How To Manually Open Garage Door

How to Manually Open a Garage Door

A garage door can be a convenient way to enter and exit your home, but what happens when the power goes out or the automatic opener malfunctions? Fortunately, most garage doors can be opened manually with a little effort. Here's a step-by-step guide to manually opening a garage door:

Tools you will need

Before you begin, gather the following tools:

Step ladder or sturdy chair
Cord or rope (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Locate the Emergency Release Cord

Most garage doors have an emergency release cord located near the center of the door. This cord is usually red or yellow and hangs down from the ceiling. If you can't find the emergency release cord, check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific garage door model.

Step 2: Pull the Emergency Release Cord

Once you have located the emergency release cord, pull it straight down. This will release the door from the automatic opener and allow you to open it manually.

Step 3: Disengage the Door

With the emergency release cord pulled, the door may not open easily. To disengage it, lift the door slightly and pull it towards you. The door should now be free to move manually.

Step 4: Open the Door

To open the door manually, lift it up until it is fully open. If the door is heavy, you may need to use a step ladder or sturdy chair to reach the top.

Step 5: Secure the Door (Optional)

To prevent the door from closing accidentally, you can use a cord or rope to tie it open. Loop the cord or rope around the top of the door and secure it to something on the ceiling or wall.

Tips:

If you are unable to open the garage door manually, do not force it. Call a professional garage door repair technician.
Test the emergency release cord regularly to ensure it is working properly.
Keep a flashlight in your garage in case of a power outage.

Conclusion

Manually opening a garage door is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes. By following these instructions, you can ensure that you can access your garage even when the power is out or the automatic opener is not working.