Locking devices of this type are mainly installed in garages and sheds; they are often equipped with utility room doors and gates. But it is not recommended to use them on entrance doors - with some persistence you can open a rack lock without a key. This article will help those who for some reason lost it (broke it) and cannot gain access to their personal garage.
Secret mechanism device
It is quite simple, the only difference is in the number of crossbars, their shape and location; The more elements, the more reliable the constipation.
In the upper part of the metal plate associated with them (the “slider”) there is a cutting in the form of oblique grooves (in some models they are directly on the slats). The key has teeth with the same pitch and parameters corresponding to the recesses of the “secret”. Having inserted it into the hole, you can open the lock by simply turning it. In this case, it is recommended to press the door slightly to facilitate the movement of the fixing pins.
- Easy to install - the rack lock is attached to the canvas in an overhead manner.
- Durability. The design is so primitive that there is nothing to break in such a locking device; Traditional pins, levers, and elements of electrical equipment are absent.
- Possibility of making it yourself.
- Low cost rack-and-pinion garage locks.
How to remove a broken key
If a key gets stuck in the hole during an attempt to open it, it can be removed in several ways. Holding the visible part of the key with pliers, try to turn it in the opposite direction. To simplify the task, it is worth spraying the well with anti-corrosion liquid or machine oil, which will make sliding easier. You can also gently tap the key to loosen it.
If the key breaks and there is a piece left inside, you need to pry it off using a brass tube. It is enough to heat the base of the tube with a soldering lamp and put it on the piece. After waiting for the tube to cool, all that remains is to turn it to open the door and remove the key.
Opening methods
Option 1
If the mechanism is relatively new and regularly serviced, then you only need a screwdriver with a long blade. It is necessary to insert it into the well and try to feel the groove of the “slider”. After this, you need to slightly tilt the tip to achieve a rigid “hitch”, and you can open the garage lock. By pressing the door and inserting a screwdriver one by one into the next grooves, the bolts are moved to the side. As a rule, a quarter of an hour is enough, and the canvas will unlock.
If you don’t have a screwdriver, any thin object of the appropriate cross-section will do - a pencil, a piece of branch, a long nail. The only thing that is advisable to do is to wet the wood first, otherwise it will split under great force.
Option 2
Opening a rack lock without a key using this method is somewhat more difficult, and it is also not always possible. You need to find a tool (optionally, “hard” wire) with a long and thin tip - a screwdriver, an awl or something similar.
The opening is carried out through the gap between the door leaf and the garage gate leaf. It will have to be bent a little and fixed in this position. You can use an axe, a nail puller, or a small crowbar; If the meaning is clear, it is not difficult to find. The working tool goes deep into the slot with the calculation to get to the edge of the groove. After this, you need to press and try to move the bolt from its place. It will take a lot of time, but the rack lock will definitely give in.
Option 3
If you have time, you don’t have to think about how to open a garage lock with a “slider”. It is advisable to prepare a “lasso”; it will come in handy more than once in a force majeure situation. It is made from a metal tube and cable; it is inserted into it and brought out in the form of a loop. By flattening the end of an improvised handle, you can get a kind of key.
To open it, it is necessary to remove the bolts one by one. At the end of each there is a protrusion in the form of a pin; These are the ones you should throw a lasso at. As soon as it works, by turning the tube and moving it to the side, they shift to the “open” position.
With this method, it is recommended to try two methods: insert the key into the gap between the sashes (if one of them can be bent) or into the well. But in any case, the lock will open.
Useful tips
- Almost all factory-made rack and pinion mechanisms are equipped with a return spring. To open a deadbolt lock with several locks, each one must be locked.
- These locks are quite fragile. This must be taken into account during the unlocking process. Excessive efforts lead to deformation of the edges of the grooves, and this will cause difficulties with the subsequent operation of the product, even if it can be opened with the “original” key.
- Given the simplicity of rack and pinion locks, it is not worth using them separately. We can talk about reliable door protection only if it is additionally equipped with another locking device, and of a different type.
Knowing the principle of operation of the rack and pinion mechanism, it is not difficult to choose an acceptable method of opening it. And in this regard, it is appropriate to remind you of the need for regular maintenance of the castle. If it is systematically cleaned and lubricated, then there will be no problems with the displacement of the crossbars.
A mechanical lock of the overhead type with several crossbars is called a rack and pinion lock. The more bolts, the more difficult it is to open such a device.
The lock works according to a simple scheme. On the main crossbar, oblique grooves are cut, maintained at a specific angle. They match the angle of the key teeth. When the key is inserted into the lock's hole, the teeth engage with the slots in the rack. When pressed, it begins to move and the door opens.
It must be said that rack locks have a number of advantages. They work at any temperature and are not afraid of high humidity and precipitation. Therefore, this device is successfully used as a garage lock. But opening such a mechanism is not difficult, so they are rarely installed in apartment doors.
Selecting the right tool
To open a garage lock, specialized tools are required, which must be used for any type of internal device. You can hack using the following tools:
- A universal master key equipped with a retractable hook. Externally, the tool resembles a key with an oblong shaft and a complex bit on which a hook is attached for prying off the internal plates.
- Pick with rounded tension. The device is suitable for breaking locks of the 2nd and 3rd degree of protection. If you need to open a mechanism with a more complex device, this type of master key will not work.
- Roll with a hook. The most reliable device to use, but it can only be used with certain skill and experience.
The listed tools are used for manipulative opening. A simpler and faster way is to hack using brute force. In this case, the following tools may be required:
- electric drill;
- curved scrap;
- Sander;
- Screwdriver Set;
- hydraulic shears;
- hammer;
- pliers;
- acetylene welding.
The specific list of tools depends on the type of lock and its serviceability. When resorting to a rough hacking method, it is important to consider that manipulation can cause severe damage, as a result of which the mechanism will need to be replaced.
How does a rack lock work?
The entire structure consists of several parts:
A rail is made from a rectangular metal blank. On it, oblique teeth and grooves are cut with a milling cutter while maintaining a certain angle. The number of slats may vary. In order for the lock to close, a special spring is installed. The body is made of durable steel of various sizes and shapes.
The most difficult part of a lock is the key. When making it, you need to accurately cut the grooves and adjust them to the angle of the slats. Moreover, cutting can be carried out on both sides of the key.
Rack lock diagram
Making a duplicate is difficult. Therefore, opening it if you suddenly lose the key to the rack and pinion lock becomes a headache.
These keys are considered non-standard. To make a duplicate, it is difficult to find a suitable blank. The technology of work also poses difficulties. It is necessary to manually bring the teeth to complete alignment with the rack. The shape of deadbolt keys varies. They are performed:
Types of locks and how to break them yourself
The individuality and sequence of independent hacking directly depend on the type of lock. It can be mounted, lever-mounted, rack-and-pinion, cylinder-type, or have the least common internal structure. You can find out which type is installed in your garage by external signs or in the attached technical documentation.
Rack and pinion
The system of rack locking devices implies the presence of several crossbars inside. If they are rusty or broken, you can hack using several methods:
- Insert a narrow tube into the well and thread an iron string twisted into a loop through it. To move the crossbars, you need to put a loop on their handles.
- Carefully move the crossbars through the key hole with an awl or other similar object.
- Through the gap between the sashes, alternately move any crossbar with a narrow iron tool.
If the rack lock is equipped with a bolt locking function, it can be opened with a suitable master key. Also, rack varieties are subject to forced opening by cutting off the crossbars.
Cylinder lock with cross plates
The transverse placement of the plates in the cylinder lock ensures ease of opening. To maintain the serviceability of the mechanism after hacking, you can place an iron rod inside the well and turn it until it opens. If the plates in the cylinder device cannot be opened, it will be necessary to destroy the internal elements.
The cylinder can be drilled out using a power drill and a suitable sized hard alloy drill bit.
Level
The more common internal structure is the lever variety. If the mechanism is jammed or the key is lost, you can open the lock with any similar key, wire or a regular master key.
Barrier
Despite the complex system, the Barrier type deadbolt lock is also subject to hacking. Inside the device there are 3 pins and an extended bolt made of durable material. The drawback of the locking element is the weak part that secures the cylinder assembly. Using a hammer, you can knock out the fixing part, then remove the cylinder.
Cylinder lock with pins
When hacking, it is necessary to take into account that the presence of internal pins can complicate the process. Some cylinder-type locking devices have several rows of pins. Since the elements are made of weak materials, they can be removed using a sharp roll. The outside of the tool is a blank of an ordinary key. To successfully open a lock, it is important that the iron tool can fit freely inside the hole.
During the opening process, the roll is inserted into the key hole and rotated in the cylinder using a special lever. Pins with a minimum strength rating will be cut evenly with a sharp roll. After cutting off all parts, the mechanism will open. After using the package, you will need to install a new lock, since a hacked device cannot be restored.
Method of opening rack models
How to open a rack lock without a key? What are the mechanics of this process? Some models are equipped with a device that allows you to set the bolt to the “locked” position.
However, even with a large number of bolts, there are many ways to open a lock if the keys are lost. All of them are used for one purpose - to move the rack and get it out of engagement.
Let's get acquainted with the technology of how to open a rack lock with minimal cost. You need to take a strong thread or string. Use any tool, such as a screwdriver, to bend the door leaf away from the block. Insert the wire loop into the keyhole. It is pushed through the length of the crack made. The loop should grip the rack tooth.
If you pull the attached wire, the rail moves to the side and the lock opens easily.
One way to open a rack and pinion mechanism
You can open a deadbolt or rack lock with a sharp object. In the same way, create a gap and insert some sharp object. After it engages with the teeth, slowly move the rack until the lock opens.
If the lock has several bolts, two or three approaches are performed. Each shifted rail is fixed with any suitable object. It should not move back under spring pressure. Once all the slats are moved, just lightly press the door to open it.
If you find yourself indoors, you can open the rack lock:
Drilling options
To drill out a lock, you need to follow a certain method. First you need to look at it and find out what it is made of. Some have drill protection or may be made of hardened steel.
If you are not sure what the device is made of and what its structure is, it is better to contact a specialist.
It is necessary to make sure that an ordinary lock without a secret can be opened, and one whose cylinder can be pulled out without problems. Before you start drilling, you need to turn off the alarm. Stock up on tools, specifically a strong drill with adjustable speed (it is not recommended to take a hand drill), and drills suitable for the size of the mechanism. The drill must be inserted into the drill, the diameter should be 3 mm.
Above the well you need to mark a point, which is a guide for drilling; it must be located above the cut line. If you cannot find this point, you need to find a drilling template for a similar device that is sold in stores. This method is intended for breaking locks in your own house, apartment, or garage. Trespassing on someone else's property is a criminal offense and is punishable by law. Having completed the entire method on your door, installing the drill on the guide, you need to drill out the lock cylinder. Destroyed pins will allow you to open it.
Interesting read: Which lock to put on the front door
What difficulties may occur during drilling:
- The occurrence of resistance due to the fact that pin 6 or more.
- Resistance when the drill comes into contact with each individual pin.
- If you get stuck, you need to turn on the reverse and remove the drill, remove the sawdust from the alloy.
There is no need for haste in such a matter. You should not work at high speed and press on the drill, otherwise it may break. The drill must be kept level so as not to further destroy the device. After you have a hole with a diameter of 3 mm, you can drill a new one 6 mm in diameter, then the pins will probably collapse. It is necessary to insert the end of a screwdriver into the lock cylinder and turn the mechanism like a key. If everything is done correctly, it will open.
Advantages
Rack and pinion devices are designed for long-term operation. They are unpretentious, trouble-free, and never jam. Opening does not require much effort; even children can easily handle them.
Today, such devices are no longer as popular as in previous years, so their cost is low and accessible to everyone.
Rack and pinion mechanism
Master key
The most popular way to open a mortise lock is to use a master key. You can buy it in a specialized store, but if you need to open a slammed door as quickly as possible, try making a master key yourself:
- Take two simple paper clips;
- Unfold the long end of one paperclip;
- Bend the long end of the second paper clip at an angle of 90 degrees - this will be the tensioner with which you will turn the lock;
- Insert the tensioner into the lock cylinder, press down until tension is present, record the pressure and try to turn the tensioner like a key;
- Use another paperclip to feel for the pins. In most cases there are five of them and they will unlock the lock when positioned correctly;
- Starting at the far side of the keyhole, press the pins in order. If the pin is in the correct position, you will hear a slight click;
- When all the pins “click”, turn the tensioner like a key and the lock will open.
Of course, this method is not universal, but you can open a cheap Chinese door with a simple lock this way. By and large, the success of the operation depends on the structure of the mechanism and the type of lock - each of them has its own nuances:
Negative qualities
The main disadvantage of rack locks is their low burglary resistance. The above describes methods that are known to many. For burglars, there is no problem with how to open a deadbolt lock. This is done with an ordinary pocket knife.
Modern security structures refuse to protect an object if the canvas protects only one rack lock. They consider this device to be ineffective in adequately protecting property.
Such rack models have non-standard sizes and differ in shape. If a replacement is required, it is difficult to find another lock due to the mismatch of the seat.
Cylinder locks (English or pin)
A mortise cylinder lock is usually installed on an iron door. Manufacturers have begun to equip the cylinder of such mechanisms with armored linings and heavy-duty pins, but if the lock on the door is old enough, you can drill it out, that is, open it with a drill. You should drill a small hole directly above the keyhole. Next, you need to lift the stopper, use a master key to penetrate the larva and move the hook. The cylinder with pins will open if you make a hole directly in the cylinder, and then insert a master key inside and turn it.
You can also try to open the input cylinder lock with a roll, but be prepared for the fact that this method does not always work. The fact is that an important part of an English lock, the shank, often breaks after using the roll, which prevents further burglary. In this situation, you will simply block the lock cylinder, but will not open the door.
Technique for opening a deadbolt lock
The popularity of this device has long passed. Opening the crossbar mechanism today does not cause difficulties. Of course, such a lock is not very reliable, but if you accidentally lose the key, you know that you will be able to open it.
The simplest way is to open it with a screwdriver and fishing line. A loop of fishing line is inserted into the keyhole. It needs to hook the bolt that locks the door.
Use a screwdriver to press out the blade so that the hooked bolt does not interfere with the opening of the door. This way you can open the reverse lock.
Opening the bolt mechanism
For a forward lock, opening requires other actions. To do this, it is recommended to use a thin pencil. It needs to be inserted into the keyhole and pushed as far as possible. This item will play the role of a key and easily move the bolt. If the pencil is made of hard wood, it needs to be soaked in warm water.
If the lock is secured with bolts extending outwards, then opening the door is simple: unscrew the bolts, remove the lock and go into the room. But no one does this, the lock is attached only from the inside, an exception may be an interior door.
When opening the lock in any way, remember that any deadbolt lock is a fragile structure. Using force can break it. If the deadbolt breaks, you will have to knock it out, buy a new lock and install it.
In fact, opening the rack and pinion locking mechanism is not difficult. All you need is the right tool for this. Make sure the process is easy by watching the video.
In this material we will talk about the so-called rack and pinion locks, their structure and the problems associated with them. We would like to emphasize that our company does not sell or service rack locks (we also do not make keys), but comprehensively resolves issues related to the replacement of these locks.
Useful video: learning how to open different types of garage locks
It is worth watching the useful materials in the video. The following video shows how to open a deadbolt garage door lock without using a key and avoiding damage.
If your garage has a lever lock, you will need to watch the following video before opening it.
You may also find this video useful, which offers three different ways to open a lock without a key. They will come in handy if the key is lost, broken during unsuccessful attempts to open the lock, or is severely deformed.
Variety of rack locks.
Rack and pinion locks were produced both by industrial enterprises and by individual locksmiths at these enterprises. And thanks to this, there is simply an infinite number of different types of rack and pinion locks. With forward and reverse movement of crossbars, with a round or rectangular key in cross-section, made of brass or stainless steel.
All of them are united by the general operating principle that we described above, as well as the pros and cons that we will discuss below. Regardless of whether the lock was cut by a handy craftsman or not, at a factory - or in a school labor room, from a good alloy or rusty iron.
Advantages of rack locks
Of course, like all things, rack locks also have positive sides. Let's try to list them.
Low cost. The simplicity of the design of the rack and pinion lock, the absence of a security mechanism, and the associated low labor costs make rack and pinion locking devices frankly inexpensive.
In addition, previously on the markets there was a huge mass of rack locks made from unaccounted for metal at enterprises. Uncle Kolya, a locksmith, wanted to have a drink on Friday evening, so he took it and at his workplace at his lathe and milling machine he made five locks in half an hour. Then they ended up on the market.
It is quite obvious that Uncle Kolya did not pay for either the metal or the depreciation of the equipment. Hence the low cost. And there are literally millions of such examples.
Ask your loved ones who are over 50 years old. Each of them will definitely remember a similar Uncle Kolya, who made locks through connections with you, ten neighbors and the men in the garage. The country was industrially developed, there were a huge number of mechanics and technical specialists.
Pros of a falling key locking device
Locks of this type have many advantages. No wonder they just appeared, they quickly spread and now you can meet them in almost any 5th garage. So, the advantages of falling key locking devices.
- The lock is very ordinary, there is nothing to break in it, thanks to this it can serve not only for decades, but for centuries. The main thing is to clean it from dirt and lubricate it from time to time.
- A similar lock is unremarkable; an ordinary key hole hints at an ordinary homemade locking device, although thieves will not find out anything about its type, nor about the surprises that this lock stores.
- This device does not have a hidden part, which means it is not possible to pick up a master key to it. At a theoretical level, you can try to open it with a roll, but for this you need to create a special tool for a specific lock, because the distance from the gear teeth to the keyhole is unclear to thieves. Only a special master key with a drop-out head can help, and then with a lot of convention.
- The lock is perfectly protected from rough hacking, as evidenced by the powerful iron case, a bolt made of an iron rod no less than 20 mm wide and an iron alloy gear no less than 8 mm wide. If you wish, you can further strengthen the body with an armor plate. In this case, it will be easier to cut a hole in the garage gate using an autogen than to open the lock itself.
- The lock can be made with your own hands, this, on the one hand, will make it even more reliable, because you will determine the dimensions of the parts without the help of others, which means that attackers will not know anything about them. On the other hand, this will significantly reduce your costs of protecting your own garage, because the cost of such a lock is very low.
Fundamentally! When making a lock with their own hands, craftsmen, instead of an ordinary round keyhole, make holes of unusual shape, additionally embedding them into pins. These measures make mental hacking virtually impossible.
Disadvantages of a falling key locking device
Locks of this type also have disadvantages, as in general, and any mechanism made by human hands. True, these disadvantages are of a relative nature; one might even think that we are “being picky.” But for the sake of objectivity, they should be mentioned.
- Locks of this type have extremely long keys. In homemade versions of such locking devices, the keys are deliberately made even longer in order to increase the reliability of the locks. In this regard, it is necessary to figure out where to put the key, because an ordinary pocket will not be suitable for this matter.
- The second disadvantage is that it is difficult to return the falling head, which can lead to difficulties associated with removing the key from the keyhole after opening the lock. But the craftsmen solved this problem with the help of an ordinary narrow wire, which is tied to the edge of the falling head on one side, and to the lamb on the other. To refill the falling head, you just need to press harder on the thumb and then pull the wire, the key will just come out.
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Broken rack locks
Nothing lasts forever, and even locking devices such as rack and pinion locks can reach the end of their service life and break. We encountered two main failures with these locks.
- The first is a break in the spring that pushes the bolt.
- The second is severe wear of the key and locking bars.
In both cases, we recommend that you do not look for someone who will repair these locks, but run to a professional store for replacement and installation services using welding.
For example, in Nizhny Novgorod you can contact the Door Doctor company, which has been providing these services for decades.
How to create a repair and replacement larva
After opening the locking device, it is necessary to return it to function. The main element of any type of lock is the cylinder, which can be repaired or replaced. If the larva breaks, you need to perform the following steps one by one:
- Remove the broken part by unscrewing the device or using a drill.
- Inspect the cylinder for serviceability and damage. If the cylinder is dismountable, it can be repaired. Otherwise, replacement is required.
- After repairing or replacing the cylinder, it is installed in its original space, after which the end plate is fixed.
Core removal
If the core of the larva is faulty, it can only be removed by drilling with a drill with a tip 10 mm in diameter. After drilling, the element will fall out without the help of others, without using a key. The jammed part can be removed using the following method:
- insert the key into the hole and turn it all the way in the direction of opening;
- Without removing the key, carefully unscrew the screws holding the end plate;
- remove the screw located in the center of the tongue and locking device;
- turn the key so that the core falls out of the lock.
When it is necessary to remove the pins when removing the core, it is necessary not to mix them up during the upcoming assembly. Otherwise, it will be impossible to open the garage doors with the same key.
Cylinder repair
To repair the cylinder, you need to carefully bend the clamps holding the iron plate. The part is placed on one side of the collapsible core. After sliding the plate, access to the pins and springs is revealed. After inspecting the elements, it is necessary to clean the sockets, stretch the springs and firmly press the pins.
Replacing the larva
When purchasing a new cylinder for replacement, it is recommended to compare it with the broken one so that it fits in size. It is better to choose parts made of strong materials, since brass cylinders without protective linings can simply be knocked out and do not provide a sufficient degree of safety. The replacement process is carried out as follows:
- the key is inserted into the cylinder;
- the key is turned so that the protruding elements of the cylinder do not prevent it from freely fitting into its final location;
- the fixing bolts are tightened;
- the cylinder is connected to the lock;
- the outer plate is installed.
What should I replace rack and pinion locks with?
Replacing a rack lock on a metal door is a whole story. Don't expect to find another one for these holes - you won't find one at all.
And when choosing a lock to replace a rack lock, you need to adhere to several rules.
- This time the castle should have good security properties that are relevant today. I don’t see the point in exchanging an awl for soap and spending money at the same time.
- The lock should be easy to use and be closed from the inside with a turntable, because this is what the owners are used to.
- The lock should not have an end plate because rack locks are often found on thin metal doors. And the end plate of the lock somewhat limits its installation.
Based on this, when replacing rack locks, our craftsmen often install various types of Barrier locks. In the vast majority of cases, one or another Barrier model is most suitable in place of a rack-and-pinion Barrier and meets high quality and safety requirements.
The most reliable and practice-tested garage locks
Mortise structures have long been considered the most durable and durable options for a garage lock. Most often, this is dictated by old misconceptions that the hinged or overhead version is easier to open or, at least, break, drill out the secret, cut the fastening eyes. In fact, a padlock or rim lock can be no less resistant to the impact of a crowbar or subtle manipulation of master keys than the advertised lever or rack structures.
Padlocks for garage doors
The only downside to a padlock or padlock is the way garage doors are locked using overhead steel lugs. It is often easier to twist or cut off the lugs for a garage lock than to break the lock mechanism. In addition, such a lock has its own advantages:
- The body is made of very durable material that is resistant to mechanical damage from thieves' tools, for example, cutting with a hacksaw or squeezing out with a hydraulic stop;
- When installed correctly, the lock mechanism does not freeze, unlike lever systems that often suffer from frozen water condensate;
- A garage padlock is most often installed in a secure manner. In this case, a thick metal bead is welded around a square or cylindrical body, protecting the eyes and locking the pin of the cutting device mechanism.
Today, garage owners are hearing more and more often about the Garant Rubezh pin lock. According to certification bodies, it is one of the most resistant pin devices available today. Using a free finger or pin to lock a garage door allows you to easily reformat the lock design, both into a padded and stationary version.
Mortise and rim locks
The favorite among the many different designs of internal locks is the “Rigel Reef-1”. Its mechanism differs from similar designs, first of all, in its unusual unlocking method. The locking cylinders are unlocked in two successive steps. First you need to insert the key and turn it half a turn to unlock the mechanism. Next, the key is removed from the keyhole, turned 180°, reinserted and opened like a regular locking mechanism.
It’s paradoxical, but it’s a fact. The materials of the “Reef” body are much weaker than the same “Bulat”, but, according to reviews from the owners of “Rigel Reef-1”, it lasts much longer and creates significantly less inconvenience and problems for users.
The famous Italian lever lock is quite a bit inferior in durability to the “Reef”. However, garage-apartment “Mottura”, like “Reef”, is classified in the first class of resistance. The price of the Italian miracle mechanism is 2500 rubles, which is compared to 1000 rubles. for “Reef” seems like a fair overpayment.
Among the inexpensive models, we can mention the Avers brand, produced in St. Petersburg. Distinctive design features include an 8-level lock mechanism. Despite manufacturers' statements about high resistance to burglary, certification bodies assign it only 2nd resistance class. The price of the device does not exceed 1000 rubles.
Some of the most successful mechanisms include the Kerberos and Elbor-Granit 282 locks. The locking cylinders work less clearly, but in terms of strength they are not inferior to foreign analogues.
Rack and bolt garage lock
If you need to install a deadbolt type of lock, choose a design with a reverse stroke of the rod. In this case, the movement of the bolt and the opening of the device occurs when the key is pulled out and turned. But today such devices are used extremely rarely.
The most popular rack lock with an open cross key is the product. In addition to a powerful locking cylinder with a four-section secret, the rack and pinion mechanism provides an inverse operating pattern for the bolt. This means that the garage rack lock can be installed without modifications on both the left and right wing of the garage door.
Of particular note are the numerous designs of garage locks with a falling key.
The most famous representative of this type is the “Crane” garage lock. The cost of such a garage device starts from 4,500 rubles. Most often, the “Crane” is on sale called a high-security garage lock, but in practice it is just an original reverse-action mechanism.
To open the lock, just push the double key into the hole in the keyhole and carefully bend the rotating part. Next, pull the key out all the way and turn it clockwise, you will hear a slight click. This means that the protrusions on the key are aligned with the recesses on the end of the gear. All that remains is to firmly pull the key towards you and forcefully turn it in the direction opposite to the movement of the rack.
Why does the castle freeze
Before considering ways to open a frozen lock in a garage, it’s worth considering one more small topic - why it freezes in the first place.
It has been noticed that lever-type locks resist frost much better than cylinder-type locks. It's all about the size of the components of the castle themselves:
- in the lever lock, large flat plates loaded with springs are used as code elements, due to which such a device fights moisture and dirt quite successfully;
- A cylinder lock freezes much more often, because the elements of the mechanism are very small and manufactured with high precision. Often, a grain of sand is enough for the device to jam, and here such aggressive conditions exist.
Another reason is the use of lubricant. In severe frosts, its use harms the proper operation of the lock, as it collects debris and dirt, and then thickens in the cold, so it is better to refrain from using it altogether.
Let's summarize the reasons for freezing locks on garage doors:
- The device is not adapted for use in cold weather or generally outdoors.
- The mechanism is clogged with grease, moisture, waste and dirt. Or even all together.
Be that as it may, the main problem is the presence of moisture inside the lock. And understanding the essence of the problem is already half the solution.
Working with the lock cylinder
Often, after breaking a lock, the question of restoring the damaged structure arises. The main element in the lock is the cylinder, which can be replaced or repaired, and then the lock will work perfectly.
Removing the lock core
The algorithm of work is not complicated; it is necessary to carry out the following manipulations. A key corresponding to a given lock is inserted into the keyhole and turned in the direction of opening. Without removing the key, unscrew the fasteners of the front lock plate located at the end of the door.
Article on the topic: How to make a potbelly stove for a garage from a gas cylinder
Then the screw located in the center of the tongue and lock is removed. Next, you should change the position of the key by 40 degrees and make sure that the cylinder comes out of the locking device easily.
Sometimes a situation occurs when there is no key in the structure, and it is completely broken. In this case, a drill with a drill bit with a diameter of about 10 mm will help. A drill is used to drill a hole in the core and then it is easily removed.
Repairing the cylinder
You should take a good look at the removed cylinder and determine how much it needs repair. On the side of one of the core plates there are tabs that hold the metal plastic; they should be carefully bent.
Disc lock device.
The plate moves and the pins and springs become clearly visible; they should be carefully cleaned. The springs should stretch well and press the pins securely; if this is not the case, then stretch the springs manually.
Under no circumstances, during assembly, do not confuse the location of the pins. When they are out of place, the lock will not work.
Replacing the larva
There is a situation when it is not possible to repair the cylinder and you need to install a new cylinder. You should choose a new one of the same dimensions as the old one, but it is possible to find one that is more reliable, stronger and with armored linings. The lock will be more difficult to knock out or drill out and this will protect your property from attacks by intruders.
To begin, a key is inserted into the cylinder. Then the part must be rotated so that the cylinder easily fits into the lock and is not interfered with by the flag. Then screw in the bolt. This process will be easy, provided that everything has been done correctly before. Afterwards the larva is fixed, and the end plate is installed in place.
Electronic garage door lock
Owners of private houses have the special pleasure of not relying on security organized by the management of the garage cooperative, but of parking their cars in a garage near the house, on the site. In this case, the use of electronic rim locks will be very convenient. Such a lock is locked and opened using a combination of numbers entered in the correct order on the keyboard.
Modern models are equipped with touch screens that are weatherproof and have shockproof properties. They serve their owner for many years. If the head of the family keeps the digital code secret, then his minor son will not be able to open the garage on his own and go for a ride with friends without asking. Another undoubted advantage of electronic locks is the ability to open them from a distance without leaving the warm interior of the car.
Installing a rim lock yourself is a completely feasible task and does not take much time. The main thing is accuracy and precision. Questions and problems may arise, perhaps, only with the installation of an electronic lock. But if you cannot or do not want to install the lock yourself, contact a professional. They will quickly and quickly provide protection for your car.