Introduction
Opening a garage door manually from outside can be necessary in certain situations, such as a power outage or a malfunctioning garage door opener. Knowing how to perform this task can save you from being locked out of your garage. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to open a garage door manually from outside.
Locating the Emergency Release Cord
The first step in opening a garage door manually is to locate the emergency release cord. This cord is usually red and hangs from the garage door opener mechanism. It is designed to disengage the opener and allow you to open the door manually. The location of the emergency release cord may vary depending on the type and model of your garage door opener, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions if you are unsure.
Preparing to Open the Garage Door
Before attempting to open the garage door manually, it is important to ensure that the door is in the closed position. If the door is partially open, it may be difficult to disengage the opener mechanism. Additionally, make sure there are no obstructions in the path of the door, as it may swing open suddenly once disengaged.
Disengaging the Garage Door Opener
To disengage the garage door opener, pull down on the emergency release cord. This will release the door from the opener mechanism, allowing you to manually operate it. You may need to apply some force to pull the cord down, as it is designed to be secure.
Opening the Garage Door
Once the garage door opener is disengaged, you can proceed to open the door manually. Depending on the weight and size of the door, this may require some physical effort. Use both hands to grip the bottom of the door and lift it upward. Be cautious of your surroundings and avoid placing yourself in a position where the door could fall on you.
Securing the Garage Door
After opening the garage door manually, it is important to secure it in the open position to prevent it from closing unexpectedly. Many garage doors have a manual lock mechanism that can be engaged to keep the door in place. Consult your garage door’s manual to locate and engage the lock. If your door does not have a manual lock, consider using clamps or other securing devices to keep the door from closing.
Conclusion
Knowing how to open a garage door manually from outside is a valuable skill that can come in handy during power outages or when the garage door opener malfunctions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively open your garage door manually. Remember to always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings when performing this task.
References
– Chamberlain: www.chamberlain.com/support
– LiftMaster: www.liftmaster.com/support
– Genie: www.geniecompany.com/support
