How To Manually Open A Garage Door

Garage doors are incredibly convenient, providing easy access to your garage and belongings. However, in the event of a power outage or mechanical failure, you may need to know how to open the door manually.

While the process can vary slightly depending on the type of garage door you have, most models follow similar steps. Here's a detailed guide on how to manually open a garage door:

1. Disconnect the Automatic Garage Door Opener

The first step is to disconnect the automatic garage door opener. This will prevent the door from accidentally opening or closing while you're working on it.

Locate the emergency release cord, which is typically attached to the garage door opener unit. Pull the cord to release the trolley from the door.

2. Locate the Manual Override Mechanism

Once the garage door opener is disconnected, you need to locate the manual override mechanism. This is usually a red handle or lever that's mounted on the inside of the garage door.

Pull the lever or handle towards you to disengage the door from the opener.

3. Slide the Door Open

Now you can slide the garage door open manually. Grip the door handle firmly and pull it up to lift the door slightly.

If the door is heavy, you may need to use a tool like a pry bar or a broom handle to assist you.

4. Lift the Door Further

Once the door is lifted slightly, you'll need to slide it further open by pulling the door handle or using the pry bar.

Continue lifting and sliding until the door is fully open and in the desired position.

5. Support the Door (Optional)

If you're using a heavy garage door, it's recommended to support the door while it's open. This will prevent the door from falling accidentally.

Use a ladder or a piece of wood to prop up the door and keep it in place.

6. Reconnect the Automatic Garage Door Opener

Once the garage door is fully open, you can reconnect the automatic garage door opener if desired.

Simply pull down on the trolley (carriage) and insert it back into the hook on the garage door opener unit. Then, release the emergency release cord to reengage the door opener.

Tips for Manual Garage Door Operation

Always disconnect the automatic garage door opener before attempting manual operation.
If the garage door is heavy, seek assistance to avoid injury.
Use a flashlight to illuminate the garage and the manual override mechanism in dim light conditions.
Keep pets and children away from the garage door while it's being operated manually.
If you encounter any difficulties or resistance while opening the door, contact a qualified garage door technician.