Do Garage Doors Lock Manually, Automatically, or Not at All?

I clearly remember the day my friend visited my new home. When we locked up, he asked why I didn't lock the door from the garage into the house. I said, “Well, the garage is locked,” and he replied, “You're just one broken garage window away from a break-in.”

It was a change in how I thought about my home security. I never realized the weak link that my garage was, and that I still had work to do to secure my garage. I realized that locking the garage door was only the first step to good garage security.

Manual garage doors usually do not have locks built-in, and automatic garage doors use a secret pin code to open the door as a lock and key. You can add several types of locks to a garage door to make it more secure.

There are several types of aftermarket garage door locks that can be added for extra security. Here are some common types.

Automatic Garage Door Lock

If you have a remote control to automatically open and close the garage door, then you have an automatic garage door lock. The lock is the door in the closed position that cannot be opened manually, and the key is the pin code or remote signal that opens the door.

Garage Door Emergency Opener Keyed Release Disconnect Lock

A garage door emergency opener keyed release disconnect key lock is an emergency release kit by a very long name.

It allows you to manually open your automatic garage door in case of a power outage. You can also use it if you don't have your remote.

Here's how it works:

1. The device is installed on the garage door and connects to the garage door opener.
2. It includes a lock that can be opened with a key.
3. When the key is turned, it releases a mechanism that disconnects the garage door from the opener. This allows you to manually lift the garage door.
4. Once power is restored or you have your remote, you can reconnect the door to the opener and it will function normally.

Emergency release kits are usually compatible with a wide range of automatic door openers. It's a useful safety feature, especially if your garage door is the only entrance to your garage. It's also easy to install and use.

Garage Door Inside Lock

A garage door inside lock — also known as a garage door security slide-bolt lock — is a sliding bolt installed on the inside garage wall and door. The wall keeps the lock in place, and the slide bolt slips into the garage door track.

So long as the lock is through the track, the door cannot move, because the bolt is in the way.

Garage Keyed T-Handle Lock

A keyed T-Handle lock is specifically designed for garage doors. It is a sliding bolt like the inside lock mechanism, but it is more sophisticated. You use a handle on the outside of the garage to move the bolt on the inside of the garage.

It's called a “T-Handle” because the handle is shaped like the letter “T”. This design allows for a firm grip when you turn the handle to lock or unlock the door.

Here's how it works:

1. The T-Handle is installed on the outside of the garage door.
2. The handle is connected to a locking mechanism on the inside of the door.
3. When you insert the key into the T-Handle and turn it, it operates the locking mechanism on the inside.
4. This mechanism usually involves a bar or bolt that slides into a hole or slot in the door track, preventing the door from being opened.

Garage Door Center Mount 5-Pin Tumbler Deadbolt Lock

A center mount 5-Pin tumbler deadbolt lock is another type of lock designed for garage doors. It's a bit more complex and secure than a standard T-Handle lock.

It's a “center mount” because it's installed in the center of the garage door. This is a common location for many types of garage door locks.

The 5-pin tumbler refers to the type of key mechanism used in the lock. A pin tumbler lock uses a set of pins to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted. The “5-Pin” part means there are five sets of pins in the lock, which makes the lock more difficult to pick or open without the correct key.

The deadbolt is the solid metal bar or bolt that secures the door. When the lock is engaged, the deadbolt slides into a slot in the door frame or track, preventing the door from being opened. Deadbolts are known for their strength and security.

So, a Center Mount 5-Pin Tumbler Deadbolt Lock for a garage door is a lock that's installed in the center of the door and uses a 5-pin tumbler key mechanism and a deadbolt to secure the door. It's a strong, secure lock that can provide an extra level of security for your garage.

Conclusion

Manual garage doors do not come with locks. Automatic garage doors have a lock in the form of a remote control and pin code, as they won't open without the right signal or code.

You can add one of several different kinds of locks to your garage door, including ones that work from the inside, from the outside, and when the power goes out.