Garage Door Lock

Darts

Well-known member
Jan 15, 2017
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Is there a garage door lock expert on the Board? My garage door lock looks like the pic below.

Problem: The key goes in but it won't turn.
Questions:
1) Why is this happening?
2) What is the fix?
R (5).jpg
 
If it's a new lock return it and get a replacement. If it's old try liquid graphite or WD 40, let it soak in for 5-15 minutes. I prefer the graphite since it's a great lubricant. If either of these don't work, time to replace the lock.

LTO_3
 
Replace it with one that uses keypad and key code.
All my neighbors use them.

CP
One of my neighbours told me a story that is quite concerning. He was asleep when the power went off and was still asleep when the power came back up. After he woke up and checked on his garage, the door was wide open.

Apparently, when the power came back on the door automatically opens.

Question: Can the code be hacked like they do with keyless cars?R (5).jpg
 
Good point. We had power outage recently but none of my neighbors had their garage automatically opened
when power came back on.
Any code can be hacked, so can your Terb sign in code.

CP
 
Hire a lock smith to come to the door to fix it.
If you want to keep your key lock for the garage.
I wouldn't be losing sleep over a garage lock unless
you are keeping a Range Rover in there (the kind that Mitch had).

CP
 
My plan now is to buy one of those DIY door handles and give it to my neighbour to install for me.
 
"We found that many locks where homeowners use liquid lubricants are gummed up and full of dirt. Dry Graphite will keep the pins lubricated, and help protect against freezing. Says the opposite “Any, “all purpose” oil or lubrication will do the job, but be sure never to lubricate your door locks with powder graphite, as it will do more harm than good."
What is the Best Lubricants for Door Locks in 2022 (revolar.com)
 
I’d just take the lock out. Disassemble it. Clean it with brake cleaner and put some dry lubricant on everything (bike chain oil even) and put it back together and reinstall. Shouldn’t take long.
 
It's broken.

Buy a new one at Canadian Tire or Home Depot for $20.


Get a screwdriver and replace it yourself in 15 minutes.

NEVER use WD40 on anything except a rusted bolt. It is a horrible, temporary lubricant and leaves a corrosive waxy residue.
 
Bought a new T-handle lock at Home Hardware. Apparently, it is a "universal" lock so should fit all garage doors.

Agree on the WD40 but they also make different types of lubricants/lube. For example, there is one specifically for bike chains (and maybe one for locks?).
 
Not uncommon for door locks to get jammed when tiny bits of dirt/grit get into them, usually transferred via the key (which you should actually clean every once in a while if you have this problem). I've had it happen every once in a while and I used to use WD40 (which always worked) but I've since learned you should use the graphite WD40 (grey can) as the WD40 actually ends up being sticky and attracting more dirt.

Before you invest in a big change, maybe try the graphite WD40 spray. May fix your problem for less than $10.