Screw-Drive Openers

Screw-drive openers blend cost and noise level

Experts say that screw-driven garage-door openers are a good choice if you want something less noisy than a chain-drive unit.

We found good reviews at HomeDepot.com for the screw-drive Genie H6000A-2K (*Est. $190), which comes with a wireless keypad plus two three-button remotes. Reviews for this 1/2-horsepower garage-door opener also comment on the easy installation. A couple of owners report that Genie customer service was excellent when they ran into installation questions. A drawback is the noise; several reviewers complain that this garage-door opener is too loud.

Chamberlain/Craftsman also has a couple of screw-drive garage-door openers. The Craftsman 53993 (*est. $190) has dual three-function remotes, a wireless outside keypad, infrared safety beam and rolling-code security. Its 1/2-hp motor is good for smaller doors. This garage-door opener receives mixed reviews from owners; some report defective parts. Another troubling find, reported by two reviewers, is that this unit sometimes opens the garage door spontaneously. This opener is designed for 7-foot garage doors. Those with taller doors will need an extension kit (*est. $45).

Engineer and syndicated columnist James Dulley says that Overhead Door makes the most innovative model for the Genie line, and praises the screw-driven Genie Excelerator (*Est. $240). For safety's sake, this model closes the door at the industry standard speed, about 7 inches per second; however, it lifts the door about twice as fast, reducing the time you spend waiting in the driveway. Reviewers note that since it allows you to get into the house faster, the Genie offers a bit of extra security.

The Genie Excelerator model uses polymer-coated rails to avoid metal-on-metal contact and reduce noise. In reviews, experts say this feature is effective, but that the Excelerator is noisier than belt-drive openers. The Excelerator also has safety reverse and other standard features.

If you want the very quietest type of garage-door opener, consider a belt-drive opener. We found the best reviews for the Chamberlain Whisper Drive line. The Chamberlain Whisper Drive WD822KD (*Est. $250) has all the standard features, including two three-button programmable remotes, an outside keyless entry pad, a 1/2-hp motor, two light bulb sockets and an interior wall panel. Owners posting comments to Amazon.com say installation is fairly straightforward. Even though this model has a lifetime warranty on the motor and belt, we did read one complaint about some breaking plastic parts. Also, accessory kits are needed for doors that are eight feet and ten feet. The Craftsman 53914 (*est. $220) is similar, but Sears appears to be discontinuing this garage-door opener.

A battery backup is a nice feature if your area has frequent power outages. The Craftsman 53918 (*est. $280) and Chamberlain Chamberlain Whisper Drive WD962KD (*Est. $240) both have a battery backup with enough standby power for about 24 hours. Keep in mind that while Chamberlain warrants the belt for ten years and the motor for a lifetime, other parts have a one-year warranty. The Craftsman-branded product has a ten-year warranty for the motor, but only a 90-day warranty for parts and labor.