type of oil doesn’t attract dust, and it will help to prolong the life of your chain and reduce noise.
What Else Should You Lubricate on A Garage Door System and How Often?
In addition to the opener chain, you should also lubricate the following parts at least once a year with the following lubricants:
Extension Spring Pulley: Oil dropper with machine oil on the center
Panel Hinges: Oil dropper with machine oil
Rollers: Oil dropper with machine oil. For rollers with bearings add to the bearings only. For rollers without bearings add oil between the roller and shaft.
Springs: Rust Penetrating Oil or WD-40
Tracks: WD-40 or Lithium Grease
Torsion Spring Solid Shaft: WD-40 or Lithium Grease
Should You Use WD-40 or an Oil Dropper To Lubricate Non-Chain Parts of a Garage Door System?
We recommend using an oil dropper for small area parts like the ball bearings in a pulley and hinges, spray lubricants like WD-40 for larger area parts like torsion springs and chains, and lithium grease for torsion spring shafts.
This will reduce the amount of overspray and waste. Plus it’ll help keep things clean and prevent attracting dirt and grime.
What Doesn’t Need Lubrication
The following parts don’t need any lubrication and you should never lubricate them.
- Lift Cables
- Cable Drums
- Pulleys with Plastic Bushings
- Emergency Release Handle
- Bottom Brackets & Inserts
- Drum Coils
Conclusion
Lubricating your garage door opener chain is a simple task that can help prolong the life of your garage door opener and make it run more smoothly. Be sure to use a quality lubricant, and lubricate the chain every 6 months for best results. Thanks for reading!