Published on: August 12, 2022
What is a chain drive garage door opener? A Genie® chain drive garage door opener uses a roller chain, similar to that on a bike, which is used to move your garage door up and down. Chain drive garage door openers are a classic and have been used for decades. They were the most common type of opener back in the day and are still used today. The chain drive is simple, affordable, reliable, and low maintenance. Older chain drive garage door openers were known to be loud, however, Genie garage door openers feature a DC motor with soft stop and start technology which leads to a much quieter garage door opener.
Why choose a Genie chain drive garage door opener? Maybe you are updating your garage door opener and deciding if a chain drive garage door opener is the right fit for you. Genie chain drive openers are a budget-friendly, widely used option that have been tested over time. There are many features and benefits included with Genie garage door openers such as GenieSense™ monitoring and diagnostic technology. GenieSense monitors the garage door speed and weight, to deliver maximum lifting power to the chain drive as the load increases. GenieSense works similarly to your car’s cruise control – delivering more or less power as needed to your garage door opener. Intellicode® rolling code security is also included with all Genie garage door openers. This technology changes the access code of your garage door every time that you use it. Intellicode technology keeps your family safe by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your garage.
Genie chain drive garage door openers come with a variety of features and accessories that allow you to pick the right garage door opener for your needs.
Most Affordable Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
This Genie chain drive garage door opener is ideal for those looking for a basic, reliable, and affordable garage door opener. Accessories include a single button remote, push button, and Safe-T-Beam safety sensors. For use on 7’ tall residential sectional garage doors that weigh less than 350lbs. 8’ doors need extension kit EKTC.
Best Smart Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
ChainGlide Connect, Model 2033
This smart Genie garage door opener features built-in Aladdin Connect smart home technology. This allows your garage door opener to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi system. You can monitor and control the status of your garage door from the convenience of your smartphone. For use on 7’ tall residential sectional garage doors that weigh less than 500lbs. 8’ doors need extension kit EKTC.
Best Battery Backup Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
This battery backup garage door opener will allow you to automatically open your garage door when the power goes out. The included battery backup unit charges during normal operation and kicks into effect when the power goes out. No more manually opening your door during an outage. For use on 7’ tall residential sectional garage doors that weigh less than 500lbs. 8’ doors need extension kit EKTC.
Best Chain Drive Garage Door Opener for Heavy Doors
This Genie chain drive opener is ideal for heavy garage doors. The powerful 140-volt motor can lift heavy garage doors up to 7.5 inches per second. Smooth, fast, and reliable operation can be expected from this powerful opener. For use on either one-piece or sectional residential garage doors weighing up to 750lbs and 7’ tall. 8’ tall doors need extension kit EKCC.
Other options include Genie belt drive openers, Genie screw drive openers, or Genie wall-mounted garage door openers. If you would like a professional Genie dealer to install your garage door opener, check out our Dealer Locator tool located here.
5 comments
My motor was running, chain moving, but the door wasn’t going up. I took the trolley off to clean it and realized there were no teeth left. I am going to order a replacement and see if that works. Meanwhile, I am going to clean the gunked up chain.
@Leon Keleshian – What you are describing does sound like the coupler. We would need some more details to help troubleshoot this. Please contact Genie customer service at 1-800-354-3643 for assistance.
I have Genie Screw Drive 1/2 HP motor. 5 days ago stopped working. Motor is making noise, but the screw drive is not turning. I thought it may be the cappler. I ordered the original one and replaced it. No change. The motor is running but the screw drive is not turning and the door is not opening. Please advice. Thanks, Leon Keleshian
@Frank Salter – We would need more details about the model number you have, due to the age it may no longer be supported. Please contact Genie customer service at 1-800-354-3643.
Need the 2 small trigger units which ride with the chain to open and stop the garage door. This goes with the 30-plus year old Genie mechanism. How do I get it.