Garage lock - recommended models and their installation

Based on the method of fastening, the following types of locking devices for garages can be distinguished:

• removable (hinged) - they are equipped with a bow that is inserted into brackets (eyes);
• permanent (overhead, mortise).

The garage lock is removable.
Overhead structures are placed from the inside, the locking device is protected, so this type is considered more reliable. Its advantages include the possibility of self-installation (no need to embed the body into the canvas, which requires some experience).

Permanent garage lock

The mortise design is the most popular; it is mounted inside the door leaf without spoiling its appearance. Since the mechanism is located close to the outer surface, it is poorly protected from the actions of intruders. To reduce the likelihood of hacking, you should take care of installing plates (they act as security elements).

Locking devices are classified according to their resistance to burglary into 4 classes. Thieves can open class 1 in less than 5 minutes, class 2 has average resistance. For garage doors, models of classes 3 and 4 with increased/high protective properties are more suitable.

Depending on the locking method, there are screw, deadbolt, cylinder, and lever locks. In recent years, self-powered electromagnetic “invisible” devices have come into use - they do not have a keyhole and are opened using a key fob.

Screw type

The screw design was popular several decades ago, but is still found today (although it is unlikely to be found on sale). The principle of operation is simple - the pin is tightened using a special key. The pin head can have a different shape, so a “foreign” key of a similar design will not work. Burglary resistance is very low.

Mortise

Mortise

This model, due to its placement, is less susceptible to external factors. Their reliability depends on the strength of the mechanism material and the end plate. Steel provides a high degree of strength; aluminum or brass are less reliable. When installing, you will have to use a chisel, drill, chisel and hammer to punch holes. It is important to avoid distortions during installation, otherwise the mechanism will jam. Mortise mechanisms are also divided into lever and cylinder. Locks with lever plates are able to withstand forceful opening using available tools. In addition, they are distinguished by the large size of the key and mechanism. In conditions of freezing and deterioration of the rotating parts, such qualities provide protection against damage. The crossbars of reliable devices are made of heat-treated steel, their length is 40–42 mm. Large manufacturers equip lever mechanisms with cylindrical springs, ensuring reliable operation of the lock. Unlike the described model, cylinder locks and their keys easily fail due to the applied forces.

Mounted type

Hinged models fix the gate in the closed position by threading the bow into 2 eyes, one of which is attached to the movable element, and the other to the fixed element. This is the simplest and not the most reliable protection option. There are the following types of padlocks:

Padlock for open garage

Mushroom garage padlock

• open type - the bow remains visible, the body contains a mechanism for fixing it inside (the most unreliable option);
• mushroom-shaped - instead of a bow, they have a metal pin made of hardened steel with a thickening at the end (it is quite difficult to file such a bow, so the design is considered more reliable compared to the open type);
• semi-closed - the role of the bow is played by a strong, even metal pin;
• closed (the so-called “turtles”) - the shackle is hidden inside a fairly massive case, the eyes are almost completely closed, which serves as protection against burglary.

Semi-closed garage padlock

Closed padlock for a garage
If the choice is the padlock type, then you should choose a closed version (“turtle”) with a molded body and be sure to install another locking device on the garage door.

Material of execution

Lock elements can be made of the following materials:

• aluminum is not afraid of corrosion, which is important for using the lock in a garage, but due to its low strength, we would not recommend using such locks;
• steel is the most durable, reliable and most preferred option when it comes to stainless or galvanized steel;
• brass is a good option in terms of strength and resistance to high humidity, but is not cheap;
• cast iron rarely used for making locks. This is a heavy material, the strength characteristics of which deteriorate under the influence of low temperatures.

Crossbar (rack) type

A rack and pinion lock for a garage has a rack (crossbar) with grooves/teeth inside the body. It opens with a long key, the grooves of which coincide with the internal relief. When opening, you don’t need to turn the key - it is pressed inward (and quite tightly, which becomes a problem in winter). Security properties are low (class 1 - hacking will take less than 5 minutes).

This type is not suitable as a main garage door lock, but it can become an additional element of protection (for safety reasons).

Some fairly common examples of garage break-ins

1. This means that you definitely need to take care of buying a lock whose quality is better. In this way, such problems can be avoided. The first example is that a slab (which often serves as a canopy) may protrude over the garage. You can put a hydraulic jack with a log on top of it. This is all to rest against the visor and lift the slab, after which a person will be able to crawl through the gap. The last action will be to unlock the lock from the middle and open the gate. It should be noted that this method may only take a few minutes.
2. The second example is to break the back wall or roof of the garage and open the lock from the inside.
3. The third example is to open a neighboring garage, which has simpler doors or a lock. After that, break the side walls and get into the desired garage. There was a case when thieves broke the walls of about 8 garages using a crowbar (their thickness, as a rule, was half a brick).
4. The fourth example is to use a crowbar to break off the lower part of the gate leaf. Let a small person into the gap that has formed, and he will be able to open the garage from the inside.
5. The next example is to drill out the bolts that secure the garage door lock to the door. After this, break the lock mechanism, cut out the metal of the door using welding, metal scissors, and so on.

Level type

A lever lock can become the main locking device, since it is easier to withstand seasonal weather changes and is less likely to jam and break. It uses levers (plates with cutouts). The key has a “bit” for each of them. The door will open only if all the plates are in the desired position.

Lever locks come in mortise and overhead locks, but the latter are more suitable for garage doors. When choosing, you need to consider:

• strength of fasteners;
• number of crossbars (retractable elements must be at least 3);
• burglary resistance class (4th is considered optimal);
• number of levers (it is desirable that they have a zinc coating).

It is better to protect the structure with armored plates. There must be protection against drilling, as well as an insert to prevent sawing of the crossbars.

Models with vertical traction (multi-sided closure) can jam strongly during thaw/freeze periods, so it is better not to use them.

General conclusion

There are many garage locking devices available on the market today. When choosing the most suitable one, you must first of all pay attention to the ratio of resistance to burglary, and, accordingly, the price of the lock, as well as the cost of the property being protected. In principle, any lock can be picked. But for criminals, the risk, time spent on hacking and the profit from theft also matter. If the benefit is less than the risk, and you have to spend a lot of time and effort, attackers will most likely bypass your garage. When choosing the optimal lock option, it is best to turn to professionals.

Cylinder models

Cylinder locks come in pin and disc types. The pin (English) type has spring pins - the inserted key moves them to a position in which it can be turned in the keyhole.

The design components, in addition to the code/locking pins, are:

• cam;
• return springs;
• drilling pin;
• larva with varying degrees of protection (it is desirable to have several secret mechanisms).

Since the cylinder can easily be knocked out, when installing it on a garage door, it is better to provide a protector (cylinder protection).

Pin structures have very poor resistance to burglary.

Disc locking devices are called Finnish. Inside the housing there is a cylinder with disks freely rotating relative to each other. The key turns them, the grooves line up. After the rod enters the grooves, the cylinder rotates and the door opens/closes. If another key is used, the rod remains clamped between the wall and the disks, making it impossible to turn the cylinder and unlock. For a garage, it is better to choose models with the largest number of disks.

The disadvantages of all cylinder locks are sensitivity to seasonal soil fluctuations that occur due to temperature changes. They can jam in the cold, they are afraid of dust and dirt. A significant drawback is the ability to open the door from the inside without a key (if a thief breaks through a wall or ceiling, he will calmly come out, taking everything he needs.

Falling key

A more advanced lock model is considered to be one that garage owners call among themselves “with a falling key.” This system got its name due to the design of the key that locks the mechanism.

Making it yourself is more difficult than the models described above. But, with some skill and the availability of tools and materials, it is possible. To do this, you need three metal plates: two for the staples, one for the latch (crossbar). Slots are made on the latch.

The next step is making the drum. It is shaped like a gear wheel. By the way, this type of garage lock itself operates on the principle of a gear drive. It is better to order it from specialists who have special gear cutting machines.

A hole for the key is drilled in the center of the drum. And in the key itself a slot is made into which a pin with protrusions identical to the holes made in the side surface of the drum is inserted. As a result, only the original thorn can open such homemade products.

The system works simply. A key with a pin turned along its axis is inserted into the hole. Having passed through, the pin falls out (hence the name). Turning the key, we get the protrusions into the holes, and the lock opens.

Garage locks of this type can also be purchased ready-made, but many craftsmen prefer to tinker to create their own unique locking device combination.

Self-powered electromechanical invisible locks

"Invisible" ones are usually used as an additional locking device. The design does not have a keyhole; it cannot be cracked with a master key. The batteries provide autonomous power supply for six months (it is important not to miss the moment and replace it on time). The gate is opened using a radio key fob or mobile phone.

Useful functions may be provided:

• a warning sent to the phone about an attempt to open mechanical locks;
• reminder to replace batteries;
• protection against code grabber (dialog code);
• turning on the siren when the door opening sensor is triggered (if installed).

In addition to the electromechanical one, there is another “electronic” type - electromagnetic, in which locking is provided by a powerful magnet.

The disadvantages of electronic models are dependence on power supply, high price, increased requirements for the installation location (in particular, there should be no gaps between the box).

Electronics, key or code

How to choose a reliable locking device? First of all, you need to decide on the type of mechanism. Locks that have mechanical numbers will not last long. The code, which is often typed, will be visible on the buttons after several months of use. The numbers are quickly erased, and it becomes easier for thieves to find a combination.

The key is used by most garage owners. However, this option has its drawbacks - the lock parts can oxidize, freeze, or become clogged. In this case, turning the key too hard may damage the device. The advantage of such models is their low price and ease of operation.

Electronic locks are more expensive, but they are reliable and easy to use. A significant drawback of such mechanisms is dependence on electricity. For such situations, you can install an alternative power source. To keep the lock safe, you will need to protect them from freezing and dirt. There is another option - using an electromechanical lock, which can be opened either with a key or by dialing an electronic code.

General requirements

It is not recommended to limit yourself to just one lock - it is better to install at least 2 at a distance from each other (the main locking device is a lever type). The body material must be stainless steel. It would not hurt to supplement the lock with an alarm system with GSM notification, or install a speaker for a loud sound notification in case of a break-in. A CCTV camera would also be useful.

Garage lock: types of designs and 5 nuances of choice

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The article explains what you need to pay attention to when choosing a garage lock. Having received this information, you will be able to separate fiction from objectivity when communicating with sellers and choose the right reliable and high-quality locking device at an affordable price.

The modern crime situation forces garage owners to install reliable locks

A garage lock must be resistant to both brute force and intelligent hacking. The first type of hacking means breaking out or drilling out the mechanism. The second is the use of special master keys, which allow you to open the garage door lock in normal mode without damaging the mechanism.

Additional recommendations

Thieves enter the garage not only through the gate or the gate installed in it - the roof and walls are often the weak point. To complicate the work, it’s worth:

• reinforce the roof, walls;
• to prevent cutting, weld the corner to the hinges, and protect the gate with steel strips (it will be difficult to bend the sash to cut off the crossbars).

Even the most reliable garage lock will not provide complete security. In an effort to preserve your property, it is worth approaching the issue comprehensively - thieves are primarily attracted to the least protected objects, which do not require much time to break into.

Operating rules

You can spend a lot of money, choose the most reliable and expensive lock, but it will last a couple of years, and all because you were unable to provide it with the appropriate operating conditions. So, what rules should you follow?

1. Accessible parts must be lubricated regularly.
2. If the lock does not open or is jammed, try filling it with grease and try again after 5-10 minutes. If after this the lock still does not budge, you can try turning the key using pliers. If this does not help, then you will have to seek professional help.
3. Sometimes problems with the lock arise due to the gate being skewed. You can correct the situation using a lever.
   Read also:  Wooden wall clocks: history and DIY options

Finally, we note that a good lock is reliable protection, but a lock alone will not give complete confidence in security, since it is also necessary to take care of protecting other ways of entering the garage, incl. walls and roofs.

The article was written for the site.

Tags: Garage, Garage doors

Door lock rating 2022

Reliable protection of their property is the primary responsibility of owners. The right lock will provide maximum protection for the main door of your home. The most reliable locks are those with a secret lever mechanism. They support more than 100 thousand different combinations, often have false levers, and blocking systems in case of hacking attempts. All devices of this rating belong to the highest protection class, and therefore the scope of application is limited only by imagination and technical nuances. In order to choose a truly reliable “defender”, a TOP 10 rating of door locks for entrance doors was compiled. The rating includes simple mechanical (with a key) and electromechanical mortise locks.

Elbor Sapphire 1.09.06

Elbor is a Russian manufacturer of anti-burglary door systems. Sapphire 1.09.06 – mortise lock with a lever secret mechanism. Burglar-resistant locks with a security rating are suitable for installation in entrance doors, safes, garages, etc. The device can only be opened with a key on both sides. A special feature of this model is the increased protection of the crossbars from being pushed into the well using pry bars, crowbars, etc. The device is made entirely of high-strength steel, resistant to drilling. The price of the unit ranges from $50-60.

KALE 352RL

High-quality door lock with a lever type of security class 4. This model is equipped with 8 levers. The number of possible combinations is more than 200 thousand - this is one of the highest indicators in the ranking. The system is entirely made of high-strength steel. Regil has 3 thick rods. An additional feature is the corner latch, which is closed from the inside of the door using a rotating head or door handle, so there is no need to constantly lock the door.

Guardian EMZ 1.02

Model EMZ 1.02 takes 8th place in the ranking of door locks in terms of reliability and quality. EMZ 1.02 is an electromechanical mortise door fuse of a hidden type. The lock is without a secret; the bolt is locked using an electromagnetic motor. In the unlocked state, the device latches are controlled using a regular door handle (pull out/retract). The device belongs to the 4th class of protection, and therefore has increased burglary resistance: pressure resistance of the crossbars, the ability to install an armored strip, protection against drilling.

Guardian 25.12 T

The device is designed for insertion into a wooden or iron entrance door. The model features steel: false grooves - provide additional burglary resistance, anti-drilling - the material of the case and internal mechanism is treated with a special coating that is resistant to metal drills, additional gearbox - a gear wheel is installed in the device mechanism, which ensures ease of turning the key. The device's bolt has 5 thick steel bolts. The device can be locked from the inside by turning the button.

Mottura 30.401

Italian high-security cylinder device of class 4 (150 thousand combinations). Suitable for installation in wooden, armored doors for any purpose. Mottura 30.401 is a pump-type device, the mechanism is very similar to its lever counterpart, however, the keys can have many more “warts” in several independent rows of secrets. This model can be locked from the inside by rotating the button, which prevents it from being opened from the outside, even with a key. If locked with a key, the mechanism can be opened from either side with the same key. The price of the device is approximately $70-80.

CISA 57.655

An expensive participant in the rating of lever-type locks. The five-fingered crossbar is made of high-strength galvanized steel. A special feature of this model is the APLS anti-burglary protection patented by CISA: when attempting to break in with master keys, the device is completely blocked, which completely eliminates the possibility of moving the valve in any way. After blocking, the device remains fully operational for the original key. The second feature of this device is the press/impact-resistant bolt, which can withstand pressure up to 1000 kg; it is almost impossible to tuck it back into the bolt either with a crowbar or a jack. The price of this model is about 8,000 rubles.

Viatec YB-600

4th place in the ranking of the best door locks in 2022 belongs to Viatec YB-600. The electromechanical system is suitable for installation at home, in sensitive facilities, offices, etc., thanks to the ability to integrate with access control systems. A special feature of this model is the “Fail Safe” function: the system is unlocked in the event of loss of the electrical signal, if it was not locked mechanically with a key. Another important advantage of this model: automatic blocking after time has elapsed, i.e. the mechanism will automatically close if you forget to close it - an excellent option for those who like to go for a walk without closing the door behind them.

Perco LB72.2

Perco LB72.2 is the best door lock for an entrance door of the third class of protection. The main feature of the device is power supply through the locking plate, i.e. power does not have to be supplied to the secret mechanism itself. The device is controlled (opening/closing) through a computer (for example, Access Control Systems), through a button on the door, or with a key. Perco LB72.2 is recommended for installation in strategically important doors (back door, emergency exit): if the lock was not locked with a key, but the deadbolt is closed using an electric pulse, then in the event of a power outage, the lock opens - such a system will allow you to unlock the door in case of emergency situations when the door is de-energized.

Cisa 15.535

Cisa 15.535 – class 4 electromechanical mortise lock (armored lock), the best door lock for a metal door. Installation of such a security system is recommended in armored entrance doors. A special feature of the design is the anti-clamping system, the bolt of which is almost impossible to return back to its place if the device is closed. The bolt has 6 thick, steel cylindrical rods: the lower four are opened with a key, the remaining two (upper) are used to lock the door from the inside - the upper bolt can be closed and opened either using an electric pulse (12V) or with a key. The manufacturer warns that you should not hold the electronic deadbolt button for too long, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the electromagnetic mechanism.

Titan-Hybrid Pro

Titan-Hybrid Pro is the best electronic door lock in 2022. This is a hidden, invisible bolt that can only be opened using a remote control. The system is powered from the general network and from 12 volt batteries (in case the main power is lost). The manufacturer is very prudent and has built an additional lithium-ion battery inside the case - this is a third power source, a backup one, which will be needed if the other two fail. Titan-Hybrid Pro lock of 4 protection class, the bolt of which has a resistance of more than 400 kg. , which almost completely eliminates the possibility of forcefully pressing it back into the sinuses. The device supports up to 35 registered remote keys. Constantly changing the cipher eliminates the possibility of copying and substituting keys.