With the help of Garage door openers, you no longer have to worry about the security of your vehicles. Before buying a Garage door opener, there are several things you need to look at. With a plethora of garage openers available in the market, you need to understand the benefits of different types of Garage Door Openers.
There are numerous kinds of Garage Door Openers such as belt-driven, chain driven, Jackshaft garage door opener, etc. In this article, we’ll be talking about Jackshaft Garage Door Openers.
You shouldn’t buy a Jackshaft garage door without knowing all their details. In this post, you’ll find all the details you should know before going out and spending your money on a Jackshaft garage opener. We have included reviews of the top Jackshaft garage openers you can get your hands on which will save you several hours of time and effort in searching for one that meets your requirements.
Jackshaft Garage Door Opener Comparison Table
Products (Click on the name for more information) | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Liftmaster 8500 Wall Mount Garage Door Opener Package | - Auto-light - Auto-Reversal Feature - MyQ technology - Built-in battery - Auto-Force Feature - Silent operation - P3 motors | - Not compatible with all kinds of garage doors - The opener is sensitive to RF interference - A bit slow |
8500 LiftMaster 2-Pack Garage Door Opener | - Mechanically adjustable sensors - Smooth, fast and silent operation - Wireless remote control - Posilock system - 829LM Door Monitor - MyQ compatible - Safety sensor beam - Auto-lubrication features | - The auto-lighting feature only works if the door is fully open - Different type of wiring is required - No built-in battery backup |
LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series Jackshaft Operator | - Affordable - Durable - Security+2.0 rolling code technology - Automatic reversal feature - P3 motors for smooth, silent and efficient operation - MyQ Technology | - Not compatible with all kinds of garage doors - Cables are small - Screws are of low-quality |
8500 Liftmaster Elite Series myQ Enabled Garage Door Opener | - Extremely quiet operation - Durable and safe - Can be connected to the internet - Wall-mounted - MyQ technology - Auto-light - Auto-reversal feature -2 remotes | - Auto-lighting feature doesn’t work if the door is only slightly open - Different type of wiring is required for this garage opener. - Needs to be installed professionally - Doesn’t come with a built-in backup battery |
4 Best Jackshaft Garage Door Opener Reviewed
Now that you know the important features that must be present in the best jackshaft garage door opener, let’s see the top four products you can get your hands on.
1. Liftmaster 8500 Wall Mount Garage Door Opener Package
LiftMaster 8500 Wall Mount Garage Door Opener comes with four sections at a pretty reasonable price. It includes a remote control, a panel for the remote control, and the wall mount itself.
The door and frame assembly of a garage door change as the temperature shifts and the seasons change. With the help of the self-monitoring auto-force feature of 8500 Wall Mount, the force with which the garage door opens and closes is controlled in such a way that the position of the slightly off frame doesn’t damage the garage door. The wear and tear of the garage door are reduced because of this feature and saves you money in the long run.
There is an overhead light present in the gearbox. The operation of the overhead light is extremely smooth, and you can control the light using the delay mechanism. Moreover, it comes with a built-in internal battery. No longer do you need to worry about power outages anymore with the help of this garage opener. This battery is replaceable as well.
It comes with a 3-button remote control. The professional who installs your opener will program the remote in such a way that it works only with your opener’s remote control. The opener has rolling code technology which lessens the chances of thieves stealing your car with the help of a cloned device.
With the help of the MyQ tech and app, you can link your garage opener with your smartphone. You can also get an alert every time your garage door is opened. You can set specific times for opening and closing of your garage door.
Moreover, it comes with the automatic reversal feature which keeps the door from closing if there is something in its path. In a house where there are children running in and out of places, this a pretty important feature!
Pros
- Auto-light
- Auto-Reversal Feature
- MyQ technology
- Built-in battery
- Auto-Force Feature
- Silent operation
- P3 motors
Cons
- Not compatible with all kinds of garage doors
- The opener is sensitive to RF interference
- A bit slow
See Price of the LiftMaster 8500 Wall Mount Garage Door Opener
2. 8500 LiftMaster 2-Pack Garage Door Opener Side Mount Security+2.0™ & MyQ® technology compatible
The 8500 LiftMaster 2-Pack Garage Door Opener comes with all the features that you would want in a garage door opener. It is super silent and extremely reliable. Once you install it, it can run for years without requiring any maintenance. LiftMaster 2-Pack Garage Door Opener uses DC motors for its operation. It has a mechanism which makes sure that the door opens and closes very quietly with the help of this garage door opener. There is an auto-lubrication feature which ensures smooth operation of the opener at all times. With the help of MyQ control panel, you can program your opener with relative ease and comfort. If the protector system is somehow damaged, the opener lights will lit up to inform you of that.
A safety sensor beam is also present in this garage opener. If the beam is interrupted by any objects, the garage door will not close. The opener also features rolling code technology, which changes the code between the code and remote every time. Moreover, the LiftMaster 2-Pack Garage Door Opener has a Posilock system. It ensures that the garage door is properly shut.
This garage opener is MyQ compatible. You can connect the system with your computer, smartphone, etc. The 8500 LiftMaster 2-Pack Garage Door Opener also has a wireless keypad. This can store codes for almost 8 doors. All these doors can be closed with the click of one button. You don’t need to enter codes for all the 8 doors.
8500 LiftMaster 2-Pack Garage Door Opener comes with 829LM Door Monitor. It can be placed inside the house, and you will get a notification when the garage door is opened or shut.
Pros
- Mechanically adjustable sensors
- Smooth, fast and silent operation
- Wireless remote control
- Posilock system
- 829LM Door Monitor
- MyQ compatible
- Safety sensor beam
- Auto-lubrication features
Cons
- The auto-lighting feature only works if the door is fully open
- Different type of wiring is required
- No built-in battery backup
3. LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series Jackshaft Operator, Factory Direct
Liftmaster 8500 Elite Garage Door Opener is a jack shaft garage door opener. You can operate the Liftmaster 8500 Elite Garage Door Opener from your smartphone, computer, etc. using the internet. When you compare its features with all the other garage door openers, you will find this one standing out due to its features. Plus, it comes at an affordable price.
The 8500 Liftmaster has an 888LM MyQ Control Panel. With the help of MyQ Technology, you can monitor what’s going on inside your garage. You can connect the opener with your phone and get notified about the opening and shutting off your garage door remotely.
With the help of P3 motors, you can get smooth, silent, and efficient work out of this opener. A 200W automatic light helps you to park your car inside the garage when you come home at night.
There is a Security+2.0 rolling code technology in the Liftmaster 8500 Garage Door Opener. Every time your remote connects with the opener, it transmits a new code, making it pretty hard for thieves to open your garage with the help of a cloned device.
The automatic reversal feature keeps the garage door from shutting if it encounters an obstacle in its path with the help of an invisible safety beam. You can control the garage door opener and home lights by using a smartphone or computer with Internet Gateway.
This Garage Door Opener comes with the following accessories:
- Power lock
- 888 LM Wall Control
- Remote light
- Transmitter
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Security+2.0 rolling code technology
- Automatic reversal feature
- P3 motors for smooth, silent and efficient operation
- MyQ Technology
Cons
- Not compatible with all kinds of garage doors
- Cables are small
- Screws are of low-quality
4. 8500 Liftmaster Elite Series myQ Enabled Garage Door Opener
[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR PRICE]
The 8500 Liftmaster Elite garage door opener comes with two remotes, making it extremely convenient. You can keep one as a backup in your vehicle. They are pretty easy to use and have 3 buttons with which you can control the garage door. With the clips attached to the remote, you can make sure they don’t get lost.
It comes with a panel that can be installed on the wall of your garage. This panel allows you to control your garage doors when you are inside the garage. It has a powerful 24V motor, which makes the operation very fast. It comes equipped with an automatic reversal feature with the help of a safety beam. If there is something in the path of the garage doors, the doors will automatically reverse their movement and stop.
One winning feature of this garage opener is the quiet operation you get with it. If you live in a room which is directly above the garage, you will love this garage door opener. 8500 LiftMaster uses P3 Electric Motor which is quiet, energy efficient, and reliable.
Moreover, the auto-light feature makes sure that your garage lights up whenever you open the garage door with the help of the garage opener. The 2.0 rolling code technology in LiftMaster 8500 Elite is perfect for detecting intruders in your garage very efficiently. The drawback is that Security +2.0 is not compatible with Homelink systems in cars. You will require a Homelink repeater to make sure you don’t face any problems.
It has a safety system beam with the help of which the garage door reverses its direction if anything comes in its path when the door is closing. You get notifications every time the garage door is opened or closed. You can program the garage door opener with the help of the MyQ control panel.
Pros
- Extremely quiet operation
- Durable and safe
- Can be connected to the internet
- Wall-mounted
- MyQ technology
- Auto-light
- Auto-reversal feature
- 2 remotes
Cons
- Auto-lighting feature doesn’t work if the door is only slightly open
- Different type of wiring is required for this garage opener.
- Needs to be installed professionally
- Doesn’t come with a built-in backup battery
Jackshaft Garage Door Opener Buying Guide
To ensure that you end up with the right product and works efficiently, there are a few factors to take care of. Once you understand the working mechanism of these kinds of door openers and keep the important factors in mind, you’ll surely purchase the best unit.
How does a Jackshaft Garage Door Opener work?
Jackshaft garage door openers differ slightly from other kinds of door openers. Jackshaft garage door openers are installed on the side of the garage door. Nowadays, homes are built in such a way that the height of the garage ceilings is much higher than the height of garage doors. If you want to maximize your storage, and don’t want a rail system to block the available space above your door, what are you supposed to do?
In situations like these, Jackshaft garage door openers come in. If your ceilings are sloped and cathedral, using a Jackshaft garage opener will give you better accessibility. With the help of a Jackshaft garage door opener, you will able to access the space above your door if the door is like 8 ft. high while the ceilings are 12 ft. or more in height.
What makes a Jackshaft garage door opener different from other types of garage openers is the fact that it is attached to the wall next to the garage door instead of up on the ceiling. Instead of a rail system and an overhead track, it is connected to the torsion bar of the garage door in order to move the garage door up and down. The Jackshaft garage door opener is connected to the shaft where springs are also fixed. You will need to have a power outlet within 6 ft. of the jackshaft garage opener.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Jackshaft Garage Door Opener
Although Jackshaft garage door openers are used commercially, they can be used in homes as well. If you want more overhead storage space, a Jackshaft garage door opener is the perfect choice for you as these openers don’t have a rail system.
If your garage doesn’t have the kind of depth or clearance required for a regular garage door opener, you can use a jackshaft opener in that case. A traditional garage door opener requires almost 4 ft. of clearance space. Meanwhile, when you are using a Jackshaft Garage Door opener, this is not the case.
Here are few of the advantages of a jack shaft garage door opener:
- A Jackshaft opener comes with a safety reversal system. They work well with garage doors that are large; almost 14 ft. in height. They have amazing features and can be controlled via smartphones, computers, remote controls, etc. They are durable and reliable.
- You don’t need to mount the Jackshaft garage door openers on the ceiling. They can be placed on the wall next to your garage door.
- One of the biggest advantages of Jackshaft garage door openers is the increased security. As it is placed next to the garage door, almost all the jackshaft garage openers include a deadbolt to increase security. This deadbolt is automatically activated when the garage door is activated. Thus, thieves will have quite a difficult time gaining access to your homes.
- The manual release in the case of the Jackshaft Garage Door opener doesn’t hang from the ceiling. So, pulling on it with the help of a long hook is not an option for the burglars.
- If you’re a person who is a fan of automation and connectivity, then Jackshaft garage door openers are the best possible choices for you as they have excellent computerization.
- Jackshaft garage door openers leave the ceilings of the garage free. You can use this storage space for a multitude of purposes.
- Jackshaft garage openers make very little noise while operating. If your garage is near your bedroom, you will not be disturbed by the noise of the garage opener even if your partner comes home late at night.
Disadvantages
- Still, there are a few disadvantages of jackshaft garage door openers. Some of these include the following:
- They are quite heavy on the pocket. The more features and functionalities they have, the more expensive they will get.
- Jackshaft garage door openers are unsuitable for garage doors with single panels. Due to their cable mechanism, only sectional garage doors are compatible with Jackshaft garage door openers.
- Garage doors which have a front mounted torsion spring are compatible with Jackshaft garage door openers. You need to keep the tension in these doors perfectly in tune. If that is not the case, the opener will not work properly. Trying to tune the tension in a garage door without professional help may cause injury. The cables which connect the rod present at the top with the rollers present at the bottom of the door may also hurt someone if they come loose. Proper installation of the jackshaft garage door opener is a must if you want your automobile and family safe.
Things to consider before choosing a Jackshaft Garage Door Opener
There a few features that are essential in any garage door opener. The first thing that you should look at while buying a garage door opener is its security features. Improper installation and many other factors can cause injuries. You should take care while installing a garage door opener or take the help of a professional if you’re unfamiliar with such handiwork.
Automatic reversing feature
Automatic Reversing Feature is very important when it comes to protecting a person from injuries caused by garage doors. The first and foremost thing that you should look at while buying a garage door opener is its security features. Automatic reversing feature switches the direction of the closing garage door if it senses anything in its path.
Electronic sensors are used as auto-reversing mechanisms. If an obstacle is sensed in the path of the garage door, they reverse the direction of the door.
Rolling Code Technology
Having a secure garage door, which no one can open other than you, is pretty important. A secure garage door opener would do that for you by applying rolling code technology. It works by making the remote and the opener choose a random code every time to communicate with each other.
Garage door manual release
Your garage door opener needs to come with a manual release feature as well. This will help you if you suffer from a power loss. If you are trying to check whether your garage door is balanced properly or not, you would need a manual release option.
Battery backup
To ensure that your garage door opener doesn’t fail you in case of a power outage, battery back-ups and manual releases are crucial.
Horsepower
In order to make sure that your garage opener is energy efficient, you should look at its horsepower. Too much of horsepower, or too less of it, both have their disadvantages. You need to make sure that the garage opener you are looking at has exactly the same amount of horsepower that you need as per your garage requirements.
Security Lights
A perfect garage door opener should have a security light. Once you open the door, the light should be activated. If you are coming home at night and your garage is cluttered, it would definitely help to have a light guide your way. Plus, it can also alert you against intruders.
Doors with which garage doors are compatible
Jackshaft Garage door openers can be used on the following doors:
- Full vertical lift Garage doors
- Standard lift Garage doors
- High-lift Garage doors
In case of low headroom garage doors, you can use a jack shaft garage door opener.
Only a torsion spring system can be used with a Jackshaft garage door opener. This is because the Jackshaft garage door opener is connected with a shaft. On that shaft, springs are attached.
Clearance
In order to install a Jackshaft Garage Door Opener, you will require a clearance of almost 7″ beside the garage door.