How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Support the rail and door before loosening any mounting hardware.

Inspect rail: Sight down the length of the Craftsman rail to identify bends or kinks. Minor bends near joints can sometimes be straightened; severe bends require replacement.
Check rail joints: Tighten all bolts at rail splice points. Loose joints can cause flex and misalignment.
Verify opener size: Ensure the opener horsepower rating is appropriate for the door size and construction. Heavy wood or insulated doors may require a stronger unit.
Replace rail if needed: If the rail is significantly bent, replace it with a Craftsman-compatible rail kit for your model.
Re-align and test: After repair, align the rail with the center of the door and test operation through full travel.

Garage door opener rail flexes noticeably and the door struggles to move, especially at the start of travel.

Possible Causes