Chamberlain WD822KD Whisper Drive 1/2-HP Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Chamberlain WD822KD Whisper Drive 1/2-HP Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
Customer Review: Does what I hoped it would do
Summary: 5 Stars
Purchased as a replacement for an ancient chain drive opener that couldn't be adapted for safety stop. Surprisingly easy to install--when I saw all the pieces I was a little concerned but the directions were very thorough and full of "if...then" branches that covered every issue, like solid door vs. panels, what if a door spring is in the way, what if you can't fit the far end of it onto the wall and need to use the ceiling, etc. There's a helpline # in there but I didn't have to call it. Once in place, it's noticeably quieter than the old one and it lets you turn the lights on separately from running the motor, which is a huge improvement in my garage. The big wall button lights up so you can find it in the dark. So...things to watch for to improve your experience...1) You may need to purchase hardware to fasten it to the ceiling and the door. Carriage bolts are good for the door since they end up fastened inside and out. Lag screws are good for walls and ceilings. Short hex bolts with nuts and lock washers to join bracket pieces. 2) Get a good hacksaw blade. 3) Buy some "angle iron," which is those long pieces of metal that look like an "L" from the side and have lots of holes you can use for fasteners. Maybe a 6 or 8 foot piece to reinforce the door and then another to cut up to make your own ceiling brackets. 4) A stepladder is a must for holding the motor up while you attach it to the ceiling--consider using a helper too. 5) Unfold the box and a few other empty boxes and place them on the garage floor all along the path of the device and especially under the motor--that will prevent scratches while you work. 6) A 2 x 4 board, which you can use a) to measure the gap between door top and opener track b) to test the safety reverse feature and c) as a crosspiece if you need to attach something at a right angle to the beams or studs. 7) You'll need two ordinary 100 Watt light bulbs--difficult to ship those inside it without them busting so I was ok with that.Customer Review: Don't even look at another garage door opener !!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Replaced a sears chain drive unit and was able to use the over-door track mount. Very smooth and QUIET. Excellent basic unit - plus extras. Don't even bother to look at another garage door opener !!!Customer Review: Easy install, quiet opener
Summary: 5 Stars
My 10-year old Sears chain drive garage door opener finally gave out. I purchased the Chamberlain opener and was able to replace the old one in about 3 hours time. Very easy installation. I could reuse my existing mounting hardware with the adapters that ship with the Chamberlain. I was even able to hook up my old infrared sensors -- so I could skip the mounting and aligning steps for the supplied sensors.
We were accustomed to the clatter of the old chain-drive opener. The Chamberlain is very quiet -- you barely hear it inside the house.
Customer Review: Easy install, quiet operation
Summary: 5 Stars
The opener really is whisper-quiet, the controls are easy to operate and the remotes came pre-programmed. Installation was simple and the instructions were clear. Even the travel and force adjustments were very straightforward. I have a giant, hulking door to lift and this does the job with no complaints.
The box did not come with enough brackets to suspend the opener from the ceiling, but since I was replacing an old one, that didn't matter. If you are doing a new installation, you'll need a few more brackets.
All in all, perfect for my needs.
Customer Review: Easy installation - remotes don't work from far away.
Summary: 4 Stars
I paid a little extra to get the belt drive. I've always had chain drives, but live in a split level house now where the garage is below a bedroom. Of course, I wanted it to run quieter if possible. Unfortunately, the door is still noisy as the door moving up and down makes a lot of noise. I was disappointed that the operation wasn't that much quieter than the old chain drive I used to have. I also am VERY disappointed with the wireless range of the remotes. My old opener had remotes that worked all the way down the street. With this one, you have to be right down the driveway (40 feet away) in order for it to work. Outside of that, everything is hunky-dory. The installation was a breeze, especially since I was replacing one that was already there, and it works reliably. One of the light bulbs keeps getting loose and turns off, but that's probably to be expected with anything that vibrates. I don't consider that a big deal. Good opener - I'd recommend it. I took a star away for the poor wireless range.
UPDATE (10/2009): The second bulb on this thing hasn't worked in a year. Very annoying. Changed bulbs, played around with the metal receptor, still doesn't work. Always looks half broken, and it is. I would NOT recommend this opener. Change this to a "3" star review.