What You Need to Know About Jackshaft Garage Door Openers

A jackshaft garage door opener – also known as a wall mount or side mount garage door opener – could be a great solution for your residential garage door. Read on to learn what jackshaft openers are, the best uses for jackshaft openers, and the elements to consider before purchasing. Action Direct has been in the garage door industry for decades, so we know a thing or two about jackshafts and how they can elevate your garage to new heights!

What is a Jackshaft Garage Door Opener?

A jackshaft opener is designed to open and close garage doors. Unlike traditional overhead trolley-style openers that are mounted on the ceiling and use a rail system to pull the door up and down, a jackshaft opener is installed on the wall beside the garage door and connects to the door's torsion bar or shaft. This setup allows the opener to control the movement of the garage door by directly turning the torsion bar, which in turn winds or unwinds the torsion springs responsible for counterbalancing the door's weight.

Such a placement practically eliminates the noise and vibrations that a garage door opener with more moving parts would cause. Prior to jackshaft openers, overhead garage door openers were typically installed. This type of opener was generally mounted to the ceiling in the middle of a garage. An overhead door requires a track or belt system that runs to the top of the door then along a metal track. Jackshaft operators don't require such hardware and are often more visually appealing due to their minimalistic footprint. A jackshaft, unlike an overhead opener, doesn't eat into a garage’s valuable vertical storage space. With homeowners personalizing their garages into man-caves, she-sheds, or party spaces, a jackshaft can make your opener more subtle and leave room for further customization.

Why use a Jackshaft Opener Vs. an Overhead Garage Door Opener?

There are many benefits of a jackshaft that are worth considering. Consider a jackshaft operator if any of these apply to your situation:

• Quiet Garage Door Opener Operation. Jackshafts have fewer moving parts than overhead openers, which makes them quieter. Many jackshaft openers use a DC motor that operates with much less noise, making them an excellent choice for attached garages or situations where noise is a concern.

• Self-Installation. Jackshaft installations are easier to DIY than an overhead operator. Since they require fewer parts than an overhead garage door opener, it makes the install process quicker.

• Lack of Headroom. Jackshafts work well if you lack headroom or do not have a lot of space in your garage. Some garages have obstacles like lights, pipes, stored personal items or ducts on the ceiling that can interfere with the installation of a traditional garage door opener. A jackshaft opener eliminates this concern.

• Ceiling Height. If you have an unusually high ceiling in your garage, a jackshaft operator wouldn't require the hardware and reach like an overhead door opener would. Since a jackshaft opener mounts to your wall, it can seamlessly adapt to your garage.

• Small Footprint. If you have approximately 16 inches of space beyond the frame of your garage door to the right or the left (your choice), a jackshaft opener will fit perfectly.

• Backup Power Options. Some jackshaft openers come with battery backup systems, allowing you to operate the garage door during power outages. This can be especially useful in emergencies.

• Smart Features. Many jackshaft openers offer smart technology integration, allowing you to open and close your garage door remotely through a smartphone app. You can check your garage door's status from anywhere with a few taps on your phone—great for families or short-term rental properties.

• Security. Since jackshaft openers are installed on the wall, they can enhance security by eliminating the risk of burglars tampering with the ceiling-mounted opener. They are also less vulnerable to forced entry attempts.

When To Not Choose a Jackshaft Operator

While jackshaft openers offer several advantages, there are certain situations where they might not be the best choice:

• Non-Torsion Spring Doors. Jackshaft openers are most compatible with doors that have torsion spring systems. If your garage door uses extension springs, a different type of opener might be more suitable.

• Budget Constraints. Jackshaft openers tend to be more expensive upfront compared to some traditional overhead openers. If cost is a significant consideration, you might want to explore more budget-friendly options. However, jackshaft openers tend to require less maintenance over their lifetime.

• Customization. Some garage door openers might offer more customization options, such as additional accessories, speed adjustments, or advanced security features. If these options are important to you, make sure the jackshaft opener you're considering meets your needs.

• Space. Some garages are simply not a good fit for a jackshaft opener. Be sure to inspect the area in your garage where it would go to make sure you have the capacity.

What's the Best Residential Jackshaft Opener?

As jackshafts gain popularity, there are more options on the market. Action Direct is happy to supply top-quality LiftMaster jackshafts and Genie jackshafts, including some of the industry's best shown below:

• LiftMaster 8500W Elite Series Jackshaft Garage Door Opener. This is LiftMaster's newest model. It boasts an emergency battery backup, a LED light, Security+ 2.0, and built-in Wi-Fi to connect your door to MyQ technology, LiftMaster's remote open app.

• LiftMaster 8500 Jackshaft Garage Door Opener. The difference between the 8500 and 8500W? The 8500 has capabilities for a battery backup, but it must be purchased separately. You'll also need the LiftMaster Internet Gateway to use the MyQ app.

• Genie 6170H-B Residential Wall Mount Opener. Similar to the LiftMaster 8500W, this Genie opener has a battery backup, LED light, and integrated Wi-Fi for Genie's Aladdin Connect app.

• Guardian 928 Residential Jackshaft Operator. This compact design has a built-in LED light with motion detection. It also automatically deadbolts the door when it closes. A battery backup option is available.

How to Install a Jackshaft Opener

While different opener brands from Guardian to LiftMaster and Genie have different installation processes, most jackshaft openers follow similar steps:

1. Mount the jackshaft opener by sliding it onto the torsion bar and moving it close to the garage door track. Bolt the mounting bracket to the side of the opener, then secure it to the garage door track bracket using a socket wrench.

2. Mount the opener’s release cable and manual release lever. Mount the release cable to the door track with track bolts. Tighten securely. Attach the manual release lever below the wire with track bolts. Hook the cable onto the release lever and flip it downward.

3. To wire the control box, unscrew the four screws on the lid with a flathead screwdriver to access the circuit board. Wire the power cable by pushing the exposed wires through the holes in the bottom of the box. Connect the ground wire to the plug labeled “ground,” ensuring it’s tight and no wire is exposed.

4. Locate the black and white wires. The black wire goes to the live opening of the main supply; the white wire goes to the opening labeled “n.” Tighten both down. Take the operator motor cable and plug it into the plug labeled “dc motor.” The blue wire goes to “m1” and the yellow wire goes to “m2.” Tighten and plug back in.

5. Mount the power box beside the garage door under the opener. Secure it to a stud or solid surface. Plug the power into the motor and the control box into a power outlet.

6. Perform a master reset to calibrate the control box. Press the reset button and then the red program button. Release the reset button, then press the program button again until a green light appears and flashes. Press the up arrow.

7. To finish setup, open the garage door completely and let the motor stop. Press the down arrow to close it. The first cycle may be slow. Repeat the open/close cycle again to complete setup.

Need More Information about Jackshaft Openers?

Please ask! Our in-house experts are happy to help with all of your jackshaft opener questions. Get in touch with our support crew.