How To Open A Garage Door Manually

In the event of a power outage or a malfunctioning garage door opener, it is important to know how to open a garage door manually. While the specific steps may vary depending on the type of garage door you have, the general process is similar.

Step 1: Locate the Emergency Release Cord

Most garage doors have an emergency release cord that allows you to disengage the door from the opener. This cord is typically located near the center of the door, hanging from the track. Pull the cord down to release the door from the opener.

Step 2: Unlock the Door

Once the door is disengaged from the opener, you need to unlock it manually. This is typically done by inserting a key into the lock cylinder on the outside of the door. If your door does not have a keyhole, you may need to use a screwdriver or other tool to manually unlock the door.

Step 3: Lift the Door

With the door unlocked, you can now lift it manually. To do this, simply grip the bottom of the door and pull it up. The door may be heavy, so you may need to use both hands or get assistance from someone else.

Step 4: Prop the Door Open

Once the door is open, you need to prop it open to prevent it from closing. This can be done using a piece of wood, a rock, or anything else that is sturdy enough to hold the door in place.

Step 5: Close the Door Manually

When you are ready to close the door, simply reverse the steps above. First, remove the prop that is holding the door open. Then, lift the door manually and guide it down into the closed position. Finally, lock the door to secure it.

Safety Precautions

When opening a garage door manually, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

Always make sure that the door is disengaged from the opener before attempting to lift it manually.
Be careful not to pinch your fingers or other body parts when lifting the door.
If the door is too heavy to lift manually, do not attempt to do so yourself. Get assistance from someone else.
Always prop the door open to prevent it from closing unexpectedly.
Do not leave the door open for an extended period of time, as this could pose a security risk.

By following these steps, you can safely open a garage door manually in the event of an emergency or a malfunctioning garage door opener.