How To Open A Garage Door Manually From The Inside And Outside

Are you stuck inside your garage with a door that won’t budge? Or perhaps you’re locked out, and the garage door simply refuses to open? Whether the power’s out, the remote’s lost, or the opener just craps out, knowing how to manually open your garage door is a valuable skill. This guide will walk you through the process for both inside and outside access, ensuring you’re never locked out. While automatic garage doors are a modern convenience, they do sometimes falter. It’s times like these when knowing how to manually open a garage door can be a real lifesaver.

 

Important Note: Before attempting any manual operation, consult your garage door’s manual or manufacturer’s instructions for specific procedures and safety precautions. Different models might have slight variations in the steps.

 

Opening Your Garage Door Manually from the Inside

1. Find the Emergency Release Cord: Look for a red cord hanging from the trolley track in the center of the garage. It should have a plastic handle at the end.
2. Pull the Cord: Give the cord a firm pull down until you hear a click. This disengages the trolley from the opener, putting the door in manual mode.
3. Unlock the Door (Optional): Some garage doors have a manual lock near the center of the inner panel. Use a key to unlock it if present.
4. Lift the Door: Grab the bottom panel of the door and lift it steadily. The spring tension will be significant, so use both hands and leg muscles for leverage.
5. Secure the Door (Optional): If you need to keep the door open, use a sturdy brace or wedge to hold it in place.

 

Opening Your Garage Door Manually from the Outside

1. Locate the Emergency Release Kit: Look for a small, locked panel near the top center of the outside of the garage door.
2. Unlock the Panel: Use the provided key to unlock the panel and reveal the emergency release cord inside.
3. Pull the Cord: As with the inside access, pull the cord down firmly until you hear a click, disengaging the trolley.
4. Unlock the Door (Optional): Similar to the inside, some doors might have a manual lock near the bottom or handle on the outside panel. Use a key to unlock it if present.
5. Lift the Door: Grip the bottom panel and lift steadily. Be prepared for the spring tension and use proper lifting technique.

 

Safety First

Always remember, safety comes first when dealing with heavy machinery like garage doors. Here are some essential safety tips:

• Never force the door: If the door feels stuck or resists lifting, stop and seek professional help. Forcing it can damage the springs or cause injury.
• Keep children and pets away: The garage door area can be dangerous for young ones and curious pets. Keep them supervised while operating the door manually.
• Mind your footing: Wear sturdy shoes and be aware of your surroundings to avoid tripping or slipping while lifting the door.
• Don’t hang on the door: Never climb or hang on the door while it’s moving. This can cause serious injury.
• Seek help if needed: If you’re unsure about any aspect of the manual operation, don’t hesitate to call a qualified garage door technician for assistance.

By following these steps and safety tips, you’ll be equipped to open your garage door manually with confidence in any situation. Remember, knowledge is power, and knowing how to bypass the automatic opener can be a valuable asset when the chips are down.

Common Issues Preventing Garage Door Operation

Sometimes, garage doors refuse to budge due to a variety of reasons. Understanding these problems can help you better diagnose your door’s dilemma.

Power Outage: This is perhaps the most common cause. In such cases, the steps above to manually open your garage door can prove highly beneficial.

Broken Springs: If the door seems unusually heavy or refuses to stay open when lifted, your springs may be the issue.

Misaligned Track: If your door is not moving smoothly or is visibly off the track, this could be your culprit.

Always remember that while some issues can be addressed with DIY fixes, others might require professional attention to ensure your garage door’s safe and effective operation.

How Superior Garage Door Can Help

At Superior Garage Door Repair, we are proud to share all the knowledge we can with our customers so that they can take a DIY approach to some of the less dangerous aspects of garage door maintenance. Contact us.

It is unlikely that other companies in Minneapolis, MN will teach you how to maintain and operate your garage door. We have plenty of articles about different topics like how to reset the code of a garage door opener.

We even have a perfect guide to follow when a broken garage door spring is irritating you! You know that learning how to reset the code of a garage door opener will help you with any minor issues you don’t think are worth calling us about.

Superior Garage Door: Your Trusted Partner for All Things Garage Door

Here at Superior Garage Door, we don’t just tell you how to handle your garage door dilemmas; we’re also here to offer our professional services. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn door that won’t open or an automatic opener that’s on the fritz, our team is ready to help.

We pride ourselves on delivering top-notch garage door services, including repair, replacement, and maintenance, all across Minneapolis, MN. Our qualified team has a wealth of experience dealing with all types of garage door issues, and we’re committed to getting your door back to its optimal performance in no time.

Being prepared for any scenario with your garage door goes a long way towards ensuring your peace of mind. Remember, should you need any help, Superior Garage Door is always just a call away.