Can I buy an Opener reinforcement bracket at a hardware store?
A: A garage door opener comes from the factory with its own bracket to attach the opener arm to the door. Most of the time, this factory-installed bracket is small, about 3 inches tall, and is screwed to the top of the top section of your garage door. The problem with these factory brackets is that they are not very robust, and if there’s ever a problem with the garage door, it’s very common for the opener unit to yank that small bracket right away from the door support.
The Importance of Reinforcement Brackets
What a reinforcement bracket does is provide a stronger hold and support. These brackets typically come in 20 or 21-inch lengths. On steel garage doors, your sections will either be 21 inches or 18 inches tall. If your door section is 18 inches tall or less, you will likely need to cut the reinforcement bracket to size. Some manufacturers make two different sizes—18 or 21 inches—to accommodate different door sizes.
Custom and Standard Garage Doors
Some garage door companies automatically bring a reinforcement bracket or use one on your door without you requesting it, especially for custom carriage house doors, which almost always come from the manufacturer with an opener bracket. However, some companies might not include this, so it’s important to check when purchasing a door and opener. If this is something that you want, it’s advisable to request it, as they are not very expensive and provide much more strength and support than the typical factory bracket that comes with the opener.
Finding Reinforcement Brackets in Hardware Stores
Now, as far as finding an opener reinforcement bracket in a hardware store, I’ve noticed that retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot are increasingly carrying more garage door replacement parts. However, I don’t think I have seen an opener reinforcement bracket in smaller neighborhood hardware stores. Instead, you might have better luck finding them in larger retail hardware stores or specialty garage door supply shops.
Conclusion: Strengthening Your Garage Door
In summary, investing in an opener reinforcement bracket can significantly improve the durability and functionality of your garage door opener. If you’re unsure about installation or compatibility, it’s always best to consult with a professional or the manufacturer for guidance.