How To Manually Close A Garage Door

How to Manually Close a Garage Door

Garage doors are essential for protecting your vehicles and belongings from the elements and unauthorized access. While most modern garage doors are equipped with electric openers for convenience, knowing how to manually close your garage door is crucial in case of power outages or emergencies.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to manually close a garage door:

1. Locate the Manual Release Cord

The manual release cord is a thin, usually red or yellow cord hanging from the middle of the garage door. It's normally tucked away behind the door panel or near the motor unit.

2. Pull the Release Cord

Firmly pull the manual release cord straight down to disengage the door from the electric opener. You'll feel some resistance as the spring-loaded mechanism releases.

3. Raise the Garage Door Manually

Once the door is disengaged, you can start lifting it manually. To do this, firmly grip the center of the door panel and pull it upwards. The springs will assist in lifting the door, but you may need to apply some extra force if the door is heavy or unbalanced.

4. Engage the Door into the Track

As you lift the door, guide it into the vertical track on both sides. Make sure that the door's rollers smoothly glide along the tracks.

5. Lower the Door

Once the door is fully lifted into the track, slowly lower it by releasing the pressure on the panel. The springs will pull the door down. Control the speed of the descent using your hands to prevent it from slamming shut.

6. Secure the Door

When the door is close to the ground, engage the locking mechanism. This usually involves a handle or latch that you need to turn or pull. Ensure that the door is securely latched and will not open accidentally.