The Craftsman 53918 garage door opener is a belt‑drive model originally sold through Sears around 2009. Built by Chamberlain (Sears’ long‑time manufacturing partner), the opener offers a quiet DC motor with a built‑in DieHard battery backup. This long article examines the advantages and disadvantages of the 53918, synthesizes user reviews, explains remote control and keypad compatibility, shows how to reprogram remotes and keypads and provides manual download links. Throughout the article the SEO keyword craftsman 53918 appears naturally for search engine visibility.
Overview of the Craftsman 53918
The Craftsman 53918 is a 3/4‑horsepower‑strength belt‑drive opener designed for residential garages. GarageHowTo notes that the steel‑reinforced belt and DC motor provide quiet operation, making the opener suitable for houses with living space above the garage. It features a DieHard battery backup, allowing the door to operate during power outages. The 53918 also comes with a Smart Motion‑Detecting Control Panel, which displays time and temperature and automatically turns on the garage light when motion is detected. Two 3‑button remote controls and a wireless entry keypad are included.
Security features match those of other high‑end Craftsman openers: Security+® anti‑burglary rolling‑code remotes and PosiLock®, which locks the door when closed. Safety sensors stop and reverse the door if an obstacle is detected, and a manual release allows the door to be opened if the power fails. GarageHowTo lists the warranty as a 10‑year motor warranty with 90‑day parts and labor. Johnson Garage Doors calls the 53918 “rugged, sturdy and dependable,” describing its quiet DC belt drive, soft start/stop, 3/4‑hp motor, and 200‑Watt dual‑bulb lighting; the site highlights the backup battery as its standout feature and estimates an average price around US$200.
Advantages of the Craftsman 53918
1. Quiet, smooth operation
Belt‑drive openers are typically quieter than chain‑drive models. The 53918 uses a steel‑reinforced belt and a motor chassis encased in noise‑dampening foam. These design features minimize vibration and make the opener a good choice for garages under living areas. Users on Sears’ site reportedly praised the opener’s whisper‑quiet operation, and Johnson Garage Doors similarly notes that the DC belt system “will not be making much noise”.
2. Battery backup for power outages
A standout feature of the Craftsman 53918 is its built‑in DieHard battery backup. During an outage, the battery allows the opener to operate for one to two days depending on door weight and usage. The manual notes that a fully charged battery will provide approximately one to two days of operation during an outage and should be recharged within 48 hours after power is restored. Johnson Garage Doors highlights the backup system as the opener’s key differentiator.
3. Motion‑detecting control panel and wireless keypad
The Smart Motion‑Detecting Control Panel displays the time and temperature and turns on the garage light when motion is sensed. It also lets users program remotes, set lock functions and activate holiday modes. The wireless entry keypad allows access without a remote; it can store multiple PIN codes, supporting up to 20 personal codes according to the manual. Temporary PINs can be set for guests and will expire after a set number of hours or openings.
4. Strong lifting capacity
GarageHowTo notes that the belt of the Craftsman 53918 is reinforced with steel for added lifting strength. Although Sears replaced horsepower ratings with “horsepower‑strength,” Chamberlain lists the comparable model at 3/4 HPS, meaning the 53918 can handle heavier sectional doors. Soft‑start and soft‑stop features help reduce wear on the door and lessen strain on the opener.
5. Comprehensive safety and security features
The opener includes Safety Sensor infrared beams that reverse the door if an object or person interrupts the beam. Security+® remotes with rolling codes prevent code theft. PosiLock® prevents the door from being forced open after closing. A manual release handle allows manual operation in emergencies.
6. Long warranty and strong customer satisfaction
Sears offered a 10‑year motor warranty and a 90‑day parts and labor warranty on the 53918. GarageHowTo reports that nearly 80 % of reviewers gave the opener 5 stars and 95 % rated it 4 or 5 stars; customers highlighted the easy installation, quiet operation, battery backup and motion‑sensing control panel. Johnson Garage Doors lists a 10‑year motor warranty and 3‑year parts warranty, indicating robust manufacturer support.
Disadvantages of the Craftsman 53918
Despite its strengths, the 53918 has drawbacks:
- Discontinued model. Sears stopped selling Craftsman garage door openers in 2018 after Stanley Black & Decker acquired the brand. The 53918 is no longer in production, so replacement parts may require contacting Chamberlain or third‑party sellers. Remote controls (139.53918D) are out of stock at many retailers, and compatible universal remotes must match the opener’s 315 MHz purple‑learn‑button frequency.
- Limited horsepower specification. Chamberlain uses “horsepower‑strength” rather than a standard horsepower rating for belt‑drive models. Although equivalent to 3/4 HP, some users may perceive the rating as marketing rather than a true measure of power.
- Battery replacement costs. The DieHard battery typically lasts 3–5 years. Replacement batteries (part #41A822) cost US$20–40. The backup battery provides only 1–2 days of operation during an outage, and the motor light does not function while on battery power.
- Basic connectivity. Unlike modern Wi‑Fi–enabled openers, the 53918 lacks built‑in smart‑home integration. Remootio and other aftermarket accessories can add smartphone control, but the opener does not support Chamberlain’s MyQ system out of the box.
- Door height limitation. Standard rails support 7‑ft doors. GarageHowTo emphasizes buying an extension kit for 8 or 10‑foot doors. Without the kit the opener cannot fully lift taller garage doors.
User Reviews and Real‑World Performance
Customer feedback on the Craftsman 53918 remains positive even more than a decade after its release. GarageHowTo aggregated Sears reviews and found that about 80 % of reviewers gave it five stars. Users appreciated the simple DIY installation, quiet belt‑drive operation, and the convenience of the motion‑detecting control panel. The battery backup and ability to operate during power outages also received praise. One reviewer on Johnson Garage Doors compared it to other belt‑drive openers and praised its “rugged, sturdy and dependable” build.
Common complaints involve the limited availability of replacement remotes and the need to replace the battery every few years. Some users also found the motion‑detecting control panel overly sensitive, turning on lights when insects or pets passed by. Nevertheless, the overall sentiment is that the opener is reliable and offers exceptional value for its price.
Remote Control Compatibility
Understanding remote compatibility is crucial because the opener uses Security+® rolling codes and operates at 315 MHz. The 53918’s motor unit has a purple learn button; therefore it is compatible only with remotes designed for purple‑learn‑button 315 MHz openers. Craftsman remotes with model numbers 139.53918D or universal remotes labeled for “purple learn button” work. Many retailers now sell Chamberlain/LiftMaster remotes (e.g., LiftMaster 371LM single‑button or 890MAX multi‑button) that operate at 315 MHz. If purchasing a replacement remote, ensure it supports Security+ 315 MHz and has a purple learn button. Remotes for yellow, red/orange or green learn buttons are not compatible.
Programming a hand‑held remote
The owner’s manual provides two methods for programming or reprogramming remotes:
- Using the learn button on the motor unit (traditional method).
- Erase old codes (optional). To remove all remote codes, press and hold the purple learn button on the motor unit until the indicator LED goes out (≈6 seconds). This clears all remotes from memory.
- Initiate programming. Press and release the learn button. The learn LED glows steadily for about 30 seconds.
- Program the remote. Within 30 seconds, press and hold the button on the remote you wish to program. Release the button when the motor unit lights blink; if bulbs are not installed, two clicks will be heard. The remote is now paired.
- Using the motion‑detecting control console.
- Press the Learn button on the wall‑mounted control panel. Press it again to confirm learn mode.
- Press and hold the remote button you want to program. Release it when the motor unit lights blink or two clicks are heard. The remote is now programmed.
After programming, test the remote to ensure it opens and closes the door. If using additional Security+ remotes, repeat the steps for each. The opener supports up to 20 codes, including wireless keypad codes..
Keypad Compatibility and Programming
The Craftsman 53918 includes a wireless keyless entry keypad that attaches outside the garage. Any Craftsman or Chamberlain keypad designed for 315 MHz purple learn button openers is compatible. Replacement keypads (models 139.3050 or CMXZDCG440) also work, provided they use rolling‑code security.
Programming a new PIN using the learn button
To program or change the PIN on the keyless entry, the manual instructs the following steps:
- Press and release the learn button on the motor unit. The learn indicator light glows steadily for 30 seconds.
- Enter a four‑digit PIN of your choice on the keypad, then press and hold ENTER.
- Release the button when the motor unit lights blink or two clicks are heard; the code is learned.
Changing an existing known PIN
If you know the current PIN and wish to change it, you can do so without accessing the motor unit:
- Enter the existing PIN and press #. The opener light blinks twice.
- Enter a new 4‑digit PIN, then press ENTER. When the motor lights blink once, the new PIN is stored. Test the new PIN to ensure it works.
Setting a temporary PIN
The keypad allows temporary PINs for visitors. The manual outlines this process:
- Enter your personal PIN, then press and hold the ✱ button; the opener light blinks three times.
- Enter a temporary 4‑digit PIN and press ENTER.
- Decide whether the temporary PIN will expire after a number of hours or openings: enter the number (up to 255) and press ✱ for hours or # for door openings. The opener light blinks once when the temporary code is accepted.
A One‑Button Close feature allows the door to be closed by pressing only ENTER. This feature is factory‑enabled; to toggle it, press and hold the 1 and 9 keys for 10 seconds until the keypad blinks.
How to Reprogram the Craftsman 53918
Reprogramming the Craftsman opener generally involves clearing all codes and then programming new remotes/keypads as described above. The manual’s instructions can be summarised:
- Erase memory (optional). Press and hold the motor unit’s learn button for about six seconds until the LED goes out. This clears all remote and keypad codes.
- Program remotes. Use either the motor unit’s learn button or the motion‑detecting control console to add each remote.
- Program keypad. Use the learn button or the motion‑detecting control console to set a new PIN. Change or set temporary PINs as needed.
- Test operation. Verify that each remote and PIN operates the door. If the door moves erratically, check the safety sensors and reprogram as necessary.
Craftsman 53918 Garage Door Opener Owner’s Manual
Because the craftsman 53918 is discontinued, official manuals are no longer hosted on Sears’ site. However, several sources provide copies:
- ManyManuals.com hosts an online version of the 80‑page 139.53918D Owner’s Manual, which includes installation, programming and troubleshooting sections. Users can view each page in the browser or download the PDF by selecting the “Download” option at the top of the manual page.
- ManualsLib.com offers an HTML version where you can browse chapters such as Programming Remotes and Keyless Entry.
- Internet Archive provides a scanned version of the 139.53918D manual; while direct download may not always be available, the manual can be viewed page‑by‑page and printed.
When downloading manuals from third‑party sites, verify that the model number matches 139.53918D and that the manual includes English sections for installation and programming. Always follow safety instructions and disconnect power and battery before servicing the opener.
Conclusion
The Craftsman 53918 is a reliable belt‑drive garage door opener that continues to serve homeowners years after its release. Its steel‑reinforced belt, quiet DC motor, and built‑in battery backup make it a strong performer. A motion‑sensing control panel, Safety Sensor beams and Security+® remotes provide convenience and security. While the model is discontinued and lacks modern connectivity, it remains a solid choice for those who already own one or can source a used unit. The combination of rugged construction, long warranty, and positive user reviews solidifies the craftsman 53918 as a noteworthy belt‑drive opener in the history of garage door technology.
