[greatwhite24]

I closed my manuel garage, no garage door opener, door last night and it wouldnt shut so I slammed it down. Well it sounds like the cables lifting the latch on each side of the door broke so now the door will not open. The handle just turns around and around and I can hear the cables moving around. In my quest to fix this myself I ran into this site. How do I get the locking latch on each side of the garage to open so I can lift the door. The springs and pulley seem to be attached. I just need to know how to lift the locking latch on each side of the door so I can get into the garage. HELP!!!

 

[danpik]

I take it this is your only means of entering the garage? Not sure what you mean by "The handle just turns around and around and I can hear the cables moving around." Is the latch handle controled by cables to the pins that lock into the track? Sounds like you may need to break in to get the door opened.

 

[greatwhite24]

Yes, thats my only means of entering the garage. Thats what I was trying to explain, the locking pins on both sides are stopping it from opening. Turning the handle would lift these but the cable is broken from the inside. I was hoping there was a way to lift these so i can open the door.

 

[greatwhite24]

So is the only way to cut the door to enter it. I tried looking through the sides of the garage seeing if I can push the locking pins forward but I cant even find them.

 

[iamrfixit]

Does the garage have a window that you could enter through, possibly even if you have to break it out?
Depending on how tight the door is to the jamb and how tightly the tracks hold the door you may be able to remove the stop moulding or weatherstrip from the jamb, maybe even pry off the jamb board and gain enough room to find the latches and trip them. Sometimes older doors get so loose in the track that you can pull the door very hard from side to side while lifting and get the latches to release. You may even be able to remove some siding and or sheeting and go in through the wall. On an old wood panel door you might even be able to cut part of one of the panels out and repair or replace the panel after you gain access.

It all depends on how the garage was constructed and what kind of shape it is in. The fact is you are probably going to have to do some kind of damage to get in. The key is to find a way in, doing the least amount of damage you can or by damaging something that already needs to be repaired or replaced.

 

[danpik]

Does this door have recessed wood panels? If so, you could remove the 1/4 round holding one in and remove the panel to gain access.

 

[greatwhite24]

I got it open after a couple of hours of using a pry bar. I tripped the one locking latch on one side and knocked out a rolling wheel on one side, enough where I could put my hand in and trip the other locking latch. Thanks everyone for there help, this site is great. Lots of knowledge here, thanks!!!