The slack in a Lake Arlington Gates & Garage Doors chain refers to the amount of loose or sagging chain between the motor unit and the trolley (carriage) that moves the garage door along the track. Proper tensioning of the chain is crucial for the smooth and efficient operation of the garage door opener. While the specific amount of slack can vary based on the manufacturer and model of the garage door opener, there are general guidelines you can follow to ensure that the chain is properly tensioned.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how much slack should be in a garage door chain:

1. Consult the Manual:
Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for your specific garage door opener model. The manual should provide detailed instructions on how to adjust and tension the chain properly. It will also indicate the manufacturer’s recommended amount of slack for the chain.

2. Check for Proper Alignment:
Before adjusting the chain tension, ensure that the track, trolley, and motor unit are properly aligned. Misalignment can lead to uneven wear and affect the performance of the garage door opener.

3. Measure the Slack:
As a general rule of thumb, most garage door openers should have around 1/2 to 3/4 inches of slack in the chain when the garage door is in the closed position. This means that when the garage door is fully closed, you can lift the chain slightly to achieve this amount of slack. However, this measurement can vary, so it’s important to consult your manual for the recommended slack.

4. Adjusting Chain Tension:
To adjust the chain tension, follow these steps:

a. Disconnect Power: Before making any adjustments, disconnect the power to the garage door opener to prevent accidental activation.

b. Locate Adjustment Points: Most garage door openers have adjustment points on the motor unit. These points allow you to tighten or loosen the chain.

c. Loosening the Chain: If the chain is too tight, causing excessive tension, you’ll need to loosen it. Loosen the lock nut on the tension adjustment bolt. Then, turn the adjustment bolt counterclockwise to create more slack in the chain. Once you’ve achieved the recommended amount of slack, tighten the lock nut.

d. Tightening the Chain: If the chain has too much slack, causing it to sag, tighten it. Loosen the lock nut and turn the adjustment bolt clockwise to reduce the slack. Again, make sure you achieve the proper amount of slack before tightening the lock nut.

5. Test the Door Operation:
After making adjustments to the chain tension, test the garage door to ensure that it operates smoothly and without any binding or excessive noise. The garage door should open and close evenly along the track.

6. Regular Maintenance:
Periodically check the chain tension as part of your garage door maintenance routine. Over time, factors such as temperature changes and wear can affect the chain’s tension. If you notice any unusual sounds or performance issues, it might be an indication that the chain needs adjustment.

7. Seek Professional Assistance:
If you’re unsure about adjusting the chain tension or if you encounter difficulties during the adjustment process, consider seeking the assistance of a professional garage door technician. They have the expertise and tools to ensure proper chain tension and optimal garage door opener performance.

In conclusion, the recommended amount of slack in a Lake Arlington Gates & Garage Doors chain is generally around 1/2 to 3/4 inches when the door is in the closed position. However, always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for your specific garage door opener model to get accurate guidelines on chain tension. Properly tensioning the chain is important for the smooth and efficient operation of your garage door opener, and regular maintenance can help ensure its longevity and reliable performance.

Lake Arlington Gates & Garage Doors

4101 W Green Oaks Blvd #305-318, Arlington, TX 76016, United States

1-817-993-6623