If you’re like most people, you probably use your garage door opener daily. But what happens if you lose power or the opener breaks? You may be wondering how to manually open garage door from outside. Luckily, it’s not difficult to do! This blog post will show you step-by-step how to open your garage door manually. So next time something goes wrong, you’ll know exactly what to do!
Summary: Manually opening a garage door from outside can be necessary in case of a power outage, a broken remote or keypad, or a lost key or code. The process is relatively simple but requires some tools and precautions. Insert the key or handle into the lock and turn or pull it to disengage the opener mechanism.
Why Open Garage Door from Outside?
There are a few reasons you might need to open your garage door from the outside. Maybe you’ve lost power, and the opener isn’t working, or maybe the opener has broken and needs to be fixed. Whatever the reason, it’s good to know how to open your garage door manually in case of an emergency.
How to Manually Open Garage Door from Outside Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools and Supplies
Before attempting to manually open your garage door from the outside, gather the necessary tools and supplies. You may need:
- A flathead screwdriver
- A flashlight (if the area is poorly lit)
- A sturdy ladder (if your garage door has an emergency release cord)
Step 2: Locate the Emergency Release Mechanism
Examine the exterior of the garage door to locate the emergency release mechanism, if present. This mechanism is often a lockable handle or a keyhole, typically located near the bottom or center of the door. Familiarize yourself with your garage door’s specific emergency release mechanism by referring to the owner’s manual.
Step 3: Unlock the Emergency Release Mechanism
If your garage door’s emergency release mechanism is locked, use the appropriate key or tool to unlock it. This may involve turning a key, disengaging a lock, or using a screwdriver to release a latch.
Step 4: Engage the Emergency Release Mechanism
Once the emergency release mechanism is unlocked, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to engage the mechanism. This often involves pulling a handle, lifting a lever, or rotating a knob. By engaging the emergency release mechanism, you will disconnect the garage door from the automatic opener, allowing it to be opened manually.
Step 5: Prepare to Lift the Garage Door
Ensure that the area around the garage door is clear of any obstacles, and position yourself near the bottom center of the door. If the garage door is heavy or you are concerned about your ability to lift it safely, ask for assistance from a friend or family member.
Step 6: Lift the Garage Door
Using both hands, grasp the bottom center of the garage door and lift it upward. The door should move smoothly and with relative ease. If the door feels heavy or difficult to lift, do not force it, as this may result in injury or damage to the door. Instead, consult a garage door professional for assistance.
Step 7: Secure the Garage Door in the Open Position
Once the garage door is fully open, ensure that it remains securely in place. Some garage doors may have built-in mechanisms that hold the door open, while others may require the use of a prop or support, such as a sturdy piece of wood or a ladder. Always use caution when working near an open garage door, as it may be heavy and can cause injury if it falls.
Step 8: Access the Garage
With the garage door open, you can now access the garage as needed. If you opened the door due to a power outage or malfunctioning automatic opener, address the underlying issue before attempting to close the door and reconnect it to the opener.
Step 9: Close the Garage Door
When you are ready to close the garage door, remove any props or supports holding it open, and ensure that the area around the door is clear. Grasp the bottom center of the door with both hands and carefully lower it to the closed position.
Step 10: Reconnect the Garage Door to the Automatic Opener
Once the garage door is closed, reconnect it to the automatic opener by re-engaging the emergency release mechanism. This typically involves pushing the handle, lever, or knob back into its original position or pulling the emergency release cord. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions for your garage door model.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively manually open your garage door from the outside in the event of a power outage, malfunctioning automatic opener, or other situations that may require manual operation. Always exercise caution when working with garage doors, as they can be heavy and may cause injury if not handled properly. Consult a garage door professional if you have any concerns or if the door does not open or close smoothly.
Step 11: Test the Garage Door’s Operation
After reconnecting the garage door to the automatic opener, test the door’s operation by using the remote control or wall-mounted button. The door should open and close smoothly and be properly aligned with the garage floor. If the door appears to be off-balance or operates with difficulty, consult a garage door professional for assistance.
Step 12: Perform Routine Maintenance
Regularly inspect and maintain your garage door and automatic opener to ensure their continued safe and efficient operation. This includes lubricating moving parts, tightening hardware, inspecting the door’s balance and alignment, and testing safety features. Refer to the garage door opener’s manual for a recommended maintenance schedule and procedures specific to your model.
Step 13: Familiarize Yourself with the Emergency Release Mechanism
Take the time to familiarize yourself with your garage door’s specific emergency release mechanism and its operation. Knowing how to use this feature can be invaluable in emergency situations or when access to the garage is necessary despite a malfunctioning opener or power outage.
Step 14: Keep a Spare Key or Emergency Release Tool
If your garage door’s emergency release mechanism requires a key or specific tool, consider keeping a spare in a safe and accessible location outside the garage. This will ensure that you can quickly and easily access the garage in case of an emergency or if the primary key or tool is lost or misplaced.
Step 15: Educate Family Members and Housemates
Ensure that all family members and housemates are aware of the garage door’s emergency release mechanism and know how to use it safely. This can help to prevent panic and confusion in emergency situations and ensure that everyone in the household is prepared to handle garage door issues appropriately.
Knowing how to manually open your garage door from the outside can be an essential skill in various situations. By following the steps outlined above and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely and effectively open and close your garage door without the use of an automatic opener. Regular maintenance and familiarizing yourself and others in your household with the emergency release mechanism can help to ensure that you are prepared for any garage door-related issues that may arise.
Some Other Ways to Open a Garage Door from Outside:
1. Door Must Be in Down Position
In order to open the door from the outside, the first thing you need to do is make sure that the door is in the down position. If it’s not, you won’t be able to open it.
2. Pull the Emergency Release Cord
The emergency release cord is a red rope that hangs from the center of your garage door. On one end of the rope is a handle, and on the other is a T-shaped bracket that fits into a slot on the bottom panel of your door. To open your garage door manually, pull on the handle until the T-shaped bracket is pulled out of the slot.
3. Manually Move the Garage Door and Return to Down Position
If the garage door opener is working, but you still can’t open your garage door from the outside, there could be an issue with the sensors. These safety features are designed to prevent the garage door from closing if something is in the way.
To test this, disconnect the garage door opener by pulling on the red cord that hangs down from the opener. Now, try to open the door from the outside. If it opens, the sensors are likely the issue. Reconnect the garage door opener and adjust the sensors as needed.
You Can Check It Out To Open Broken Garage Door
4. Pull the Emergency Release Cord Toward the Door
The emergency release cord is usually red and is located next to where the garage door opener’s arm attaches to the trolley. There will be a handle you can grip to pull on the cord.
Once you’ve pulled it about four or five inches, you should see and feel the door disconnect from the opener. If your garage door model doesn’t have an emergency release cord, you can try to pry the door open with a crowbar or similar tool.
5. Reconnect the Trolley to the Opener Carriage
Locate the release cord hanging down from the trolley with the door fully open. Take hold of the release cord, and pull it down until the trolley is connected to the opener carriage. Ensure that the trolley is securely reconnected before letting go of the cord. If necessary, use a step ladder to reach the release cord.
If your garage door opener model does not have a release cord, you need to reconnect the trolley to the carriage using the emergency release handle. First, locate the handle, which is usually found near the bottom of the opener unit. Insert the handle into the slot on the carriage, and then pull back until the trolley is reconnected. Make sure that the trolley is securely reconnected before releasing the handle.
You Can Check It Out to Reset Clicker Garage Door Keypad
Can You Open a Garage Door Manually?
There may come a time when you need to open your garage door manually. For example, maybe the power is out, the opener is broken, or you need to get something in or out and don’t want to automatically wait for the door to open. No matter the reason, it’s good to know how to open a garage door manually in case of an emergency.
The process of manually opening a garage door is quite simple. All you need to do is lift the door and release it to swing open. If your garage has a manual opener, there will be a handle or crank on the inside of the garage that you can use to open and close the door.
Why Can’t I Open My Garage Door Manually?
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to open your garage door manually. One reason could be that the door is locked. If this is the case, you’ll need to use your garage door opener to unlock it.
Another reason your garage door might not open manually because the door spring has broken.
If you’ve tried both of these solutions and still can’t open your garage door manually, there might be something wrong with the door itself. In this case, it’s best to call a professional for help.
Frequently Asked Question
Are Garage Doors Easy to Break Into?
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to the security of your garage. First, you want to ensure that you take all the necessary precautions to keep your belongings safe. One question that many people have is how easy it is to break into a garage. Generally, garage doors are not very easy to break into.
Can You Manually Open a Garage Door with A Broken Spring?
While opening a garage door with a broken spring is possible, it is not recommended as it can be very dangerous. Instead, it is best to call a professional to fix the garage door spring.
Conclusion
If you’re ever locked out of your house, don’t worry – there’s a way to open your garage door from the outside! All you need is a coat hanger and some patience. Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll be back in your home in no time. Thanks for reading our post about how to manually open garage door from outside.
You can check it out to Bypass a Garage Door Sensor
