Genie Chain Drive Garage Door Openers: A Classic that Never Goes Out of Style

Published on: October 22, 2021

The History of the Garage Door Opener

C.G. Johnson, the founder of Overhead Door Corporation, invented the first overhead garage door in 1921 and the first electric garage door opener in 1926.  Electric garage door openers gained popularity in the 1930’s and 1940’s as more homeowners had access to electricity, money to purchase an automobile, and the ability to build a detached garage next to their home. In May of 1954, the Alliance Manufacturing Company (now known as The Genie Company) produced its first garage door opener - called “Genie." Genie was the first mass-produced radio-controlled garage door opener.  In 1958, Alliance Manufacturing created the first direct-drive screw opener.  By the 1960’s, most homes built had attached garages and electric garage door openers since most people had at least one car after World War II.

Genie Chain Drive Garage Door Openers

The chain drive garage door opener was the most common drive opener back in the day and it still is today.  The chain drive is simple, affordable, reliable, and easily fixed.  These openers are a classic and known for their durable and dependable design. Chain drive garage door openers operate using a roller chain, like that of a bicycle to move the garage door.  Chain drive openers are recommended for detached garages as they can be noisy.  However, Genie chain drive garage door openers use a DC motor with soft stop and start, so the chain drive openers are much quieter than they were 50 years ago.

Advances in technology and garage door opener security have certainly changed since 1926. Genie chain drive openers now feature Intellicode rolling code security which changes the security code every time you use your Genie remote, preventing burglars from hacking the code and accessing your garage.  GenieSense monitoring and diagnostic technology constantly monitors the garage door for operation errors, alerting you when significant changes are found.  The addition of Safe-T-Beam safety sensors ensures that if any object passes through the garage door when closing, the door will reverse itself. 

Genie has many durable chain drive garage door openers available:

Genie ChainMax 1000 Garage Door Opener: Features a durable chain, ¾ HPc 140 Volt DC motor with an opening speed of 7.5 in/sec.  This opener is perfect for heavy doors as it can open sectional or 1-piece doors weighing up to 750 lbs!

Genie Chain Drive 750 Garage Door Opener: Features a 3/4 HPc motor, durable and reliable chain, and an integrated battery backup which ensures your garage door will open in case of a power outage.  This opener is perfect for those who desire the added security of an integrated battery backup features.

Genie Chain Glide Connect Garage Door Opener: This ½ HPc chain drive garage door opener features Aladdin Connect Wi-Fi Technology.  Control your garage door opener from your phone.  Ideal for those who desire connectivity wherever you go!

Genie Chain Drive 500 Garage Door Opener: The most economical version of Genie chain drive garage door openers, the Chain Drive 500 gives you all the basics you need including ½ HPc and a Limited 5-Year Motor Warranty. 

There are many more Genie chain drive garage door openers available both at retailers near you and installed by Genie dealers.

Other alternatives to Genie chain drive garage door openers include Genie belt drive garage door openers, which are the quietest garage door opener and ideal for garages close to living spaces.  Genie screw drive openers are ideal for heavy doors.  Genie wall-mounted garage door openers are the newest innovation, creating a space-saving design with multiple security features. 

With the ever-changing innovation and improvement in technology of garage door openers, one thing remains the same.  Genie is the brand you trust.