This article delves into various types of locks. By exploring different locking systems, including manual and electronic options, you will gain an in-depth understanding of these systems' functionalities and tips for enhancing garage security.
Digital keyless door lock systems come in various forms and can be used for the main entrance door to a vehicle and the side pedestrian garage door. These door lock systems typically require a fingerprint, multiple fingerprints, a PIN code, or a remote control to unlock. The door lock of the vehicle entrance door is connected to the motor and installed within the gears, making it challenging to break or enter. For pedestrian doors, the lock device usually ensures the doorknob remains fixed and/or bolts the door to the door frame.
Advantages: Most automatic systems can be configured to lock automatically upon closing or remain unlocked within a set timeframe. They can use multi-point locking mechanisms, enhancing security. The automated process can speed up locking and unlocking. Generally easier to use, with a lower risk of losing keys.
Disadvantages: Automatic systems require professional installation. Adjusting the system yourself might affect the manufacturer's warranty. There might be maintenance costs (especially for vehicle entrance doors). If you opt for a password lock, make sure to change the factory default password and select a hard-to-predict password. For example, do not use your birthday. Regularly updating the password is considered the best way to maintain high security.
T-handled locks are named for their distinctive handle shape. They include an external locking device and serve as a handle to manually operate the garage door from outside. Inside the garage door, there is a cable system with two bolts to secure the door to the tracks. When the key is inserted into the lock cylinder and the T-handle is turned, the bolts disengage. T-handle locks are usually used for single-layer garage doors.
Installation: These types of locks are typically installed on single-layer/standard up and down garage doors. If your garage door relies solely on this lock, we recommend adding extra locks to the door.
Advantages: Inexpensive. Can be installed without professional assistance. Provides a convenient handle and lock, enabling the garage to be opened and closed from outside.
Disadvantages: Prone to bruteforce attacks, including striking or breaking the lock, allowing thieves to gain entry. Unable to prevent peeling or crowbar attacks on the bottom or sides of the door. These locks are usually easy to pry open. We recommend installing additional locks that secure the door to the ground, such as garage door protectors, and sliding bolts at the bottom corners. Sliding drop bolts or cane bolts Disadvantages: When using sliding bolts, the garage door cannot be entered from outside and requires pedestrian or property access. Maintaining the bolts requires drilling holes into the floorboard.
This lock secures the bottom of the garage door (usually a T-bar) to the ground with a padlock or similar device, making it difficult to lift.
Installation: This type of lock is typically installed on roller doors (manual or electric).
Advantages: Since the door is secured within the door frame, sliding bolts make it difficult for thieves to pry the door away from the door frame. Inexpensive. Easy to install yourself. Cannot be entered or seen from outside. Multiple sliding bolts can be installed to increase strength. Can be used in conjunction with other door lock systems. However, extra caution is required if used with electric sectional doors to ensure the door is not operated with the lock in place. We recommend installing additional locks that secure the door to the ground, such as garage door protectors, and sliding bolts at the bottom corners.
Disadvantages: When using sliding bolts, the garage door cannot be entered from outside and requires pedestrian or property access. Maintaining the bolts requires drilling holes into the floorboard.
Pin locks are usually installed on roller shutters, inserting into the guides through the roller shutter curtains to make it difficult to lift. They are usually secured and released with a key.
Installation: This type of lock is typically installed on roller doors (manual or electric).
Advantages: Inexpensive. Can prevent roller shutters from being jacked up with a crowbar or car jack. Disadvantages: If installed internally, it means the door can only be opened from the inside. You need a welder to install it yourself. If your garage door is electric, you need to remember to remove the lock before opening the door, or it can cause severe damage to the motor (though you can purchase a lock isolator to prevent this).
Multi-point locking devices are controlled by a key and installed on the door frame. When the key is turned, the door is fixed to the frame and locked at multiple points, providing higher security compared to general single-point locks. The multi-point device can distribute weight evenly across 3, 5, or even 7 locations, making forced entry more difficult.
Multi-point locks are typically installed on aluminum alloy, aluminum, or steel garage personnel doors. However, they can also be installed on wooden pedestrian doors.
Advantages: Available in similar key or standard key styles. Suitable for steel doors, uPVC doors, aluminum doors, or composite doors. Relatively inexpensive. If the door/frame permits, easy to install yourself. The entire device can be locked with just one cylinder. If needed, replacing/updating the cylinder is also convenient.
Disadvantages: Depending on your current door, you might need to replace the door frame and/or door to accommodate the multi-point locking system. When locking the door, you must remember to lift the handle to activate the whole device. It is relatively easy to improperly lock this type of system.
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