A garage door is an essential component of many homes, providing a convenient and secure entrance to the garage. However, over time, the cables that support the door can become worn or damaged, making it difficult or impossible to open the door. When this happens, knowing how to safely open the garage door outside to access your vehicle or other items stored inside is important.
This guide will outline how to open garage door with broken cable from outside. While this solution is temporary, it can provide access to your garage until a professional can repair or replace the damaged cable.
Materials Needed
To open a garage door with a broken cable from the outside, you’ll need a few basic materials, including:
Ladder – You will need a ladder to reach the emergency release mechanism, usually located near the top of the garage door.
Pliers – You will need pliers to remove the emergency release cover.
Screwdriver – You may need a screwdriver to remove any screws securing the emergency release cover.
Wrench – You may need a wrench to loosen any bolts or nuts securing the cable to the garage door.
Assistant – Having someone with you to hold the ladder, hand you tools, or provide other assistance is always helpful.
It’s important to note that the materials needed may vary depending on the type of garage door and the specific emergency release mechanism. Before attempting to open your garage door with a broken cable from outside, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek the advice of a professional to ensure that you have the necessary materials and tools to do the job safely and effectively.
How to Open Garage Door With Broken Cable From Outside
Step 1: Check for Other Damages
Before opening your garage door with a broken cable from the outside, it’s essential to check for any other damages that may have occurred to the door or the opener mechanism. Inspect the door for any visible damage or dents, and ensure the tracks and rollers are free from debris or other obstructions. If there are other issues with the door, you may need to call a professional for repairs before attempting to open it from the outside.
Step 2: Gather Materials and Tools
Next, gather the necessary materials and tools, including a ladder, pliers, a screwdriver, a wrench, and an assistant if possible. It’s crucial to ensure you have all the necessary items before you begin, as climbing up and down the ladder can be dangerous and time-consuming.
Step 3: Remove the Emergency Release Cover
Locate the emergency release cover on the garage door opener mechanism. This is usually a small plastic cover that can be removed by squeezing the sides or pulling it off with pliers. Once the cover is removed, set it aside in a safe place.
Step 4: Locate the Emergency Release Mechanism
Look for the emergency release mechanism, typically a red cord or handle hanging from the opener mechanism. It may be near the top of the garage door, so use the ladder to climb up and locate it. Pulling the emergency release will disengage the garage door opener mechanism, allowing you to open the door manually.
Step 5: Use the Emergency Release Mechanism to Open the Door
Once you’ve located the emergency release mechanism, grab the red cord or handle and pull it straight down. This should release the garage door from the opener mechanism, allowing you to lift it manually. Be prepared for the door’s weight, as it can be heavy and difficult to lift without assistance. Once the door is open, use a prop or brace to keep it in place.
Step 6: Secure the Garage Door
After you’ve opened the garage door, securing it in place is important to prevent it from accidentally closing. You can use locking pliers or a C-clamp to hold the door in place until a professional can repair or replace the broken cable.
It’s important to note that opening a garage door with a broken cable from the outside should be considered a temporary solution. A broken cable can pose a safety hazard, as the door may not operate as it should, and attempting to lift or open it can be dangerous. It’s best to have a professional inspect and repair the cable as soon as possible to ensure your garage door’s safety and proper functioning.
Tips and Warnings
Tips
- Be Prepared: Ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials before you begin.
- Use Caution: Climbing up and down the ladder can be dangerous, so be sure to take your time and use caution.
- Get Help: If possible, have an assistant hold the ladder or help you lift it.
- Secure the Door: Use locking pliers or a C-clamp to secure the garage door in the open position until a professional can repair or replace the broken cable.
- Keep the Area Clear: Ensure the area around the garage door is clear of any obstacles or debris before opening it.
Warnings
- Safety First: Always put safety first when working with a garage door, as they can be heavy and dangerous.
- Don’t Force the Door: If the door is difficult to lift or won’t move, don’t force it. This can cause further damage to the door or opener mechanism.
- Call a Professional: Opening a garage door with a broken cable from outside should be considered a temporary solution. It’s important to have a professional inspect and repair the cable as soon as possible to ensure your garage door’s safety and proper functioning.
- Don’t Attempt Repairs Yourself: Attempting to repair a broken cable yourself can be dangerous and may cause further damage to the garage door or opener mechanism. Always call a professional for repairs.
- Be Aware of Potential Hazards: Broken cables can pose a safety hazard, as the door may not operate as it should. Keep children and pets away from the garage door until it can be repaired appropriately.
Frequently Asked Related Questions
Can You Manually Lift a Garage Door From the Outside
You can manually lift a garage door from the outside if it has an emergency release mechanism. The emergency release mechanism is designed to disengage the garage door opener mechanism, allowing you to manually open the door in case of a power outage or other emergency.
Locate the emergency release mechanism on the garage door opener to lift a garage door from the outside manually. This is usually a red cord or handle that hangs from the opener mechanism near the top of the garage door. Pulling the emergency release will disengage the opener mechanism, allowing you to lift the garage door manually.
It’s important to note that manually lifting a garage door can be heavy and complex, so it’s recommended that you have an assistant to help you. Additionally, manually lifting a garage door should be considered a temporary solution, as it can be dangerous and may cause further damage to the door or opener mechanism. It’s best to have a professional inspect and repair any issues with your garage door as soon as possible.
How Do You Fix a Broken Cable
Fixing a broken cable on a garage door can be a dangerous and complicated task, and leaving it to a professional garage door technician is recommended. However, if you have the necessary skills and experience and are comfortable working with garage doors, here are the general steps to fix a broken cable:
Disconnect the power: Before attempting any repairs, disconnect the power to the garage door opener to avoid any potential accidents.
Please open the door: Use the emergency release mechanism to open the garage door and secure it in place manually.
Remove the old cable: Remove the broken cable from the bottom bracket and drum at the top of the door using pliers.
Measure the new cable: Measure the length of the new cable and cut it to the appropriate size.
Thread the new cable: Thread the new cable through the bottom bracket and then through the drum at the top of the door.
Wind the cable: Use a winding bar to wind the cable around the drum. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper winding technique.
Secure the cable: Once properly wound, use pliers to secure the cable in the bottom bracket.
Test the door: Manually raise and lower it to ensure it operates properly. If it’s not, adjust the cable tension and try again.
It’s important to note that fixing a broken cable can be dangerous, as garage doors are heavy and can cause injury or damage if not handled properly. It’s recommended to leave this task to a professional garage door technician who has the skills, tools, and experience to safely and effectively repair a broken cable.
