A high-quality lock will help you turn your garage into a safe home for your favorite car, which will become an insurmountable barrier for intruders. Garage locks, due to their operational characteristics (desirable prey for burglars in the form of your car, environmental influences, skewed gates or gates) are allocated to a separate group of locking devices, when choosing and installing which neither savings nor haste is allowed. Let's try to figure out what locks are used to equip a garage and how to install them correctly in this article.
Is a lock a panacea for burglaries?
Some people believe that installing locks for their garage will completely help protect the property inside. However, if low-quality locks are installed on the gate or gate, the possibility of break-in still exists.
In such cases, garage owners have to independently increase the level of protection against burglary. For example, to protect against knocking out, a special model is installed, which has bolts with a beveled rear part. With such structures, it is impossible to damage the latch responsible for holding the door.
Locks that are mounted inside garage doors are often drilled out. To prevent thieves from drilling them out, a security ball is installed inside. It prevents the drill from getting close to the retainer and breaking it. The main disadvantage of this method is that it is suitable for a small number of locks.
Types of the most reliable garage locks
Before you start installing locks on your garage door, you need to study the best types in more detail.
Mounted
Among the popular models are hinged ones with a special hidden bow. In Soviet times, mounted products were most often used.
The advantages of such models include their versatility, as they are installed on barn doors, barn doors and other similar products. Another advantage is the ease of use of locks, since they do not need to be installed in gates or doors. It is recommended to buy mounted models made of steel because they are the most reliable.
Mortise and overhead
Particularly reliable are overhead and mortise models, which are often installed on garage doors. The main feature of mortise products is that they are installed on a special metal plate three millimeters thick. The metal plate should be placed near the gate leaf. If it is not possible to install the plate, the shutter mechanism is attached to the sash.
The invoices are mounted in the upper part of the gate leaf frame. Experts advise using models that can be opened with a key on both sides, as they are more reliable.
Screw
People who are interested in reliable types of locks can pay attention to screw models. Such a device consists of the following parts:
- Frame. It is the main part in which other components are located.
- Bow. This element is responsible for screwing in the screw when the door is closed.
- Threaded rod. An important component that is required to unlock and secure the shackle.
Due to the complexity of the screw mechanism, it is quite difficult to hack.
Rack and crossbar
Internal rack locks are not used as often, since such designs are not very reliable. The peculiarities of such models include the fact that spring slats with a unique shape are used for locking. To control the bolts, special handles made in the form of a screw are used.
The advantages of rack structures include their low cost, as well as ease of use.
Level crossbars are more reliable, and therefore they are used more often than rack and pinion ones. However, they are quite large and therefore awkward to install on the garage door.
What are there
Garage locks are usually classified by installation method and type of locking part. According to the installation method they are divided into:
- garage padlock
- overhead;
- mortise
Based on the type of secret part, they are divided into:
- cylinder with single-row or double-row needle mechanism;
- cylinder disk for semicircular and cross keys;
- cylinder with perforated key;
- levelers;
- screw;
- crossbars;
- coded.
Locks can be purchased, or they can be made to order, taking into account the specific parameters of the garage door Source hammersthor.ru
Mounted
Depending on the method of execution and protection of the structure, a garage padlock can be:
- classic (barn or open) - the most inexpensive and easiest to use locking device. But its simplicity and U-shaped bow are also its weak point. You can break it by sawing it off or squeezing the handle with a crowbar. To prevent burglary, the market offers reinforced models in a cast iron or steel case with a thick, hardened shackle.
- finger or semi-closed; instead of the classic bow, its design uses a rod (or finger) half buried in a massive body. Considering the inconvenience of sawing or mechanical damage to the rod, attackers will most likely target the garage door lugs.
The mushroom-shaped design of the lock does not give a chance to burglars who only have a crowbar in their arsenal. Source 1000dosok.info
- “mushroom” type garage door lock is so named for its shape; the mushroom-shaped device got its name because the locking rod with a cap at the end resembles a mushroom. Typically, such a lock is used where it is difficult to use other types of devices. In addition, if the lock is correctly oriented relative to the doors, it will be difficult to reach its rod with a metal-cutting tool or pick it up with a crowbar.
- closed or “turtle” is considered the most secure and reliable, since its massive body covers both the lock rod and the door lugs. This provides protection not only from a regular hacksaw, but also from a circular saw. Locks of this type are usually selected individually for a specific garage, and the eyes of the doors are made to fit the size of the rod. Only in this case is a minimum gap guaranteed, guaranteeing maximum protection.
The tortoise lock is the most burglary-proof padlocking mechanism Source inkaut.ru
Internal or mortise
The internal garage lock, thanks to the placement of the gate leaves (a door in one of the leaves) inside the steel leaf, is additionally protected from burglary. This significantly complicates the criminal plan, since in order to get to the critical elements, you will first need to damage the metal of the doors, which is especially problematic if there are special armored linings.
Main criteria for selection
To choose a high-quality shutter mechanism for your garage, you will have to familiarize yourself with the main selection criteria.
Reliable mechanism
When choosing a lock to close a car garage, be sure to pay attention to its mechanism. The level of protection of the garage depends on the reliability of the mechanism. The most reliable ones include cylinder models, which are difficult to hack. To break into products of this type, you will have to use considerable physical force to knock out the core of the structure.
Level models that are resistant to hacking are also considered reliable. They can only be opened with a special key.
Material
Another factor that is taken into account when choosing breech products is the material of manufacture. The following materials are used to create locking devices:
- Aluminum. Aluminum products do not corrode even in high humidity, and therefore they cope well with rainy weather. However, they are unreliable, since aluminum has weak strength.
- Steel. Among metal locks they are considered the most durable and expensive.
- Brass. Brass models, like aluminum ones, do not rust or deteriorate due to precipitation.
- Cast iron. Products made from durable cast iron are highly reliable and durable. The main disadvantage of cast iron models is the deterioration of strength under the influence of frost.
Size
Anyone planning to purchase a garage door shutter should familiarize themselves with its dimensions. When choosing the optimal size, take into account the dimensions of the gate or door on which the product will be located. Locks can be:
- Large ones. Larger models are used for installation on garage doors.
- Average. They are bought to protect small garages that are equipped with a door rather than a gate.
- Small ones. They are not suitable for protecting garage premises, as they are installed on suitcases, cabinets and boxes.
Features of such products
Overhead security devices have both single and combined deadbolts. Single ones are a rectangular metal bar. Combined structures are a set of several cylindrical rods. Undoubtedly, the second version of the overhead locking device is more attractive due to the metal used in its manufacture.
Garage lock invoice
Thus, cylindrical rods are made from heat-treated steel, which gives them additional strength. In addition, there have been more than once recorded cases when a single bolt was simply “knocked out” of the grooves with a sledgehammer and thus robbed garages.
The second version of the overhead locking device can withstand loads much better due to the uniform distribution of cylindrical strong rods in the body of the lock. So when choosing, it is worth installing a garage rim lock with a combination deadbolt.
Manufacturers of overhead locking devices regularly make locks more complex. For example, they add special durable inserts that rotate freely and thereby prevent a criminal from opening the garage door in any way.
And the most traditional locking devices are garage padlocks. They are attached to the “ears” of the hinges, firmly welded to the outside of the garage doors. In order for such an item to at least slightly protect the garage space, it is necessary that it be made of steel, and its handle must be heat treated. The most durable are hanging products that use a straight cylindrical bolt with a diameter of at least 12 mm.
Each of the presented locks can either be opened with a key or without using a key. If a key mechanism is selected, then along with the locking device the buyer receives a key - a metal blank, onto which the same “pattern” is applied as on the secret mechanism of the lock. With keyless locking devices, combinations of numbers, a specific code and other options are used.
The most widespread among the entire mass of locking devices at the moment are locks that use cylinder security mechanisms (the so-called cylinders). The principle of their operation is based on the mutual locking of the housing and the cylinder inserted into it using code elements.
In the case of key locking mechanisms, only a suitable key can fit correctly into the existing security mechanism of the lock, which will ensure its immediate opening. Using a key or a code for keyless devices opens and locks the lock.
Code elements can be: cylindrical pin rods, plate valves or disk code elements. Of course, not a single element will provide ideal protection for a garage, but it is not only such details that can ensure its safety. For example, an alarm system combined with a high-quality locking mechanism can help solve the problem of securing a garage space forever. Return to content
Rating of the best options for a garage
There are several options for devices that are most often installed to protect garages from burglars. These include:
- "RIF-1". The product is distinguished by an overhead mechanism, which is made of steel plates with a thickness of 4-5 millimeters. The device also contains powerful crossbars, which are made of hardened iron plates. The advantages of RIF-1 include the fact that the device has more than one and a half million secret combinations that allow you to open the lock. When opening the gate, the key is turned to the left several times until the first click.
- "Kerberos". The products are distinguished by a complex design, thanks to which one of five million unique combinations can be used to open the lock. The model is classified as a device with increased strength, since reinforced steel is used in its manufacture.
- "Mottura". A mortise type of product used for installation in garage doors. The lock manufacturer provides a five-year warranty.
We construct a homemade castle
There are several standard types of locking devices that you can design with your own hands. These include:
- pinwheel;
- latch;
- lock for swing gates;
- lock with falling key.
Pinwheel
A simple lock, popularly called a “pinwheel,” is often used for double-leaf gates of garages and other buildings. This type of constipation is easy to construct with your own hands. The advantages of this lock include strength and ease of use.
To work, you will need wooden blocks approximately 50 millimeters thick and metal strips.
The way the “turntable” works is extremely simple - the crossbar is placed in the center using a through bolt. It moves along the bars, which are made in the shape of a wedge. During the closing process, the doors rest against the door block closely to each other; auxiliary bolts are not required. There are no parts of the lock from the street, so breaking it is not possible. Thus, the outside of the garage is reliably protected, and from the inside it can be easily opened with one movement of the hand.
Espagnolette
Often a simple latch is installed for constipation. Installing it does not require much time and effort. But there is one drawback - the sashes do not fit tightly to each other, so there may be a small space between them. Otherwise, this design, although simple, is quite reliable in operation.
An espagnolette is a metal rod with a stop that moves in a structure specially equipped for this purpose. The latch can either be bought or welded with your own hands.
One of the most common designs is a simple bolt made from a metal strip that slides into a welded metal loop. These hinges are installed along the edges of the sashes. A tongue is also installed on one side of the gate, which will fit tightly into the second loop. In order to ensure reliability of the system, it is important to provide a stopper that will perform double duty. Thus, the latch can be made in a short time, without much effort.
Lock for swing gates
These are sliding overhead devices that are welded to the frame. Before installation, it is important to decide on the location and number of locks. If the gate has two leaves, these structures will need two pieces, one on each side.
A mark is made at the place where the lock will be located, and the place where the metal rod will enter the ground is also marked. Then you need to cut two metal rods of the same length, and small sections to them. This is done so that the bolt can be easily moved.
It is important to consider when determining the length of the rod that it should not only hold the gate closed, but also go quite deep into the ground , which will ensure the reliability of the structure.
You can use a garden auger of the appropriate size to make the holes. And on the frame of the doors it is necessary to weld several iron rings into which the lock can be inserted. You can also weld a small hook as a support for the bolt handle.
Lock with falling key
There is another type of cunning locking device - the so-called falling key lock. This system is distinguished by a secret - a transverse pin is installed in the lock drum , which is a significant obstacle to burglars' master keys.
It is impossible to buy such a lock in specialized stores, but there are a lot of home-made people who sell the fruits of their craftsmanship. You can also try to make such a device yourself. In addition to installing the pin in the lock, a corresponding slot is made on the key . This means that any other key, completely identical to the original, will not be able to open the door without such a slot and will run into an obstacle.
First you need to remove the locking unit and push the drum out of its body. Next, you need to drill a place in the drum for the pin perpendicular to the plane of the inserted key. The diameter of the drill should be one and a half to two millimeters. After these manipulations, a steel or brass rod is placed into the through hole. It is important that it fits tightly into the hole. The protruding parts of the rod must be cut down.
As a result of such manipulation, only a key with a longitudinal slot will be able to enter the drum. This lock will reliably resist both bunches of regular keys and special master keys made of wire or other material.
When doing homemade work, it is important to remember that the drum is a rather fragile structure, so a thoughtless blow not to the rod, but to the side surface of the drum can damage the system. And it’s most convenient to drill when the key is already in the drum, which will make it easy to make the desired slot.
In addition, such a lock misleads burglars, because such a seemingly inconspicuous and simple device tells attackers that there is nothing valuable inside, unlike expensive locks.
Methods for installing a protective device
To install a lock on your garage door yourself, you will have to familiarize yourself with the main installation features of different types of products.
Overhead
First you need to carefully inspect the product to ensure its integrity. If no problems were found during the inspection, then installation can begin.
Overhead models are installed on mounting plates made of iron. Therefore, first a rectangular metal plate is welded to the gate. Then a lock is applied to its surface and the fastening areas are marked with a marker. After this, cavities are drilled in the marked places and a small hole is made into which the well will be inserted.
When the gate is prepared, proceed to fastening the shutter device with bolts.
Mortise
Mortise products are installed in doors or gates without welding. First, a metal box is attached to the gate frame, which will contain the lock. Then holes are made in it, with the help of which the bolt mechanism will be secured.
After preparing the main holes, the locking mechanism is assembled. To do this, a cylinder with a lock is attached to the groove, after which the assembled structure is installed in the box.
Possible consequences of unprofessional installation
Unlike a padlock, self-installation of other types of locking systems is much more difficult. Violation of the installation technology can lead to distortion of the mechanism in the gate, reduced burglary resistance, breakage of the lock or its jamming. You should also not trust self-taught craftsmen who do not have the proper qualifications to carry out such work and are often associated with crime.
Only an experienced specialist will be able to correctly determine which locking system is best suited for certain gates and doors and perform the work quickly and accurately.
Do you want to install a lock on your garage door with a guarantee of quality work? LOCKSERVICE is the best choice!
What to do if the lock is jammed
There are times when the lock gets stuck and because of this it cannot be opened. When such a problem occurs, many people use physical force and try to break the lock, but there are more effective methods. For example, you can pour machine oil into the mechanism to lubricate it a little. Sometimes it helps to open the lock with a key.
You can also try turning the key using pliers. If this does not help, you will have to drill out the lock and replace it with a new one.
Overhead and mortise locks
Overhead-type mechanisms are installed on the inside of the gates and lock the gate using a bolt located inside the lock. Consisting of several rods, the bolt moves out of the lock when you turn the key and prevents the gate from opening. The more rods a lock has, the more reliably it will protect the room. Particularly good are cylinder rim locks, which have a code system that creates additional obstacles for a burglar. Finally, mortise locks are placed inside the sash and installed using a metal strip. Such a mechanism can only be opened if the bar does not fit very tightly to the body.
