Knowing how to properly lock and unlock your garage door is an important part of home security and maintenance. A garage door that is not properly secured can allow unwanted access to your home and possessions. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the various methods for locking and unlocking different types of garage doors, as well as provide tips on garage door maintenance and troubleshooting problems. Whether you have a roll-up, tilt-up, or swing-style garage door, this guide will teach you how to operate it safely and securely.
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Manual Locks
Many garage doors have built-in manual locking mechanisms as a basic security feature. The most common types are slide locks, turn knobs, and side lock bars.
Slide Locks
Slide lock mechanisms involve a metal or plastic bar attached to the door track that can slide into place to prevent the door from being lifted. To lock a slide lock, simply slide the bar into the lock position across the door track. Make sure it is fully seated in the locked position. To unlock, slide it back out of the locked position. This allows the door to move freely again.
Turn Knobs
Doors with turn knob locks have a rotating knob or handle on the inside of the door that can be turned to engage locking bars. Rotate the knob to extend the bars into slots on the door tracks. Turning the knob in the opposite direction will retract the locking bars and allow the door to be opened.
Side Lock Bars
These locks involve sliding or dropping a long metal or plastic bar into slots on the door tracks. The lock bar extends across the full width of the door to secure it. To engage the lock, fully insert the bar into the slots. Remove the bar to unlock the door. This type of lock provides security but can be inconvenient for frequent use.
Keyed Locks
In addition to manual locks, many garage doors have keyed locking mechanisms for improved security. This allows the door to be locked and unlocked conveniently without having to get out of your vehicle. There are a few common types of keyed garage door locks.
Integral Door Handles
Many modern overhead garage doors have a keyed lock built right into the main lifting handle in the center of the door. This allows you to simply insert your key and turn it to engage the internal locking mechanism. Typically you would turn the key 90 degrees to lock and then turn it back to unlock. Just make sure when locking that you return the key so it is properly oriented to insert for unlocking.
Separate Deadbolts
Older or custom doors may have a separate deadbolt lock installed somewhere on the door. This operates just like any other keyed deadbolt. Insert your key, turn it 90 degrees to extend or retract the bolt, and make sure to return the key to starting position before removing it. The lock bolt may slide into a slot on the track or floor when engaged.
Keypads
Keypad garage door locks provide keyless convenience. You simply punch in a 3- to 5-digit access code on the backlit keypad to lock and unlock the door. This avoids having to carry around and keep track of physical keys. Just remember to change the code from the default for better security.
Remote and Smart Locks
Modern convenience and smart home technology can also be integrated into your garage door locks. These types of locks allow you to control and monitor your garage door remotely using a smartphone or voice assistant.
Garage Door Opener Remotes
If you have an automatic opener for your garage door, it most likely came with a handheld remote control included. Many models will have a lock button that activates the automatic lock on the garage opener motor itself. Pressing this button will prevent the door from opening even if the remote signal is sent. Press again to deactivate the lock and allow normal operation.
Smart Garage Hubs
Smart garage door hubs like Garadget can connect your garage door to your home WiFi network. This allows you to lock and unlock the door from anywhere using the smartphone app. It also enables voice commands through virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. With a smart hub you can say something like “Alexa, lock my garage door” from anywhere in your house.
Bluetooth Enabled Locks
There are now modern Bluetooth enabled garage door locks on the market that allow you to open your garage door from your smartphone as you approach. This allows keyless entry into your garage without having to carry a remote or duplicate keys for everyone in the household. Popular options include Kwikset Kevo and Schlage Encode Plus.
Tips for Properly Locking Your Garage Door
To ensure your manual and electric garage door locks are properly securing your garage, keep these tips in mind:
– Always double check that manual locks are fully engaged before leaving your garage. Tug on the locked door to confirm it will not move.
– Avoid leaving an electric garage door opener remote inside your locked vehicle in the garage. This could allow intruders access.
– Make sure to deactivate any smart locks or automatic closers before performing maintenance or repairs on your garage door.
– Change default access codes from any smart or keypad locks to personalized codes for improved security.
– Consider installing an indoor switch to disable the electric garage door opener as an extra precaution against break-ins.
– If going on vacation, consider deploying a smart garage lock to monitor activity and remotely control access while away.
Unlocking a Jammed Garage Door
In some cases, a garage door may become jammed and refuse to unlock. Issues like mechanical problems, obstructions, or broken springs can cause locking bars to become stuck. Here are some tips for freeing a jammed garage door lock:
– For slide lock bars, tap on the bar with a hammer to jar it loose. Apply lubricant like WD-40 to help it slide more easily.
– Use an inflatable air bladder to provide pressure between the door panels near the stuck locking bar. The gentle prying action can help pop it loose.
– For key locks, spray lubricant into the lock cylinder and keyway. Turn the key back and forth repeatedly to work the lubricant into the mechanism.
– With the door fully locked, push up on the door manually while having an assistant turn and wiggle the key. The door movement may free the stuck lock.
– If locks are hopelessly jammed and the door is trapped shut, the locking bar end caps may need to be removed or drilled out to free the door. But call a pro if needed.
Maintaining Your Garage Door Locks
Like any mechanical system, garage door locks need periodic maintenance to keep working smoothly. Here are some tips for upkeep:
– Lubricate sliding lock bar mechanisms with silicone spray every few months to prevent rust and sticking.
– Use graphite powder or lock lubricant inside keyed lock cylinders to maintain smooth turning motion.
– Ensure lock bars are not rubbing on door track surfaces to prevent binding. Adjust if needed.
– Check for loose or worn lock bar end caps. Replace promptly if missing or degraded.
– Verify screws are tight on any surface mounted lock assemblies. Do not over tighten.
– Clean dirt and debris out of lock slots and mechanisms to prevent jamming.
– Confirm garage door is balanced and running smoothly so locking bars operate easily.
Replacing Damaged Locks
Over time, garage door locks may wear out or become damaged. Here is how to replace common lock types:
Slide Locks
1. Unscrew old slide lock assembly from door surface.
2. Select replacement with same length and mounting holes.
3. Position replacement lock on door surface and attach with screws.
4. Adjust lock slide action and confirm it engages properly.
Turn Knob Locks
1. Remove interior knob assembly and mounting plate.
2. Carefully detach exterior locking bars from slots.
3. Install new knob and plate in same position.
4. Reinsert locking bars on new knob and adjust depth as needed.
Deadbolts
1. Unscrew old deadbolt assembly and remove from door surface.
2. Make sure new deadbolt cutout on door surface matches old hole spacing.
3. Position new deadbolt and attach with mounting screws.
4. Confirm bolt projection length is correct and engages track/floor slot.
Keypads
1. Release keypad assembly from mounting panel and disconnect wires.
2. Attach new keypad wires matching old unit connections.
3. Secure new keypad assembly onto mounting panel.
4. Program new entry codes and test operation.
Replacing damaged garage door locks requires proper installation to restore security. Consider hiring a professional if unfamiliar with repair procedures.
Troubleshooting Garage Door Locks
If your garage door locks are malfunctioning, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Lock bar does not fully engage track or floor slot
– Inspect for damage or bending on lock bar ends. Replace if degraded.
– Check for warping or misalignment of track and slot. Straighten or reposition as needed.
– Examine for dirt, debris, or rust inside locking slot. Clean out obstructing material.
– Ensure lock slides smoothly and does not bind up before engaging. Lubricate and adjust.
Keyed lock not turning smoothly
– Lubricate lock cylinder and keyway with penetrating oil or lock lubricant.
– Verify proper key is being used and is not damaged.
– If key inserts fully but does not turn, lock may need rebuilt or replaced.
Smart lock not responding remotely
– Check WiFi and Bluetooth connections are active.
– Ensure device batteries are not depleted.
– Reboot smart hub controller and phone app.
– Reset lock by manually locking and unlocking.
– Contact manufacturer support for additional troubleshooting.
Opener remote not locking door
– Confirm remote has fresh battery. Replace if needed.
– Ensure antenna on garage door opener motor is intact.
– Reprogram remote with opener unit per manufacturer instructions.
– Try operating from closer range, slowly moving away to test range.
– Motor unit may need adjustment or repair. Contact installer.
Keypad lock not accepting entry code
– Make sure correct master and user codes are being entered.
– Check for loose wire connections to keypad.
– Reset keypad to factory default and reprogram codes.
– Attempt code entry without pressing Enter/pound key first.
– Keypad digits may be damaged and need replacement.
Conclusion
Having properly functioning and secure locks on your garage door is a crucial component of protecting your home. Whether you just need to lubricate sticky locking bars or replace the entire deadbolt assembly, use the instructions in this guide to get your garage door locks operating smoothly again. Pay close attention to any unusual behavior or signs of damage that could compromise security. Investing a small amount of periodic maintenance into your garage door locks will provide ongoing safety and peace of mind knowing your possessions are protected.