Our garage is an important part of our daily lives for many of us. It’s where we store our cars, and it’s often a place where we work on projects or do other hobbies. However, you may find yourself outside your garage without your remote. Today we will teach you how to manually lock garage door from outside so that you can keep your property safe. Read on for more.
Locking a garage door is very important for the safety of your property. If you have an automated garage door opener, you probably never think about it. But if you don’t have an opener or are not working properly, you’ll need to know how to lock your garage door from the outside manually. Many people think it’s difficult to do, but it’s actually quite simple.
Summary: To manually lock your garage door from the outside, first ensure the door is fully closed. Then locate the lock cylinder on the outside of the garage door, which should be situated in the middle or towards the bottom of the door. Insert the key into the lock and turn it to the right until you hear a click. This will engage the lock, securing the door from the outside. Remember to keep the key in a safe place for future use.
A Step by Step Guide on How to Manually Lock Garage Door From Outside
Step 1: Assess Your Garage Door Type
Before attempting to manually lock your garage door from the outside, it’s essential to identify your garage door type. Garage doors typically come in four main styles: sectional, tilt-up, roll-up, and side-sliding. Each style may require a different locking method, so understanding your garage door type will help you determine the most appropriate solution.
Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the Garage Door Mechanism
Next, examine your garage door’s mechanism, including the tracks, rollers, springs, and cables. Familiarizing yourself with the different components will help you understand how the door operates and identify any potential security vulnerabilities.
Step 3: Disconnect the Garage Door Opener
If you have an automatic garage door opener, you’ll need to disconnect it before manually locking the door from the outside. Locate the emergency release cord, which is usually a red cord hanging from the garage door opener. Pull the cord to disconnect the opener, allowing you to manually move the door.
Step 4: Close the Garage Door
Manually close the garage door, ensuring it’s properly aligned and securely in place. Check that the door is flush with the ground and that there are no gaps that could compromise the security of the lock.
Step 5: Install a Slide Bolt Lock
One of the most common and secure ways to manually lock a garage door from the outside is to install a slide bolt lock. This type of lock consists of a metal bolt that slides into a bracket mounted on the door track, preventing the door from being opened. To install a slide bolt lock:
a. Measure the appropriate location for the lock, ensuring it will align with the door track when closed.
b. Mark the drill holes and use a power drill to create pilot holes in the garage door.
c. Attach the slide bolt lock to the door using screws, ensuring it’s securely fastened.
d. Close the garage door, slide the bolt into the bracket, and insert a padlock through the bolt’s hole to secure the lock.
Step 6: Install a Hasp and Padlock
An alternative method for manually locking a garage door from the outside is to install a hasp and padlock. This method involves attaching a metal hasp to the door and a corresponding staple to the door jamb or frame. To install a hasp and padlock:
a. Position the hasp on the garage door, ensuring it will align with the door frame when closed.
b. Mark the drill holes for both the hasp and staple, and use a power drill to create pilot holes.
c. Attach the hasp to the garage door and the staple to the door frame using screws, ensuring both components are securely fastened.
d. Close the garage door, engage the hasp with the staple, and lock it with a padlock.
Step 7: Use a Padlock and Latch
If your garage door has built-in locking hardware, such as a latch, you can manually lock the door from the outside using a padlock. To do this:
a. Close the garage door and engage the latch mechanism, ensuring it’s securely fastened.
b. Insert a padlock through the latch’s hole to secure the lock.
Step 8: Install a Ground Anchor
If you’re looking for an additional layer of security, you can install a ground anchor and use a chain or cable to secure the garage door to the anchor. To install a ground anchor:
a. Select an appropriate location on the ground near the garage door, ensuring the chain or cable will reach the door when closed.
b. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the ground anchor, typically involving drilling a hole in the ground and inserting the anchor.
c. Attach a chain or cable to the anchor and secure it to the garage door using a padlock.
Step 9: Install a Garage Door Bar
A garage door bar is another effective method for manually locking a garage door from the outside. This type of lock consists of a long metal bar that spans the width of the door, preventing it from being opened. To install a garage door bar:
a. Measure the width of your garage door to determine the appropriate size for the bar.
b. Purchase or create a garage door bar that fits your door’s dimensions.
c. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the bar brackets on both sides of the door.
d. Slide the bar through the brackets, ensuring it’s securely in place, and use a padlock to lock the bar in position.
Step 10: Use a C-Clamp
In an emergency or temporary situation, you can manually lock a garage door from the outside using a C-clamp. To do this:
a. Close the garage door and locate the vertical track on either side of the door.
b. Place the C-clamp tightly on the track, just above one of the rollers, preventing the door from being opened.
c. Remove the C-clamp when you’re ready to unlock the door.
Step 11: Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Garage Door
To ensure your garage door remains secure and functional, it’s essential to perform regular inspections and maintenance. Check for signs of wear or damage to the door, tracks, rollers, and locking mechanisms, and address any issues as needed. Proper maintenance can help prolong the life of your garage door system and improve its overall security.
Step 12: Consider Additional Security Measures
If you’re looking to enhance the security of your garage, consider implementing additional measures, such as installing a security camera or motion-activated lights. These features can act as a deterrent to potential intruders and provide you with peace of mind.
By following these steps, you can effectively and securely manually lock your garage door from the outside. Regular maintenance, inspections, and security enhancements can help ensure the safety and functionality of your garage door system.
You Can Check It Out To Close a Garage Door Without Power
Tips and Tricks
- If you are unsure about how to lock your garage door from the outside, there are a few tips and tricks that can help.
- The first thing to keep in mind is that you should always make sure the door is fully closed before attempting to lock it.
- This will ensure that the locking mechanism is engaged properly and prevent the door from opening.
- Once the door is closed, you can then engage the locking mechanism by pulling on the handle or using a key.
- Make sure that the door is locked securely before leaving the premises.
- If you have an automated garage door opener, you can also engage the security lock by pressing the button on the opener unit. This will prevent the door from being opened even if the power is cut off or if there is a malfunction with the opener.
- It is a good idea to keep a key to the security lock in a safe place in case of an emergency.
Where Is the Manual Lock on a Garage Door?
On most garage doors, there is a manual lock on the inside that can be used to lock the door from the inside. This is usually located near the handle. However, some garage doors have a lock on the outside that can be used to lock the door from the outside. This is usually located near the bottom of the door.
If your garage door does not have a manual lock on the inside, you will need to find the manual lock on the outside. The location of this lock will vary depending on the type of garage door you have. If you cannot find the manual lock on the outside, you may need to contact a locksmith or garage door company to help you find it.
Once you have found the manual lock on the outside, you will need to insert a key into the lock. Then, turn the key until the door is locked. You may need to use a bit of force to get the key to turning. Once the door is locked, you will not be able to open it from the inside or the outside.
If you ever need to unlock the door, you will need to insert the key into the lock and turn it in the opposite direction. Then, you will be able to open the door from either the inside or the outside.
How Do I Lock My Garage Door After Manual Release?
If you have recently released your garage door from the opener, you may be wondering how to lock it. Unfortunately, this is a common question, as many people are not familiar with the process of locking a garage door from the outside. Fortunately, it is a relatively simple process requiring only a few steps.
First, you will need to locate the manual release handle on your garage door. This is typically a large red handle near the bottom of the door. Once you have found the handle, pull it towards you to release the door from the opener.
Next, locate the locking tab on the inside of the garage door. This is usually a small metal tab located near the top of the door. Once you have found the tab, depress it with your thumb or finger.
Finally, pull the manual release handle towards you to lock the door in place. You should now be able to safely exit your garage without worrying about the door closing behind you.
Conclusion
If you have a garage, it’s important to know how to manually lock the door from the outside in case of an emergency. By following these simple steps on how to manually lock garage door from outside, you’ll be able to secure your home and family in no time.
You May Also Read: How to Manually Open Garage Door from Outside
