In the previous article I explained the different types of openers available from Craftsman.  Garage Door Openers. Which One Is Right For You? In this article I will go through the nine different models and help you pick the right one for you.

If you are in a hurry and don’t want to read through each description most of you will like the Model 09 53985. It is the best value for your primary door and the opener will handle most of the common doors. I put the review of this opener first.

Remember if you have an 8 foot or 10 foot door you will have to buy an extension for the opener. If your door is higher than 10 feet the Craftsman openers will not work. (the limit switches in the unit will only go to 10 feet.)  I recommend the LiftMaster 3800 Wall Mounted Residential Jackshaft Garage Door Opener for doors over 10 feet.  This opener will work on doors up to 14 feet high.

Also, your old remotes will not work with your new opener. The new openers use a roaming code that changes every time you use the opener. This is a safety feature so burglers can’t just ride down the street and open your door. So when you buy a new opener, purchase one that has enough remotes for your application.  It is always cheaper to buy the remotes with the opener instead of buying them separately.  The three button remotes that come with most of these openers will control up to three separate doors. The single button remote on the cheap opener will only control one door.

Note! If you are replacing an opener that has failed please make sure your garage door is working properly.  Go to Manage My Home to find procedures to check your garage door for proper operation. If it is broke, have it fixed before installing your new opener.

In the next article I will go through models from different manufactures if you don’t feel a Craftsman opener is right for you. Other Garage Door Openers. Which One Is Right For You?

Craftsman 1/2 hp Garage Door Opener, Chain Drive Model 09 53985 (Click the title to read more and buy)
Sears item #00953985000

Deluxe 1/2 HP

This is the most popular package and the best value for you.  It gives you two 3-function openers, a wireless keypad for the outside of your garage and a deluxe illuminated inside control pad.  The unit is chain drive with steel construction and you can install more lights (two 100W bulbs) for added safety, convenience.

The lights on the unit can be adjusted to turn off automatically from 1 to 4 minutes
Included two Security+® 3-function remote controls with rolling code technology
Outdoor, wireless, keyless entry pad allows a private, changeable code with password option
Infrared safety sensors prevent door from closing with anything enters its path

I noticed a lot of good reviews and a couple of bad reviews of this unit on the Sears website.  I know there are thousands of these units installed all over the country and to get a few bad reviews is expected.  After carefully analyzing the reviews it appears that if this unit is going to fail it will fail in the first two years of operation.  If you feel cautious though after reading the reviews, I recommend you purchase the optional 2 year protection plan.   If you have Sears install your opener you get an automatic one year warranty on the installation.  This covers the installation ONLY and does not cover the unit itself.  You can add a 2 year complete (parts and labor) protection plan for only $29.99.

Craftsman Garage Door Opener System with Die Hard Battery Back-Up, Belt Drive Model 09 53918 (Click the title to read more and buy)
Sears item #00953918000

Smart control panel shows time, temperature and diagnostics
Wireless keyless entry pad allows entry into garage without key or remote
Security+® anti-burglary coding stops “code grabbers” from breaking in
Manual release capability allows you to manually open or close garage door
Durable steel-reinforced belt lifts even the heaviest garage door
Noise dampening foam-encased motor chassis muffle motor & gear noise
PosiLock® system securely locks door when it is down

Craftsman 1/2 hp Garage Door Opener, Chain Drive Model 09 53920 (Click the title to read more and buy)
Sears item #00953920000

1/2 HP Basic

The model 53920 is the most inexpensive model in the Sears line-up.  It is a great basic opener and is a good choice for a door you don’t use very often or one where you like to have an opener, but really don’t need different vehicles going in and out of the door.  I would put this opener in a shed, workshop or storage garage.  Many people buy this opener for a small, one car garages and only own one car.  It includes one opener that will control one garage door opener and a simple pushbutton for inside the garage.

Features:

Security+ Anti-Burglary Coding sends a brand new code every time you use your remote
Infrared safety reversing sensors prevent door from closing when anything enters its path
Posi-Lock system locks door when it is down
Light (up to 75W) turns on when sensors are obstructed & door is opening or closing
Limited 4-year warranty on motor

Craftsman 1/2 hp Garage Door Opener, Chain Drive Model 09 53930 (Click the title to read more and buy)
Sears item #00953930000

1/2 HP Two Remotes

This model is another basic opener that includes two remotes and a standard inside control console.  If you only want it to open the door reliably for a long time, this is a good choice.

With two remotes you can have one in your car and keep one in your purse.  The standard inside console has a push button where you can turn on the light without opening or closing the door.

Powered by a strong 1/2 hp motor, this garage door opener from Craftsman features a rugged Chain Drive for smooth and dependable operation. Its standard control console opens and closes the door from inside the garage, and has an LED for nighttime use. Two included 3-function remotes control up to three separate garage doors.

Security+ Anti-Burglary Coding sends a brand new code every time you use your remote
Infrared safety reversing sensors prevent door from closing when anything enters its path
Posi-Lock system locks door when it is down
Light (up to 100W) turns on when sensors are obstructed & door is opening or closing
Limited 4-year warranty on motor

Craftsman 3/4 hp Garage Door Opener, Chain Drive Model 09 53990 (Click the title to read more and buy)
Sears item #00953990000

3/4 HP Chain Drive

If you have a heavier door this unit has the same features as the most popular Model 53985 with a more powerful 3/4 hp motor for increased speed and power.  You can install two 100 watt light bulbs for added light and security. Chain Drive system.

Rugged chain drive for smooth, dependable operation
Security+® anti-burglary coding
Keyless entry – no need for keys or remote control
Motion-detecting control console automatically turns the opener lights on when you enter
Homelink compatible – open/close door from vehicles that have the built-in visor remote

Craftsman 1/2 hp Garage Door Opener, Belt Drive Model 09 53915 (Click the title to read more and buy)
Sears item #00953915000

1/2 HP Screw Drive

This Craftsman garage door opener system features an exceptionally quite Belt Drive system.  If your living space or bedrooms are above the garages this unit is the quietest Craftsman available. The unit includes the following:

The Motion-Detecting Control Console includes Motion Activated Lighting. The unit “senses” your presence and turns opener lights on – hands free. No more putting down items and fumbling for a light switch – the console turns on the lights automatically!
Two Standard 3-function remotes (2), perfect for multi-car families. Each remote can clip easily to the visor or your car.
Wireless Keyless Entry pad allows entry into garage without key or remote. Mounts easily to the outside of the garage with 2 screws – no wiring required. Backlit keypad for nighttime use.
Security+® anti-burglary coding stops “code grabbers” from stealing your codes
Durable steel-reinforced belt lifts even the heaviest garage door
Noise dampening foam in the chassis – for quite operation
PosiLock® system securely locks door when it is down

Craftsman 1/2 hp Belt Drive Garage Door Opener Model 09 53916 (Click the title to read more and buy)
Sears item #00953916000

1/2 HP Deluxe Screw Drive

Same as the Model 53915 with a wireless keypad. motion activated lights and door monitor.  This Craftsman garage door opener system features an exceptionally quiet Belt Drive system, which is perfect for families with living space above the garages. Includes

The unit includes the following:
The Motion-Detecting Control Console includes Motion Activated Lighting. The unit “senses” your presence and turns opener lights on – hands free. No more putting down items and fumbling for a light switch – the console turns on the lights automatically!
Two Standard 3-function remotes (2), perfect for multi-car families. Each remote can clip easily to the visor or your car.
Wireless Keyless Entry pad allows entry into garage without key or remote. Mounts easily to the outside of the garage with 2 screws – no wiring required. Backlit keypad for nighttime use.
Security+® anti-burglary coding stops “code grabbers” from stealing your codes
Durable steel-reinforced belt lifts even the heaviest garage door
Noise dampening foam in the chassis – for quite operation
PosiLock® system securely locks door when it is down
10 Year Limited Warranty on the Motor, 3 year Limited Warranty on the parts.

Bonus Features:

Compact 3-function remote control. Remote control operates up to three garage doors. Is small enough to fit your pocket, purse, or on a keychain.
Also comes with Garage Door Monitor. Provides peace of mind by letting you monitor your garage door from anywhere in your home. Alerts you at a glance that your garage is open or closed. No tools or wiring required. Monitors up to 4 garage doors with extra sensors (sold separately). Red light flashes on base station to indicate the garage door is open, green confirms that the door is closed.

Craftsman Garage Door Opener System with Die Hard Battery Back-Up Belt Drive Model 09 53939 (Click the title to read more and buy)
Sears item #00953939000

3/4 HP Deluxe Battery Backup

This opener has all the bells and whistles.  Everything you could possibly want (or didn’t know you needed) is included in this package.  Go through the list below to see all the features and everything that is included.  This garage door opener system from Craftsman works even when the power doesn’t. Its Die Hard battery back-up feature ensures that the garage door will open, even in the event of a power outage.

Craftsman EntryEase Fingerprint Keyless Entry Pad – Easily open your garage door with secure fingerprint technology – no passcodes or PIN numbers to remember. This entry pad reads up to four unique fingerprints, accepting only the fingerprints you have programmed into it. Great for families with children.
The Smart Motion-Detecting Control Console “senses” your presence and turns opener lights on – hands free.
Two Standard 3-function remotes (2), and one Compact 3-function remote (1) perfect for pocket of purse.
Craftsman Wireless Garage Door Monitor – Provides peace of mind by letting you monitor your garage door from anywhere in your home. Alerts you at a glance that your garage is open or confirms that it is closed. No tools or wiring required.
Craftsman Plug In Light Control for Garage Door Opener – Adds convenience and security. Activates lights from outside your home. Plugs into any standard interior outlet.
Chamberlain Laser Garage Parking Assist is an innovative accessory designed to help you park in the right spot every time. It works automatically – the red dot from the laser turns on by itself, letting you know exactly when to stop. Easy to install.
Chamberlain Garage Door Opener Surge Protector protects your entire garage access system, including safety sensors and control panels. Easy installation requires no tools. Plugs directly into garage outlet.
Control console, wireless keyless entry pad, Die Hard battery back-up unit, safety sensors, rail, hardware and operator’s manual.
Wireless keyless entry pad allows entry into garage without key or remote
Security+® anti-burglary coding stops “code grabbers” from breaking in
Durable steel-reinforced belt lifts even the heaviest garage door
Noise dampening foam-encased motor chassis muffle motor & gear noise
PosiLock® system securely locks door when it is down

Craftsman 1/2 hp Garage Door Opener, Screw Drive Model 09 53993 (Click the title to read more and buy)
Sears item #00953993000

1/2 HP Screw Drive

If you want a fast, reliable screw drive with the Sears promise of service and dependability here is the garage door opener for you.  Powered by a strong 1/2 hp motor, this garage door opener from Craftsman features a powerful, maintenance-free Screw Drive system. Its large, illuminated premium control console opens and closes the door from inside the garage. It includes a Light button that turns operator lights on or off, as well as a Lock button that disables all hand-held remote controls. Two included 3-function remotes control up to three separate garage doors.
Adjustable light timer lets you choose from 1.5 to 4.5 minute setting
Security+ Anti-Burglary Coding sends a brand new code every time you use your remote
Infrared safety reversing sensors prevent door from closing when anything enters its path
Posi-Lock system locks door when it is down
2, 200 watts total, lights turns on when sensors are obstructed & door is opening or closing
Limited 7-year warranty on motor

Craftsman Garage Door Openers. Which One Is Right For You?

This article is not a review of the individual garage door openers. This article is just a summary to help you determine which opener is right for you. The next article in this series will go through the different types of Craftsman openers.

You can use this summary to compare other the features of other brands.

So you go to your local Sears store and there is a whole wall of garage door openers. The sales associate is helpful and shows you ALL the items. But you just leave confused. I’ll make it easy here and give you the simplest way to figure out which Craftsman garage door opener is best for you. There are five basic steps to help you get the right door opener and installed in you location.

Step One, Measure the height of you door:
Step Two, Select the HP (horsepower):
Step Three, Select the type of garage door opener:
Step Four, Select the type of remotes you need:
Step Five, Professional Installation or Install it yourself:

Step One, Measure the height of you door:

Measure the height of the opening, not the door itself. Most garages door openings are around 7 feet high. If your opening is 8 feet, 9 feet or 10 feet you will have to buy an extension in addition to the garage door opener itself. If it is around 8 feet buy the 8 foot extension. If it is 9 or 10 feet buy the 10 foot extension.

Step Two, Select the HP:

There are two horsepower ratings for Sears Openers. 1/2 HP and 3/4 HP.

If you have an aluminum, aluminum insulated, or fiberglass door a 1/2 HP is plenty strong to open both a single car (7 to 9 feet wide) or a double car (16 feet wide) door.

If you have a wood door, a door with windows installed in it, a steel door or one of the new doors that look like they are off an old carriage house I recommend you go with the 3/4 HP door. (If a magnet sticks to your door it is steel.)

A new single car carriage style door can use a 1/2 HP opener.

If you have an extra tall door (9 or 10 feet) or a door that is wider than 16 feet I also recommend you go with the 3/4 HP door.

If you have a one-piece door (usually and old door made out of wood) I recommend a 3/4 HP door.

Step Three, Select the type:

There are three basic types of garage door openers. Chain drive, belt drive, and screw drive.

Chain drive garage door openers are what you are used to. They are reliable, noisy and usually last a long, long time. They come in many different sizes and Sears has an economy version, homeowner versions and heavy duty versions. These chain drive garage door openers are usually the best value and can be easily sized for you garage door. You can buy extensions for the opener for 8 foot and 10 foot doors.

Belt drive garage door openers are relatively new on the market. It uses a metal reinforced belt instead of a chain to make the drive much quieter than a chain drive. It’s usually a little faster than a chain. If your garage is under the living space of your house and it sounds like a herd of elephants in your bedroom when someone uses the garage door the quiet belt drive may be the best choice for you. You can buy an 8 foot extension kit but not a 10 ft.

Screw drive units feature the fewest number of moving parts. They are powerful and quieter than chain drives. I believe Stanley was the first to introduce the screw drive garage door opener 15 years or so ago. Stanley is not making garage door openers but Sears and Genie still have these available. I expect the screw drives to be replaced with “torsion spring” technology in a few years. You can buy an 8 foot extension for this type but not a 10 foot.

Step Four, Select the remotes: There are different types of remotes.  Single button – one button, one door. Mini – small remote to hook right on your key chain.  Three function – more buttons to control more doors and even the light in your home.  Wireless keypads – attach this to the outside of your garage to open the door securely and safely.  Finger Print Wireless Keypad – accepts only the fingerprints you have programmed into it. Great for families with children.  Door Monitor – You can use this inside your home to check if the garage door is open or not.

Sears offers different “packages” with the garage door openers to give you the best value.

Step Five, Professional Installation or Install it yourself

I put this choice as a separate step because there is a good amount of work to install a garage door opener.  Yes, your father-in-law can probably install it, but do you really want to buy all that beer and make all those trips to the hardware store?  If you have not installed one yourself before plan on 4 to 6 hours for a new installation and 2 to 4 hours to replace an existing opener.  Sears offer professional installation at a very reasonable price (in my area $109 and the installers have put in hundreds of openers) so it is worth a discussion whether it is a good choice for you to install it yourself.

The next article puts all of the Sears Craftsman Garage Openers in one convienant place for you to compare.  You can click on a link after each opener to go to a review.