Build an electric sliding door opener

Dave Richardson was frustrated with the sliding door on the side of his metal building. 

“A person gets a lot of time to think in a tractor seat,” Richardson says. “I figured if you can use an electric garage door opener for an overhead door, why not for a sliding door?” 

His mission began. He purchased a ½-hp Chamberlain garage door opener for $159. There are commercial models available for this type of door, but most range from $700 to $1,200. 

The opener rail was about 5½ feet too short, so Richardson found a rail to extend the length. He created brackets to hold the opener in place, and added a support bracket in the middle of the rail. He also made a guide bracket for the foot of the door to secure the door when closed, either from wind or potential break-ins. 

Dave Richardson

Dave Richardson farms corn and soybeans near Ottawa, Kansas, in the east-central part of the state. He is married to Deborah, and they have two sons, one daughter, and three grandchildren. Dave and Deborah love to travel when they have time. His latest trip was to Florida in January. He says, “Warm weather and happy wife — it doesn’t get better!”

For more information on this project, email Dave Richardson at horseshoe4430@icloud.com.