overhead grage door locks

[NUTTSGT]

While putting in one of my new overhead garage doors, I realized there was no lock kit. It makes sense since most people use openers on their garage doors.

So my question is, for those without openers, what did you do for locks ?

order a lock kit ?

stick a padlock through the track ?

fab up some type of lock system yourself ?

or something else.

As always, pics are more than welcome.

Thanks,
Eric

. . . . and I spelled garage wrong in the title.

 

[wouldworker]

I just place a screwdriver through a hole in the track that is even with or just above a roller on each side of the door. An experienced garage door installer suggested using screwdrivers in place of padlocks indicating that a perp would have to be inside the garage/shop to get them displaced, and if he's already inside the padlock would result in more damage than the screwdriver. He said once they get in from another access you won't stop them anyway.

 

[imavanner2]

drill a hole on the track and use a bolt on the cheap or buy a lock still pretty cheap.

 

[NUTTSGT]

i guess, I should have searched on the internet befoer posting this question. I thought they might be something hard to find. I might swing into Lowes and pick some of these up. I was thinking one for each side of the door, which are 9'x8' .

http://www.lowes.com/pd_67061-51-SB...ock&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=garage+lock

 

[dankicksass]

Slide bolts are good if you only want to lock the door from inside, no padlocks necessary since if they're already in there, they're already stealing your stuff. If you want to lock it from the outside, you can find a garage door deadbolt like this one at your local hardware store. I don't like the center locks like I have myself, I think they're unattractive and ineffective.

 

[NUTTSGT]

My only concern is to keep it from getting lifted up from the outside. I can put a padlock on a slide lock but a lock only keeps an honest man honest.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I use a short piece of 2x4, cut to length so it just fits between the top edge of the door and the underside of one of the roof trusses.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I use a short piece of 2x4, cut to length so it just fits between the top edge of the door and the underside of one of the roof trusses.

ha ha ha sorry, but my ceiling is 14" tall and I would need a 6' 2x4.

 

[kc-steve]

Mine have keyed locks built in the 50's, from Overhead Door. I never have had the confidence in the door openers' security to make the jump. I'm a former RF electronics guy too.

Steve

 

[Stuart in MN]

ha ha ha sorry, but my ceiling is 14" tall and I would need a 6' 2x4.

A six foot long 2x4 is still a pretty simple and cheap solution.

 

[NUTTSGT]

A six foot long 2x4 is still a pretty simple and cheap solution.

hmmmm, now I'm thinking.. . . . . . .

 

[06bluez]

A c-clamp around the track right above a roller is a quick way to lock the door too... same idea as a screwdriver but you can get the free play out of the door a bit more.

 

[Stuart in MN]

A c-clamp around the track right above a roller is a quick way to lock the door too... same idea as a screwdriver but you can get the free play out of the door a bit more.

A spare Vise-Grip will work, too.

 

[Rickstir]

I use a vise-grip right above a roller

 

[cre73]

Welding vise-grip here also.

 

[LEVE]

I stick a screwdriver through the holes in the track and put a vice grip on the end of the screwdriver so it can't fall of via vibration.

I've been thinking of a more high tech approach. Now I'll just have to go out to the garage and make a shaft I can slip in/out of the hole from surplus rebar. The challenge is on!

 

[jamesemery728]

Just put one of these in the garage. He is eating what's left of the thief. This is just what I wish I could do.

 

[drmoonshine]

I would think that you would want and need something stronger to protect your valuables.

 

[nuclearlemon]

mine doesn't have locks either, but does have an electric opener. i was concerned with the people that drive down the street hitting their opener to see if someone's is on the same frequency, so i put a light switch inline and can shut power off to the door. the switch is pretty inconveniently located and is on one of three switch boxes on a wall, so most people wouldn't think to hit it either.

 

[Falcon67]

I lock the cross bar on the door latch. I use one of those thin locks with a thin hardened extra long loop, like for a boat trailer hitch.

 

[LEVE]

so i put a light switch inline and can shut power off to the door

I did a similar thing. I have both garage doors on one circuit. The Breaker Box is located within 2' of the access door. I can secure the doors on the way out the access door by simply flipping the breaker off. But I still lock the rails with a mechanical lock as a backup.... you just never know.

 

[Big N8]

I have two of those slide locks. but i just replaced all three of my 9'x7' doors and one came with each kit. Two doors have openers and one has two locks one on each side.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I bought a pair a slide locks for each door today at Lowes.


Thanks to all who posted.