It appears that the chain to my garage door opener broke. Does anyone know how to fix this problem?

Question

Is it possible that the chain just came apart and I do not need to buy I new one? As of right now the door is stuck in the open position. I believe I need to close the garage in order to work on it, but I am not sure how. I tried pulling the cord to close the door manually, but that doesn't do anything. Please help.

Answer 1

I am sorry people, but you are all wrong.  If you have a bicycle chain and it came undone, chances are that the sprocket that holds it in place has sheared off.  This is common if you have a Chamberlain Product.  The only way the chain is going to break is if you have a half chain half cable assembly.  The masterlinks very rarely break off, and if it did, I guarantee that the chain is the least of your problems!

Answer 2

When you pull the cord, pull it and latch it by either pulling forward or backward on the cord.  It should latch in the open position.  From that position you should be able to open and close the door manually.  What lawnboy told you is correct, except I don't know that a bicycle chain repair tool will help as this is a different size chain - larger links.  It is possible that the tool he is suggesting will push the link pin out but you probably need a garage door opener repair kit.  If not at Lowes or Home Depot, try a garage door supplier that installs doors and openers.  They should have repair tools and kits.

Answer 3

All you need to do is buy a master link.  Different brands have different sizes Home depot or Lowes will have a replacement. (maybe $5) You can replace the broken link by using it.  You need to move the door while you pull down on the rope.  Some openers you need to pull back.

Answer 4

I may be able to help some.  If the chain is like a bicycle chain, it may well have just come apart.  Each link is joined to the next with a steel pin that (believe it or not) stays in place by pure friction.  There is a little tool to remove the pin, or put one back in, around $12 at a bicycle store.  You may have lost the pin at the break point.