Garage door lock kit (including lock assembly, keys, and screws)
Pencil or chalk
Padlock
Lock lubricant (optional)
Securing your home’s largest entrance is crucial. Yep, we're talking about your garage. It is arguably the most vulnerable spot in homes and deserves your full attention. Here, we share how to lock a garage door inside and out so you can fortify your sanctuary.
Buying Your Supplies
You need to purchase a few things for your garage door to get the project rolling. First, pick up a garage door keyed lock set for the exterior. Most home improvement stores sell them for around $50 or less. Next, buy a padlock with a long shackle for the interior. Expect to pay about $15.
It will add an extra layer of protection by securing the track.
Prepare for Installation
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Ensure you have all the components from your garage door lock kit. If you're replacing an existing lock, remove it first. If this is a new lock installation, decide where to install the lock on your garage door. Typically, it should be near the center of the door, at a comfortable height. You can use a tape measure to help determine what works best for you.
Mark the Handle Location
Grab the template provided in the kit. It is for the handle with the keyhole. You can hold the handle against the garage door if one isn’t provided.
Now, you are ready to mark where to drill holes to install the handle and the lock assembly. Place the template or handle against the exterior side of your garage door and mark the door using a pencil or chalk. You will need a mark for the center and two side holes. Do your best to hold the template or handle straight. You can use a ruler to draw a straight line first for reference.
Drill Holes
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Put on your safety glasses for eye protection. The kit should share what size drill bits to use. The middle hole may require a 7/16-inch bit, and the two side holes a 5/16-inch bit.
Now, use a drill to create the mounting holes. Ensure that the holes are deep enough to accommodate the screws provided with the lock kit.
Install the Lock Assembly
Now, pop the end of the handle with the screws into the holes you created on the door's exterior, then go inside.
Next, install the actuator on the interior side of the door. First, pop in the spacer that comes with the kit behind the garage's metal frame. It will prevent crushing. Now, place the actuator over the middle screw according to instructions, aligning it with the two side holes.
The final step is to screw and bolt the lock assembly in place. Remember to make sure the lock assembly is firmly attached to the door.
Use a level to check that the lock assembly is aligned horizontally and vertically. Adjust if necessary. You may need to loosen the screws and tighten again to make adjustments.
Test the Lock Mechanism
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Return outside and insert the key with the kit you purchased into the lock. Turn it to ensure that it engages and disengages smoothly. Test it a few times to make sure it's functioning correctly.
If the lock feels stiff and challenging to turn, you may need to go back inside and slightly loosen the screws holding the actuator in place. However, you want to ensure that the screws are still tight.
You can also use a lock lubricant, like graphite powder or silicone spray. A quick application to the lock mechanism will smooth operation, making it easier to turn the key.
Secure the Strike Plate
Some garage door lock kits have a strike plate to reinforce the locking mechanism. If your kit includes one, attach it to the garage frame or wall where the lock's latch will engage when locked. You will need a drill and the bolts in the kit.
Prep for Adding the Padlock
Now that the keyed lock is in place, you’ll want to lock your garage from the inside with a padlock. It provides an extra measure of security.
First, examine the interior side of your garage door and track to find a suitable location for the padlock. Choose a spot just above one of the rollers.
Mark the Drilling Point
Use a pencil or chalk to mark the exact spot on the track where you want to drill the hole. Ensure it's high enough to prevent interference with the roller but low enough to accommodate the padlock.
Drill the Hole
Carefully drill a hole through the garage door track at the marked point. Use a drill bit suitable for metal, such as a metal or a cobalt bit.
Apply gentle, steady pressure while drilling to create a clean hole. Remember to avoid pushing too hard or using excessive force, which may damage the track. You may want to start with a smaller drill bit and then move to a larger size that accommodates the padlock’s shackle.
Test the Fit
After drilling the hole, test the fit of the padlock shackle to ensure it passes through the opening without any obstructions. Make any necessary adjustments if it is too small or has burrs.
Install the Padlock
Photo: Amy Walters / Adobe Stock
Insert the padlock shackle through the hole in the track. If your padlock has a key or combination mechanism, ensure it is accessible. Lock the padlock to secure the door.
Test the Lock
Verify that the padlock effectively prevents the garage door from opening when it's locked. Test the padlock to ensure it can be easily opened.
Maintenance
Periodically check the padlock and the hole in the track to ensure they are in good condition. Lubricate the padlock's mechanism if needed. Remember, proper maintenance is critical to securing your garage from theft.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Whether to hire a professional or install a garage lock yourself depends on various factors, including your skill level, the complexity of the lock installation, and your budget. Here are some pros and cons of both options to help you make an informed decision.
Hiring a Professional
Expertise:A local locksmith has the knowledge and experience to install locks correctly and securely.
Time-saving: Hiring a pro can save you time and effort, as they can complete the job quickly and efficiently.
Warranty: Many professional locksmiths offer warranties on their work, providing peace of mind.
Security: Professional installation ensures the lock is secure and protects your garage.
Customization: A locksmith can recommend and install a lock that suits your security needs.
Cost: Hiring a professional locksmith can be more expensive than a DIY installation but could be worth spending for safety’s sake.
DIY Installation
Cost savings: DIY installation is typically cheaper as you don't have to pay for labor.
Learning opportunity: Installing a lock yourself can be a valuable learning experience, and you gain skills for future projects.
Flexibility: You can choose when to install the lock without scheduling conflicts.
Risk of Errors: During installation, mistakes can lead to security vulnerabilities or lock malfunctions.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you also have a standard door leading to your garage, install a robust deadbolt lock and reinforce the frame with security plates. Then, secure any windows with shatterproof glass or film to deter break-ins. Consider a smart garage door opener for your car entrance, enabling remote monitoring and control through your smartphone. Motion-activated lighting around the garage to deter intruders is a great way to amplify these security efforts. Lastly, educate your family on security practices, such as keeping the garage entrances closed and locked.
There is a reason many commercial garages and storage facilities have roller garage doors. They stand out as one of the most secure options due to their unique design. The compact installation and absence of visible leverage points on the sturdy aluminum curtain make them a formidable obstacle for potential intruders.
Electric garage doors are secure when adequately installed and maintained. They often come equipped with safety features like rolling code technology that generates a new code each time you use the remote, making it harder for burglars to intercept and duplicate. However, their security depends on factors like the quality of the door and your diligence in safeguarding remote controls and access codes. Regular maintenance, strong passwords, and adding security enhancements can boost the security of electric garage doors, making them a reliable choice for many homeowners.
Deirdre is a seasoned DIYer and home improvement writer. She believes in the transformative powers of deep cleaning and painting to revitalize any space. Her articles have appeared in HomeLight, The Spruce, Realtor, and more.
Deirdre is a seasoned DIYer and home improvement writer. She believes in the transformative powers of deep cleaning and painting to revitalize any space. Her articles have appeared in HomeLight, The Spruce, Realtor, and more.
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