Holmes recommends that only experienced do-it-yourselfers tackle installing a garage door. DIYers should enlist the help of at least one other person when installing a garage door for the first time. Common tools needed for installation are screwdrivers, wrenches, a power drill and a stepladder. Depending on the skill level of the DIYer, installation can take 8 – 10 hours.

If you have never installed a garage door and have little experience with home improvement projects, you should hire a professional garage door installer. Most Holmes retailers offer professional installation.

If you're not sure whether to do it yourself or hire a professional, take our Garage Door IQ quiz.

The door package includes the sections, track, spring assembly, operator reinforcement bracket and hardware required to install the door. Several additional items can be purchased at your Holmes retailer to aid in installation. These items are:

1) Rear track hanger kit for attachment of the horizontal track to the ceiling in the back of the garage. Existing hangers generally can be reused. However, we do recommend that you inspect them to ensure they are in good condition and positioned properly for the new installation.

2) Stop molding or perimeter seal for the exterior sides and top of the opening. Bottom weatherseal is included with steel garage doors.

3) Low headroom hardware. This is required when there is limited headroom between the top of the door and the ceiling or roof rafters.

We recommend:

• "C" Clamps or Locking Pliers


• Hammer


• Screwdriver


• Tape Measure


• Level


• Socket Wrench Kit


• Pliers


• Reversible Power Drill and 1/4", 3/16" and 3/8" bits


• Step ladder


• Saw horses or other supports for placing section on while assembling


• Light household oil


• Punched angle for rear track hangers and automatic opener - 1 _" x 1 _" minimum (angle at least 13 ga. or 3/32" thick.)

Holmes supplies lighter weight single car doors (10' and under) with extension springs. Heavier double car doors (wider than 10') are supplied with our patented EZ-SET® Torsion Spring System, which is easily wound using a standard 3/8" power drill. Your Holmes retailer can special order the EZ-SET Torsion Spring System for a single car door as well.

Extension and torsion springs are the two types of springs used on garage doors today. Extension springs are coiled springs installed on either side of the door above the door's horizontal track. They can be installed by the do-it-yourselfer by closely following the installation instructions and safety warnings.

Torsion springs include a shaft, spring and a drum assembly, normally installed directly above the door opening. The torsion spring distributes the weight of the door more evenly, particularly with a very wide and extremely heavy door. A standard torsion spring should be installed and removed by a garage door professional, but Holmes' patented EZ-SET Torsion Spring System can be installed by an experienced DIYer using a 3/8" power drill.

We recommend that you check with the opener manufacturer to ensure that the unit is equipped with all of the safety features required by law today to ensure your safety. Once you verify that the unit meets current government requirements, just about any opener can be installed with a Holmes door. It is important to follow the garage door manufacturer's instructions for reinforcement of the door for attachment of an automatic garage door opener.

Failure to properly install this kit will result in damage to the door and will void the warranty. The reinforcement configuration differs depending upon the model number and size of the garage door. Please refer to the installation manual supplied with the garage door for specific instructions. For ease of installation, every Holmes steel garage door includes an opener reinforcement kit.

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