If your garage door opener is not working, or if you want to make sure your door is secure, you can lock your garage door manually.
To do this, first, disconnect the garage door opener from the power source. Then, raise the garage door to the fully open position. Once the door is fully open, insert a locking bar into the track on each side of the door. Make sure that the locking bars are securely in place by pushing the garage door down. If it doesn’t budge, then your door is locked.
You can also add an extra layer of security by placing a C-clamp on the track on each side of the door. This will prevent the door from being raised even if the locking bars are removed.
Before doing each method, make sure to:
- Disconnect the garage door opener from the power source
- Raise the garage door to the fully open position
Using a Cable Tie To Lock Garage Door
If you don’t have a locking bar or want an additional security layer, you can use a cable tie to lock your garage door manually.
Things we Needed
- 1/2-inch diameter cable ties
- Scissors
Instructions
1. Take a cable tie and thread it through the track on each door side.
2. Make sure that the cable tie is pulled tight so that the door cannot be raised.
3. Cut off any excess cable tie with scissors.
Cable ties are a great way to secure your garage door as they are intense and difficult to remove.
Installing a Side Lock
If you want an additional layer of security, you can install a side lock on your garage door.
Things we Needed
- Side locks
- Screws
- Drill
Instructions
1. Use screws to attach the side lock to the frame on each side of the door.
2. Make sure that the side locks are securely in place by pushing the garage door down.
3. If it doesn’t move, then your door is locked.
Use a Padlock
Things we Needed
- Padlocks
- Hasps
Instructions
1. Take a padlock and secure it to the hasp on each door side.
2. Make sure that the padlocks are securely in place by pushing the garage door down.
Manual mode during a prolonged power outage
You may need to operate your garage door in manual mode during a prolonged power outage.
- Locate the release cord on your garage door opener. The release cord is usually a red handle that hangs down from the motor unit.
- Once the release cord is found, pull it to disconnect the garage door opener from the trolley.
- Now you can operate the garage door manually.
- To open the door, lift it straight up.
- To close the door, lower it straight down.
It is essential to make sure that the entry is perfectly level when operating it manually, or else it may get stuck and be difficult to open or close.
Read More: How to lock your door without a lock | Easy Steps To Change A Code On A Keypad Door Lock