How to Lock Garage Door from Inside

There were more burglaries reported in California than any other state in the country, according to FBI.

176,690 burglaries were reported in California in 2017, many of which occurred during the holiday season. With December just around the corner, we wanted to explore how to lock a garage door from inside and prevent unwanted guests from entering.

Most contemporary garage door openers have extra security measures built-in, but these aren’t always as effective when challenged by a burglar. With that said, there are a few low-tech things you can do that will make it a lot harder for anyone to break in.

How to Lock Garage Door from Inside

1. Use a padlock to lock the garage door from the inside
2. Use a padlock to lock the track
3. Slip a C-clamp through the track
4. Unplug the garage door opener
5. Use a zip tie to secure the garage door in place
6. Keep the remote in the house
7. Lock the release lever
8. Disable the release lever
9. Remove the release lever cord
10. Block all windows
11. Install motion sensor lights near the garage door
12. Install an alarm system
13. Leave the garage light on
14. Leave the radio on

Breaking In With A Coat Hanger And 6 Seconds

The garage door is one of the least secure points of the house, making it one of the most popular targets for burglars.

An experienced burglar can break into the garage using a simple wire coat hanger.

In just six seconds.

As you will see in the video below, a burglar simply needs to slip the coat hanger through the top of the garage door and hook the release lever. Pulling the lever releases the door and allows the burglar to open the door manually.

So, what can you do to keep burglars out?

Most contemporary garage door openers have security measures built-in, including automatic locking and scheduled times of operation. These features are a great first step toward strengthening your garage door security and home. However, these features may not always keep a determined burglar out.

So, how can you secure the garage door and keep burglars out?

How To Lock Garage Door and Keep Burglars Out

The garage door is one of the least secure points of the house, making it one of the most popular targets for burglars.

Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to secure your garage door and prevent burglars from gaining access to your home. To help you get started, we gathered a few tips and strongly encourage you to take the time to implement at least one this holiday season.

How to lock your garage door:

1. Use a padlock to lock the garage door from the inside
2. Use a padlock to lock the track
3. Slip a C-clamp through the track
4. Unplug the garage door opener
5. Use a zip tie to secure the garage door in place
6. Keep the remote in the house
7. Lock the release lever
8. Disable the release lever
9. Remove the release lever cord
10. Block all windows
11. Lock the interior door into your house
12. Install motion sensor lights near the garage door
13. Install an alarm system
14. Install motion-activated camera
15. Leave the garage light on
16. Leave the radio on

If it’s a manual door, then you’ll have a lock on the door somewhere that requires a key. When you have the door installed, check that you know where the lock is. Get into the habit of locking it every time you use the door. Drive your car in, shut the garage door, and lock it before you go inside.

As an additional security measure, you can padlock the track, so the door can’t open unless you’ve taken that padlock off first. Drill a hole above one of the openers, and use a heavy-duty padlock to keep that door locked when it’s not in use.

Another way of keeping it locked is with a C clamp. This works in the same way as the padlock. If you have the C clamp in the track of your garage door, it won’t be able to open if the burglar has the keys, or the remote to open the door.

If you have an automatic garage door opener, then the advice for you is a little different. You’ll have a garage door that does lock automatically when it shuts, and shouldn’t open again unless you come back with the right remote. Some homeowners think it’s as easy as that, but you should still be wary.

Even if the door is locked, that won’t stop some people trying the push and probe method to get in. And of course, there are people who drive around with ‘code grabbers’, trying to get the codes for peoples’ garage doors so they can come back later and try and gain access.

Some homeowners will try and get around the issue by unplugging the door opener, especially if they’re about to go on vacation. This stops people trying to grab the codes, but it doesn’t stop them trying to get in other ways. You’re much better off using a manual method, such as the ones listed above, to keep your garage door locked. It also may be worth looking into a newer garage door opener, as they have rolling codes that are next to impossible to grab.

So now you know how to lock your garage door securely. However, that’s not the only weak spot in your garage’s defense. Here’s how you can keep that garage secure.

• Block the windows: You may have windows into your garage, either on the walls or in the garage door itself. Wherever they are, look into blocking them off. A set of drapes or blinds will be best, as long as they block the view into your garage. If no one can see what’s in there, they won’t be tempted to try and get in to take it.
• Secure the door: If you have a side door into your garage, it needs to be just as secure as the garage door itself. This is especially true if the garage is attached to your home. Try dead bolting the door when you’re not home, to ensure that no one can get in if they’re not supposed to.
• Add lighting: If it’s dark around your garage, it’s easy for people to skulk around and try and get inside. Add bright lights around the garage so it’s light outside. Motion sensor lights are best, as they’ll come on as soon as anyone tries to approach.
• Install a security system: If you haven’t had one installed already, you should install a security system. The sight of it alone can put some burglars off. If they do try and get inside, they’ll set it off, which often scares them away. Set one up and ensure you use it.

Garage Door Services: Installation, Repair, Security

Experiencing issues with your garage door opener can be frustrating and inconvenient, disrupting your daily routine.

Your Garage Door Guys offers a wide range of garage door services, including garage door security. We serve Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Woodland Hills, and other areas throughout Conejo Valley and San Fernando Valley. See our service areas for more.

Conclusion

With these tips, you’ll be able to securely lock your garage door every time you use it, keeping your garage and your home safe. Pick some of these tips and put them to use in your garage.