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.