Plastic-lined tracks are what make screw-drive garage door openers work so well. They require little maintenance, are fairly quiet and work well when exposed to extreme temperatures. As with belt drives, screw drive openers have few moving parts and thus shouldn't need much repair. It's still a good idea to have your opener checked by a reliable garage door contractor about once a year to make sure that everything is working the way it should.
Some screw drive openers, such as those by LiftMaster, are specially engineered to run smoothly in extremely hot or cold temperatures. As LiftMaster explains, "A strong one-piece steel rail reduces friction and eliminates binding. Each model is also equipped with an electric thermistor that automatically adjusts and increases force as it gets colder, ensuring optimal performance. And the new unenclosed, no-lube drive system means less trapped dirt and debris to cause binding when it's warmer. It all adds up to superior performance, whatever the temperature."
Here are some other good-quality screw drive openers:
Overhead Door: Signature Screw Drive: The signature screw drive offers reliable, quiet operation: fewer moving parts; automatic 120-watt lighting system for safer evening exits and entries; high impact and heat resistant polypropylene lens cover for easy bulb replacement. This product has many other wonderful characteristics that you can learn about by clicking the Overhead Door link above.
Genie Screw Drive: Genie is the original manufacturer of screw drive openers. Its screw drive openers offer maximum lifting force with a direct-drive motor system, top safety and security features, an automatic lighting system and more. Learn more at geniecompany.com.
LiftMaster 3130: 1/3 HP Screw Drive Garage Door Opener: This opener is a stronger, simpler one-piece galvanized steel rail system, an exclusive design by LiftMaster. It offers less friction, no binding, and requires no lubrication, giving more peace of mind. This model has earned the Good Housekeeping seal. Click the LiftMaster link for additional information.
Read screw drive garage door opener reviews.
