What Does the Lock at the Top of a Garage Door Do?
What Does the Lock at the Top of a Garage Door Do?
Hello again from Charlotte’s garage door repair doctors. Earlier this week we were asked by a new homeowner: what is the lock at the top of my garage door for? This is what we call a garage door emergency release key.
Garage Door Emergency Release Key
The emergency key release on your garage door is a feature designed for manual operation of the door in case of a power outage or a malfunction with the automatic door opener. This release mechanism allows you to disengage the opener and operate the garage door manually from outside the garage.
What to Know
1. Location
The emergency key release is typically located on one of the upper panels of the garage door itself and is different than the key found in a door T-handle. Connecting to the back of the lockset is a cord that connects to the emergency release mechanism on your door opener.
2. Purpose
The purpose of the emergency key release is to allow you to manually open the garage door from outside the garage when the automatic opener is not functioning. This can be useful during power outages or if there’s a problem with the opener. Consider a key release essential if you do not have another way to access the garage e.g., a side door. NOTE: We also highly recommend a garage door opener with a battery backup if you do not have another way to access your garage.
3. Activation
To use the emergency key release, you insert a key into a slot and free the lock from its housing. This action allows you to pull the cord connecting the lockset to the opener which disengages the trolley from the automatic opener. Once disengaged you are able to operate the door manually.
4. Manual Operation
Once the emergency release is activated, you can lift or lower the door by hand. Be aware that the door may be heavy, so use caution.
5. Re-engagement
After manually operating the door, it’s important to re-engage the automatic opener when power is restored or the issue is resolved. This is typically done by pulling the emergency release cord back towards the opener until it clicks back into place. Reinsert the lock in it housing and you are all set.
Alternatives to an Emergency Key Release
It is always a good idea to have a key release if you have an overhead door opener and do not have another way to access your garage. Period. One way to alleviate the need for a key release is to install an opener with a batter backup such as the Liftmaster 87504 or side mounted Liftmaster 98022. Just make sure your batteries remain charged!
Additional Thoughts
It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific instructions for your lock, as the details of the emergency release mechanism can vary. Also, put the key to your emergency key release in a safe place – and that does not mean on the wall inside your garage! Too often we are called because a
homeowner or property manager has misplaced the keys.
Call Garage Door Doctor
If you have any questions or are considering installing an emergency key release for your garage door, give Garage Door Doctor a call. We are more than happy to discuss your needs and recommend the right solution for you.
