The garage door is an essential part of any home with a garage. It is an entry and exit point for cars, bikes, and other vehicles. However, what happens when the garage door opener fails or the power goes out? In such situations, you need to know how to open the garage door manually from outside. In this post, we will discuss various methods of opening a garage door manually from outside.
What Is Garage Door Manual Release?
Before we delve into the details of opening a garage door manually from outside, it is essential to understand what manual release is. Most garage doors come with a manual release mechanism that allows you to disengage the door from the opener’s motor. This mechanism is useful in situations when the power goes out or if the garage door opener fails.The manual release mechanism typically consists of a red cord or knob attached to the trolley that moves along the rail when the garage door is opening or closing. When you pull the cord or turn the knob, it disengages the trolley from the opener’s motor, allowing you to move the door manually.
Methods of Opening Garage Door Manually from Outside
There are several ways to open a garage door manually from outside. Each method is different and depends on the type of garage door you have. Here are some common methods of opening a garage door manually from outside:
Using the Emergency Release Cord
One of the most common methods of opening a garage door manually from outside is by using the emergency release cord. This method works for most garage doors that have a manual release mechanism.To use this method, locate the red cord or knob attached to the trolley and pull it down. This will disengage the trolley from the garage door opener’s motor, allowing you to move the door manually.
Using a Screwdriver
If you don’t have access to the emergency release cord, you can use a screwdriver to open the garage door manually. This method works for most garage doors that have a manual release mechanism.To use this method, locate the manual release mechanism on the garage door opener’s motor. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the hole and turn it clockwise. This will disengage the trolley from the motor, allowing you to move the garage door manually.
Using a Key
Some garage doors have a lock mechanism that allows you to open the door with a key. This method works for most manual garage doors.To use this method, locate the lock mechanism on the garage door and insert the key. Turn the key clockwise to unlock the door. Once unlocked, you can open the door manually.
Using a Code
Some newer garage door openers come with a keypad that allows you to enter a code to open the garage door. This method works for most newer garage doors.To use this method, locate the keypad on the garage door opener’s motor. Enter the code and press enter. The garage door should open automatically.
Important Notes
– Always ensure that the garage door is fully closed before attempting to disengage the manual release mechanism.
– When manually opening the garage door, lift the door slowly and steadily to avoid damaging the door or injuring yourself.
– If your garage door has a locking mechanism, keep the key in a safe place where you can easily access it in case of an emergency.
People Also Ask
– Can you open a garage door from the outside without a remote?
– Yes, you can open a garage door from the outside without a remote by using the emergency release cord, a screwdriver, a key, or a code.
– How do you open a garage door when there is no power?
– To open a garage door when there is no power, use the emergency release cord, a screwdriver, a key, or a code.
– How do you manually close a garage door?
– To manually close a garage door, pull the door down slowly and steadily until it reaches the ground. Then engage the manual release mechanism to lock the door in place.
In conclusion, knowing how to open a garage door manually from outside is essential in case of an emergency or power outage. There are several methods of opening a garage door manually, and each method depends on the type of garage door you have. Always ensure that you follow the correct procedure when manually opening a garage door to avoid damaging the door or injuring yourself.