How to Open a Garage Door Manually - A Step-by-Step Guide

You pull into your driveway after a tiring day at work, only to notice something is amiss. You click the garage door button and … nothing. Is the power out? 

While a minor power disruption is generally nothing more than an inconvenience, being unable to access your garage is an issue. Thankfully, garage door manufacturers have anticipated such situations and devised alternative methods for opening your garage door during a power outage or automatic systems breakdown. Here’s how to open a garage door manually. 

How to Open a Garage Door Manually

When your garage door won’t open automatically, there’s no need to panic that you’ll be stranded or delayed. Modern garage doors have a release cord, so you can open them manually without power. 

Here’s how to locate and use this cord to open the door manually so you are not locked out of your garage.

How to Open a Garage Door Manually From the Inside

Unlock the door

Ensure that any locks or latches on the outside of the garage door are open so they don’t interfere when you are manually opening the door.

Unplug the opener

Disconnect the power cord connected to the automatic door opener for safety purposes.

Find the emergency release cord

Locate the emergency release cord, distinguished by its red handle, hanging from the centre rail of the garage door track. This cord is attached to the trolley, which connects the door’s arm to the centre track. Do not use the emergency release handle unless the garage door is closed. 

Pull the cord

Pull down the emergency release handle to disconnect the garage door from the trolley, switching the door into manual mode.

Lift the garage door

Grip the bottom of the garage door and lift it straight up until it stops moving. Ensure it stays in position before releasing it and driving your car out of the garage.

Close the door

Once outside, pull the door down by hand to close it again. If your door has a lock bar, slide it into place manually to secure the door.

How to Manually Open a Garage Door From the Outside

Locate the emergency release kit

Find a small lock near the top of your garage door. This lock houses an emergency release cable. You will also need the corresponding key.

Unlock the emergency release cord

Insert the key and remove the lock tumbler to reveal the cable. This cord triggers the release mechanism, switching the door to manual mode.

Unlock the garage door

Below the emergency release kit, you’ll find another lock next to a handle that keeps the door closed. Use the key to unlock the door and turn the handle vertically.

Lift the door

Pull the garage door straight up using your hands, ensuring it remains open before driving your car into the garage.

Close the door

Pull the door down into a closed position from inside the garage.

Safety Measures When Opening a Garage Door Manually

To ensure your safety, it is essential to disconnect your garage door opener’s power cord before opening your garage door manually. Even if the power is already out, it is prudent to confirm that no electricity is reaching the opener.

Conclusion

During a power outage, it is crucial to know how to open a garage door manually. Alternatively, installing an automatic opener with a backup battery ensures uninterrupted operation. 

You can also contact Door Doctor today for reliable garage door installation and repairs.