Forced or vandalised lock
A smashed cylinder, a bent cover or the lock filled with silicone or glue. We replace the box or just the cylinder, depending on the damage.
External release for shop shutters
External release box for shop shutters in Barcelona
We replace and install release boxes for the motor of your business's metal shutter, also known in Spain as cofres de desbloqueo, cofres blindados, cajetines or blindinos. With one, you can open your premises even during a power cut or if the motor fails.
Open Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 20:00.
- Replacement of broken or forced boxes
- Installation on shutters with no release
- Armoured boxes with security locks
- Release cable and brake adjustment
What it is
What is a release box and what is it for?
Metal shutter motors have an electromagnetic brake that locks the axle when the motor is stopped. That way the shutter can't drop on its own or be forced up from outside. The problem comes when there's a power cut or the motor breaks down: with the brake on, the shutter won't move.
The release box is a small lockable box fitted to the façade next to the shutter. Inside there's a lever or pull handle connected to the motor's brake by a steel cable. When you operate it, the brake is released and the shutter can be raised by hand. It's essential when the shutter is the only way into the premises.
Depending on the manufacturer or installer, it goes by several names in Spain: caja de desbloqueo para motor de persiana, cajetín de desbloqueo exterior, cofre de desbloqueo, cofre blindado con desbloqueo, taquilla de desbloqueo or blindino. They are all the same thing, and we replace and install all of them.
How it works
How to open the shutter without power
You open the box with its key and pull the lever: the cable disengages the motor's brake and the shutter is free to be raised by hand. When the power comes back, you return the lever to its position, the brake locks the axle again and the motor works as usual.
On large, heavy shutters it takes some strength, because you're lifting the shutter's full weight without help from the motor. That's why the cable and brake need to be properly adjusted.
- Lever or pull handle connected to the release cable.
- Euro cylinder or tubular key lock.
- On some models, an up/down switch.
- Surface-mounted or recessed into the façade.
Replacement
When does the release box need replacing?
Being out on the street, the box has to withstand rain, sun, salt air and sometimes vandalism. These are the situations we're called out for most often:
Seized or rusty cylinder
The key won't go in or won't turn because of damp and dirt. If the box is fine, we replace the cylinder; if it's corroded, the whole box.
The lever doesn't release the motor
You pull the lever and the shutter is still braked. It's usually the release cable: slack, unhooked or snapped. We check it, adjust it or replace it all the way to the motor.
Broken box or cover that won't close
Old plastic boxes crack in the sun and leave the mechanism exposed. We replace them with tougher aluminium or steel boxes.
You've lost the key
Without the key to the box, you won't be able to open your premises during a power cut. We open it and replace the cylinder so you have your own keys again.
Your shutter has no external release
If the motor can only be released from inside and the shutter is the only way in, a power cut leaves you locked out. We install a release box on the façade.
Models
Release box models we install
We recommend a model based on the façade, the level of security you need and whether you want a switch for the motor. These are the most common:
Armoured aluminium box
Metal casing with a reinforced hinge and a tubular key lock, which is harder to force.
Anti-vandal steel box
Stainless steel front and steel body. Designed for busy streets or exposed locations.
Box with euro cylinder
Fitted with a euro cylinder that can be swapped for a security one or keyed alike with your premises' keys.
Classic release box
The most widespread model on business premises. A quick replacement when the old box has broken or its key has been lost.
How we work
How we replace or install the release box
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Send us a photo
Of your current box and the shutter. That lets us see the type of box and motor and give you an idea of the cost.
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Motor and cable check
We check that the electromagnetic brake works and what condition the release cable is in, to see whether it can be reused or needs replacing.
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Fitting the box
We fix the box to the façade, surface-mounted or recessed, run the cable from the motor and connect it to the lever.
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Testing and key handover
We release and re-lock the motor with you to check that it works, and hand over the keys.
Security
Is it safe to have the release on the street?
Yes, if it's the right box and it's properly installed. The box protects the lever and the cable: without its key, the motor's brake can't be released. To keep it that way, it's best to:
- Choose an armoured metal box if it's very exposed.
- Use a security cylinder that resists drilling and bumping.
- Fix the box with screws that can't be reached from outside.
- Not keep the box key inside the premises: in a power cut you couldn't get to it.
- Combine it with a good lock or padlock on the shutter.
Price
How much does it cost to replace a release box?
It depends on what needs doing: replacing just the cylinder isn't the same as fitting a new box and running a cable from the motor. We give you a fixed quote before we start. The main factors are:
- The box model: plastic, aluminium or steel, with or without a switch.
- Whether the release cable can be reused or needs replacing.
- Whether the box is surface-mounted or recessed into the façade.
- The type of lock: standard, high-security or keyed alike with other keys.
- The condition of the motor and the electromagnetic brake.
Service area
Release boxes all over Barcelona
We work with shops, bars, workshops, warehouses and offices in Barcelona and the metropolitan area. Near the sea, where salt air is harder on locks, we usually recommend aluminium or stainless steel boxes.
- Eixample
- Gràcia
- Sant Martí
- Ciutat Vella
- Sants-Montjuïc
- Les Corts
- Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
- Horta-Guinardó
- Nou Barris
- Sant Andreu
- Badalona
- Santa Coloma de Gramenet
- Sant Adrià de Besòs
- Montcada i Reixac
- Cerdanyola del Vallès
- L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
- Esplugues de Llobregat
- Cornellà de Llobregat
- Sant Just Desvern
- Sant Joan Despí
- Sant Feliu de Llobregat
- Sant Boi de Llobregat
- El Prat de Llobregat
- Viladecans
- Gavà
- Castelldefels
Common questions
Frequently asked questions about release boxes
Are a caja de desbloqueo, a cofre blindado and a blindino the same thing?
Yes. Caja de desbloqueo, cajetín de desbloqueo exterior, cofre de desbloqueo, cofre blindado, taquilla de desbloqueo and blindino are different names for the same thing: a lockable box that releases the shutter motor's brake from outside.
How do I open my shop shutter if there's a power cut?
Open the release box with its key, pull the lever and raise the shutter by hand. With the brake released, nothing holds the shutter in place, so don't let go of it halfway. When the power comes back, return the lever to its position so the motor works normally again.
I pull the lever and the shutter doesn't release. What's wrong?
Most often the release cable has gone slack, come unhooked or snapped, although the motor's brake can also fail. Don't force the shutter: we'll check the cable and the motor and leave everything properly adjusted.
Can you replace just the lock on the box?
Yes. We are locksmiths, so if the box is in good condition we replace just the cylinder, with a standard or security one. If the box is broken or rusty, it's best to replace the whole thing.
My shutter has no external release. Can one be installed?
In most cases, yes, as long as the motor has an electromagnetic brake with cable release, which is common on commercial metal shutters. We check it and, if needed, replace the cable so it reaches the box.
I've lost the key to my release box. What should I do?
Call us. We open the box and replace the cylinder so you have new keys. In the meantime, if there's a power cut you won't be able to release the shutter from outside, so it's best not to put it off.
Need to replace or install a release box?
Send us a photo of the box and the shutter on WhatsApp and we'll give you a quote, with no obligation.
Contact
Request your no-obligation quote
Tell us what you need and we'll get back to you with the most suitable solution and quote.
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Phone
611 37 54 95 -
WhatsApp
611 37 54 95 -
Email
info@merafex.es -
Service area
Barcelona y área metropolitana