Your home is only as secure as its weakest point.
Garage doors are particularly common targets for burglars. This not only puts the valuables in your garage at risk of theft but may also provide a point of access to the entire house.
Simply having a good quality garage door is not enough to keep burglars out.
There are many ways they can open the door using something like a crowbar or even a hanger to trip the emergency release lever from the outside.
If you have a remote-controlled garage door opener, they can also spoof the wireless signal and use it to unlock the door.
Installing a heavy-duty garage door lock with bolts adds an extra layer of security that deters potential burglars.
What to Consider When Buying A Garage Door Lock
a. Level of Security
Ultimately, what matter most when looking for the best garage door security is how secure it is against all kinds of attempted entry.
Can a burglar force the door open with a crow bar?
Can the lock break if pushed hard enough?
Make sure the lock you buy is high quality and secure. This includes having a thick base plate, good quality bolts and a tamper-proof locking mechanism.
b. Type of Garage Door
Check that the lock is the right one for your type of garage door.
Some locks are designed specifically for up and over (also called tilt-up) garage doors, others work with roll-up doors and some are ideal for hinged garage doors.
Some locks have a versatile design and locking mechanism that works great with different types of garage doors.
Check the manufacturer’s specifications before you buy.
c. Ease of Installation
You should be able to install the lock even if you only have basic DIY skills. Hiring a pro means spending more money and might actually end up costing more than the lock itself.
So check how easy it is to install the lock. Look up manufacturer installation requirements including what kind of tools you need.
It’s also a good idea to check customer reviews for common issues other users face when installing.
d. Durable and Weather Proof
Since you are installing the lock outside, make sure it will not rust and weaken after just a few months.
The best locks and bolts have use corrosion-resistant materials and finishes that can withstand years of outdoor use.
e. Accessories
Finally, check which accessories are included with the lock.
Basic essentials include the locking bolts and screws for securing the lock and other important fitting necessary for installation.
One other accessory you might need (depending on the type of lock), but is usually not included is a padlock.
If you need to buy a padlock, invest in a good quality one that is just as secure as the lock. Otherwise, you’ll be introducing a weak point burglars can take advantage of.
The Best Garage Door Security Locks
1. Garage Defender Master
This is one of the most popular garage door locks. It’s strong, secure and almost impenetrable.
The kit consists of a thick plate that is bolted to the floor, the Defender Master itself and a heavy-duty padlock to secure it to the base plate.
The Defender Master prevents the door from being forced open. It can secure roll-up and up and over garage doors.
Installation is straightforward.
You just need to drill a couple of holes into the ground using a 16mm drill bit. Because you’ll be drilling into hard concrete, use an SDS drill.
There are two bolts supplied with the lock.
The bolts are long and thick. They are an effective deterrent against a burglar with a crowbar.
Even if they manage to get the crowbar under the base plate, it will take tremendous force and lot of time to get the bolts out of the concrete.
Unlike most locks, this one comes with a padlock that secures the lock to the plate, ensuring it cannot be pulled out or crowbarred off the base plate.
What we like about it:
- Extremely secure. Deters against different kinds of attacks.
- Easy to install – no need to spend more money on a pro.
- Works with different types of garage doors.
- No need to drill through the garage door.
2. Bulldog Garage Door Lock
With a bracket that is 6mm thick and a ground-installed bolt that measures 25mm thick, no one’s getting through this lock.
The Bulldog garage door lock comes with a simple but highly effective design that is ideal for up and over doors.
It consists of a bracket, a reinforcing plate, a ground tube and coach bolts.
Here’s how it works.
You first secure the bracket to the door using the coach bolts. You can bolt the bracket on the inside or outside of the door. It works well either way.
A reinforcing plate goes on the other side of the door. It connects to the main bracket using nuts and washers.
The last part is to drill a hole into the concrete directly below the bracket. Make sure to dig deep enough to secure the 10cm long lock bolt.
Here’s a quick video from the manufacturer showing the installation process.
The locking mechanism is very secure. It’s virtually impossible to crowbar the door or the bracket. It’s also hard for a burglar to pull the ground bolt out as long as you install it properly.
What we like about it:
- Highly secure.
- Easy to install and use.
- Can be installed inside or outside.
3. Silverline Tools 538487 Garage Door Defender Heavy Duty
You’ll have to buy your own padlock to use this lock. It also doesn’t come with the fixing bolts.
Those inconveniences aside, this garage door lock is one of the most secure you can install.
The base plate is extra-thick and comes with 6 slots for the bolts. The lock is made with heavy-duty steel that can withstand a lot of force.
The body has a corrosion-resistant finish to keep the metal strong and sturdy even after years of snow and rain.
One thing I love about this lock is that you don’t need to drill into the garage door. Just secure the base plate to the concrete on the ground.
The manufacturer recommends 7 or 8mm countersunk bolts. These types of bolts offer better security compared to conventional ones.
As long as you use good quality bolts and secure them properly to the ground, your garage door should be safe.
It is not 100% safe – no lock is. But it’s safe enough to deter most burglars who’d rather not spend more than a few minutes trying to break the lock.
It’s also essential that you use a good quality padlock. Get something with a thick heavy duty handle that is almost impossible to saw through.
What we like about it:
- Excellent security.
- Easy to install – though you have to buy your own bolts and padlock.
- No need to drill the garage door.
4. Schlosser Technik Enfield Garage Door Lock Bolts
Buy this lock if you don’t want to have to drill into the ground. These lock bolts can be installed either horizontally or vertically.
The 12mm hardened steel bolts provide impenetrable security for garage doors. Burglars cannot break, drill or saw them.
A 70mm throw provides a secure grip into the side so that even the door cannot be forced open.
The bolts come with all the fittings you need to install them including coach bolts, escutcheons for the keyholes, rivets and receivers.
Three keys are also included. They can open the bolts both from the inside and outside.
The bolts are ideal for doors up to 38mm thick.
What we like about it:
- Effective security reinforcement for garage doors.
- Fairly easy to install.
- Can be operated on the inside and outside.
- Includes everything you need for installation.
5. Double Locking Long Throw “Cays” Lock 50mm
If your garage door is thicker than 38mm, the Schlosser Technik bolts above won’t do. I recommend this 50mm double locking long throw lock.
It’s good for garage doors up to 50mm thick.
Everything you need for installation is included. The fittings are stainless steel to protect against corrosion.
You also get a set of 5 keys that can be used on both the inside and outside.
What we like about it:
- Long throw provides extra protection.
- Ideal for thick garage doors.
- Made with stainless steel for durability.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make my garage door more secure?
Assess all the possible weak points a burglar might take advantage of, then find ways to strengthen them.
For example, if you are worried the garage door can be pushed open or forcibly rolled up, install a heavy duty garage door lock.
Also check if you need to secure vulnerable entry point such as garage windows or the interior door leading to the house.
A home security system – camera, motion sensor lights, an alarm system etc. – is also highly effective at deterring burglars.
How do you burglar proof a garage door?
Combine as many security measures as you can. This includes a strong garage door, a garage door lock, an alarm system, motion sensor lights and so on.
The trick is to deter a burglar and deny them any weak points they can use to break into your garage and steal your things (e.g. bikes, valuables, etc.).
How to secure a garage door from the outside?
Install a garage door lock. Look for one of those garage door defenders that are designed to be installed on the outside of the garage door.
Once bolted to the ground, the lock prevents the garage door from opening or swinging outwards.
Your No 1 garage door defender option was levered back this week by petty thieves using a crowbar. I lost two bikes. It would be better if we could buy a defender that was at ground level ie without leverage to bend back.
Intruders frequently use garage doors as an easy entry point. Thank you for recommending these garage door locks. It makes me feel more safe in my house.
I am looking for a garage lock that allows me to unlock from the inside of the garage.
Reason? It was pointed out to me that should I be working inside the garage and someone closed and secured the the lock on the garage door there is no way I can get out of the garage.
Harry Eastwood. You are a moron…
Just purchased the Defender model only to now find that I have a problem in the fitting of the plate through tarmac outside the garage as it’s at a lower level. It makes mention of the possible need for a concrete pad in this scenario but nothing appears on a Google search! Nightmare on what I assumed would be an easy install.