Need To Remove Garage Lock Hole Cover

[Snoopster]

After the garage door opener broke, I have been manually opening and closing my door, which I don't mind at all. Who needs a garage door opener? My question to you experts concerns the square holes in the frame for locking the door. There is a hole I use at night that locks the door when it is totally closed. But there is another hole I would like to use during the day that would lock the door when it it a foot or two opened. That way my cat can go in and out during the day. Yes, I am well aware of not leaving the door open like that at night, since the raccoons would have no reservations about coming in looking for cat food. The only problem is that other hole is covered with a thin piece of metal, so I need to punch or cut out that piece of metal. Can I take a screwdriver and hammer and try to punch it out that way? I don't want to bend or damage the frame.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I don't remember seeing a track with hole covered, is it covered by a doubled up section of track for a mount ?

Adding a picture would help get you some answers.

 

[Bessy]

I imagine that it's just a punch out hole, like in our garage (sorry, I'm not home right now to take a photo). If it's the same, you just need to get one edge open then use a pair of pliers to twist until the tabs break, just like you would an electrical box.

 

[DGersic]

The appropriate GJ answer involves removing the track and using a hydraulic press with custom made tooling to punch out the hole.

The more likely answer is that a hammer and screwdriver will probably suffice.

 

[Snoopster]

I don't remember seeing a track with hole covered, is it covered by a doubled up section of track for a mount ?

Adding a picture would help get you some answers.

Okay, here's both latch holes--the one covered with metal and the open one. A hammer, screwdriver and pliers sounds good to me.

 

[The Cobbler]

that's a knock out that can be removed with a chisel & hammer, like electrical boxes , just a bit tougher

 

[Bessy]

Exactly what I was referring to! Glad to see it worked out.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Yep, you got it.

 

[Fav Onefour]

Vise grip clamped to the rail also makes a fantastic, adjustable door holder. Fool around and experiment with different opening heights. You may find a more suitable height than the current knockout. If you still want to use a padlock, drill a hole at that location.

 

[rsanter]

Okay, here's both latch holes--the one covered with metal and the open one. A hammer, screwdriver and pliers sounds good to me.

I hate to say it but I would hesitate to hit that at all as I would not want to knock the track out of alignment or bend anything.

Personally I think I would take a drill with a small bit and drill where that little connection is made.the drill,will weaken that connection and help it break then you twist off from there

 

[finn]

Chisel, if you value your screwdrivers, hammer, and maybe a pair of thin or needle nose pliers.

 

[Snoopster]

Thanks for all your replies. I used an old screwdriver and a hammer. Only took a few taps to flip it, and then pulled it out with pliers. The door is locked a foot above the floor using that hole and that works fine.

 

[WillyBoy]

Thank you for coming back and letting us know. It's appreciated.

 

[Snoopster]

I appreciate everyone taking the time to give me advice.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I appreciate everyone taking the time to give me advice.

That's the way this place works.