Best Garage Door Lock

The Fradon 2304 Switch Lock Tubular Key is our best garage door lock which is a tubular key system which is definitely made for your auto shed or garage. Moreover, it has a keyed alike design so it is quite sturdy as a our best pick. In fact, the door locking mechanism is also simple to setup that any mounting hole that measures 19 mm x 17 mm will fit.

Our step-up pick is the Garage Door Parts Stamped Deadbolt Cylinder and as a garage locking system, you will be able to customize this lock. It can also cover a deadbolt for its size. With a DIY installation level so it is very simple to put together, it can help people easily enter and exit rooms.

The budget pick is the ALEKO LM191 Universal Gate Door Latch and it already has holes for screws so you get ease of installation overall. With a powder paint finish, this seemingly indestructible garage door lock is also perfect for your shed due to its galvanized steel that can outlast others in terms of wear and tear against the elements.

A Little Background

A garage door lock is a locking mechanism that is meant for use with garage doors, meaning that they are much more ideal for bigger doors rather than residential doors. It takes a lot of strength and durability to lock up a garage and this is where a garage door lock comes in handy.
The reason that you may need a garage door lock is the fact that your garage can hold your vehicle, many power tools and valuables that can be stolen by thieves. It is important that you protect your valuable assets to make sure nothing gets stolen with the use of a durable and reliable garage door lock.
Home security can be compromised if you do not have the right garage door lock or security system and this is why you should definitely consider a garage door lock so that intruders will not be easily invading your home through your garage or shed.
Whichever kind of garage door lock you choose, it should withstand the elements just fine because it will be situated in the great outdoors where rain and snow might destroy and corrode it. Also, since most garages are connected with your main house, the garage door should be locked to keep away intruders as much as possible. Whichever door lock they choose, it should be of heavy duty steel material and should not be easy to remove at all.

How We Picked

Consider the following factors when choosing the best garage door lock:
Locking style or mechanism: the garage door lock should be of a specific style, such as a keyless one or a keyed one. The most common type is the keyed one but some garage door locks can be opened using a keyless entry system such as fingerprint scanning and keypad entry for a pass code. It is highly important that regardless of the garage door lock that you choose, it should function well.
Backup keys (if keyless): if you want to have a garage door lock that is keyless, it should have a backup key system so that it will be accessible even during a power outage and when the batteries have run out. This is also important if you have users who are not very trusting towards keyless systems.
Keys included (if keyed): if the garage door lock is a keyed system, it should come with at least 2 keys or have a re-keying system that makes it a breeze for you to duplicate keys at once and re-convert the key at the right time. Both the included keys should be sturdy and reliable.
Material and durability: consider a garage door lock that is durable with a good finish material as well. It should not rust so easily and should also be resistant to getting picked, slammed or drilled in the process to fully protect your garage from intruders.
Ease of use: make sure you buy a garage door lock that is very simple to use so that the end user will not have much problems with locking and unlocking it. Consider a garage door lock with user friendly instructions on operating it.
Ease of installation: a garage door lock that comes with full fledged instructions will be fairly easy to install altogether. The garage door lock should also come with all of the parts needed for you to install it and the parts should also be of high quality in durability.

Our Pick

Fradon 2304 Switch Lock Tubular Key
Our best garage door lock would be the Fradon 2304 Switch Lock Tubular Key. With this particular garage locking mechanism, you can also use it for other places that require security and safety in the long run as a garage door lock.
The garage system has a total of 2 keys are included with this garage door lock. With a lock body length of 1 1/8 inches, this garage door lock is also quite pick resistant so you have to worry less about burglary in your household and in your neighborhood when it comes to lock picking.
This particular garage door lock bears an insulation resistance of 500 meg-ohms per minute so it is very good even during harsh sunlight and extreme temperatures. Moreover, the garage door lock can also work well on a magnet lock on a door so it is very easy to setup.
With this garage door lock, the key can be removed whether you turn the lock on or off so you get total convenience when it comes to using it. Totally great for garage doors in terms of all aspects, the zinc alloy material of this garage door lock is quite nice and durable for the elements.
The garage door lock is a switch lock design which contains a power line at 12 volts DC and is quite easy to setup. This lock system has a current rating of 4 amps at 125 volts AC and at 2 amps at 250 volts AC.
This garage door lock has a dielectric strength for 1 minute is at 1,500 volts AC. With a contact resistance of 10 mill-ohms per minute, it contains a total of 2 post style terminals in its packaging and setup.
As a very simple to install garage door lock, you can also make special requests as the manufacturer can make extra keys if you want to add more keys in your system. With this garage door lock, the 2 positions on the switch for on and off in an easy way.

Flaws but Not Dealbrakers

Some flaws but not entirely deal breakers to say about the Fradon 2304 Switch Lock Tubular Key include the fact that it does not have additional keys for some people but you can also request more keys from the manufacturer anyway.

Step-up Pick

Garage Door Parts Stamped Deadbolt Cylinder
Our step-up pick would be the Garage Door Parts Stamped Deadbolt Cylinder. Because this is a low voltage garage door lock, it is very economical when it comes to power consumption. Equipped with high security features, the garage door lock works perfectly.
Moreover, the design of this garage door lock makes it quite attractive in comparison to other garage locking mechanisms out there. As a tubular key powered garage door lock, it is made of sturdy metal materials that will last longer than it should.
This garage door lock is a chrome plated lock that is effortless in its installation. It can also be highly compatible with a night latch and it only takes less than 5 minutes to install. This garage door lock has a deadbolt cylinder so it is very hard to pick and take down altogether.
With 2.2 inches in its top to bottom measurement on the vertical side, the garage door lock can help you switch from your old lock in a breeze. Also, all of the mounting hardware is included so you will have less problems when it comes to putting together this garage door lock.
The lock has also been zinc stamped so it is very stable against the weather and the elements as a garage door lock. For added security, the garage door lock comes with all of the needed components as a complete set to keep the easy locking at hand.
It fits great on most garages and comes with sturdy stampings that are weatherproof. The garage door lock has a narrow width of 1 3/4 inches. With a stamped steel housing for durability against the elements, you will have a trouble free life with this garage door lock.
Moreover, it is important to know that the short side or side to side (horizontal) measurement is at 1.2 inches. Including the cylinder and keys in this one set, this particular garage door lock is backed by a 6 months manufacturer’s warranty.

Budget Pick

ALEKO LM191 Universal Gate Door Latch
Our budget pick is the ALEKO LM191 Universal Gate Door Latch and it will be perfect fit for most garage doors out there due to its universal size as well as its low voltage and low power consumption design. Being a pick resistant keyed lock mechanism for your garage, this door lock is built to last for many years.
In the same way, this door locking mechanism functions as expected because of its good system as a compatible garage door lock for most electrical garage doors out there. If you have some ALEKO swing gates then you can also install this garage door lock with great ease due to its versatility.
Also, the garage door lock is applicable for a backyard gate door and it will lock on its own due to its strength and ease of use. Even most pedestrian areas can be installed with this garage door lock which is given a powder coated.
What’s more, the latch will engage easily if you mount it properly. Given a corrosion resistance coating, this is truly a sturdy gate lock that can handle metal gates just fine due to its latch mechanism. It is also adjustable up to 3 inches in its gap.
Also working well for the stockade gate, it is capable of self-locking the gate due to its gate hardware included such as the flip latch and the flat bar. The garage door lock will also work for an iron gate and you can also add a steel plate to it. It has been given a black color finish.
With a heavy duty latch system, the steep latch design makes this garage door lock super secure. In fact, it can go through 1 inch of metal frame. Made of solid metal in its latch, you can use it for animal enclosures. It is a simple but effective garage door lock that comes with a set of bolts and nuts.

Best Garage Door Lock in the form of a Manual Padlock

Kwikset Stanley Black&Decker 20741783 Master Lock
Our best padlock garage door lock would be the Kwikset Stanley Black&Decker 20741783 Master Lock for all of your manual padlock door locking needs for the garage. Almost any door can be installed by this garage door lock due to its great combination of features and diversity.
Made also for vinyl and PVC doors, you can also put a cotter pin within this garage door lock. It is just the right size for most garage doors and on either side, the lock allows you to put your padlock. Measuring 2 inches or 50 mm in its width, it is a lock made especially for garages.
The garage door lock measures 29/64 inches in its vertical clearance and a total of 2 keys are included with the lock system. This padlock has an octagonal shape at the bottom and has a one directional dial feature to make it easy to use it as a combination padlock.
Equipped with a hinged dial, the garage door lock is a keyed alike type lock in which the shackle is made of hardened steel material so it is entirely durable. You can also work this over fences with its tough cut design and you can also use it for most storage lockers.
The garage door lock is of contractor grade in terms of materials and its extra cut resistance. It is relatively easy to set your own combination. Moreover, the shackle diameter is at 9/32 inches and it also measures 15/32 inches in its horizontal clearance.
As a 5-pin cylinder garage door lock, there is no reset tool required when setting this up for your shed or garage door. You can even use this garage door lock for your tool boxes and it can survive in fire due to its great material grading.
Measuring 3/4 inch in its shackle height, you can even use it for tool chests. It is made of solid brass material for rust resistance and it is applicable for both indoor and outdoor usage due to its superior weather resistance.
With 4.5 in its dial count, the door lock has a reinforced body bumper to make it sturdy against the test of time and the elements. With a boron carbide shackle design, this padlock is a great consideration for your garage and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Best Garage Door Lock with a Cylinder Design

Stanley Hardware 73-0870 Garage Door Lock
The Stanley Hardware 73-0870 Garage Door Lock is our ideal cylinder type garage door lock for those who would like a secure cylinder type design. The garage door lock mounts on gates and it is so convenient in locking your driveway.
Moreover, you can have the option for expert setup included at a small fee with this garage door lock. Being only made with top quality materials, you will have no issues when it comes to the setup of this lock. You can use it as a replacement for a garage door.
This lock can be used on a wooden gate due to its high strength material. It can also be installed even in high wind areas because of its profound durability. As a decorative door lock for your garage, it has a solid brass tumbler design which is very durable and hard to lock pick.
It works fine in wood doors and it has a t-latch handle design so it is easy to use. With 2 screws included with the package, this garage door lock is one of the best home hardware out there with an all metal construction for durability due to the die cast zinc housing.
The door lock is applicably used with the gd-12119 or gd-12138 and it is easy to open the garage door with it. The included screws are break-off machine screws which are also of heavy duty and make it easy to install the whole system. It also comes with a mounting plate.
As a garage door cylinder locking system, it will work well on most doors on varying thickness. If you want to add a finishing touch to your home and garage then this garage door lock is the best bet. It can also be used with a latch handle.
With the 2 keys included with a keyed alike design, the door lock will also work on any room that it is applicable for. With an escutcheon plate included, the unit can be used with a interior side lock as well. Its solid brass tumbler lock at 5 pins is quite hard to pick for intruders.
Made with a clear coated aluminum design, this lock can be a replacement garage door cylinder and lock system for your needs. It contains 1 key cylinder in the package along with the included keys. It is perfect for just about any average garage door.

Best Garage Door Lock with Polished Brass Material

ANVIL MARK 807279 Door Guard Brass
If you want a garage door lock that has been given a brass material finish and construction and polished as well for good locks, you can try the ANVIL MARK 807279 Door Guard Brass. Moreover, it is a rock solid garage door lock to consider for your garden door, shed door or garage door.
Made only of high quality materials, it can work for just about any steel garage door and is also locksmith recommended. The garage door lock has a trim ring and it has a cylinder lock mechanism that will work well with a wood garage door with an overhead sectional style.
This garage door lock has a polished brass design which makes it elegant yet durable at the same time. Made for steel and wood doors alike, other gates of different materials can be installed with this garage door lock as it can be welded to a gate.
As a swing arm door guard designed garage door lock, it is made to withstand the elements manually with its trusted zinc and brass combination. You can even use this particular garage door lock for a cabinet and the like due to its ease of installation.
The unique thing about this garage door lock is that it has a position holding design so that the lock stays locked whenever you need it that way. With an easy latching mechanism, this garage door lock has a tough door security feature and it is made of zinc brass which makes it tough against the elements.
This garage door lock measures 3 x 3 inches so it is decent as a latch lock mechanism in most garages. It weighs 4 ounces or less so it is sufficient to lock and unlock for most people. With an antique brass design and finish, it is easy to use and it is great as a door guard .
It includes a total of 6 cases in its quantity which makes it easy to install for your garage door or your shed door. The finish is polished brass and it can also be used as shelving hardware. All of the building materials are included with this garage door lock.

Best Garage Door Lock with a Latch System

Prime-Line Products 52145 Slide Bolt Latch
If you want a latch system type garage door lock then you should consider the Prime-Line Products 52145 Slide Bolt Latch due to its ease of setup and design for durability. Bearing easy installation, the garage door lock can securely lock the garage door.
You can also use this garage door lock for most residential gates due to the incredible durability, ease of setup and pry resistance against intruders. Built with a solid brass body, this keyed padlock has a rubber combination cover to protect it from unwanted access.
Also, you can install it bolted and it will be a sturdy little latch that uses s duplex system. Even the pool gate will be closed well with this garage door lock which seems very sturdy. With a zinc plated finish, this garage door lock measures 4 1/4 inches in its cover plate.
You can assure a secure locking mechanism from this garage door lock that is well made. It is made of heavy gauge steel so it is very durable due to its steel construction. The latch diameter is at 3/8 inch and it is also plated in zinc so it is tough against the weathers.
Applicable on a side gate, the garage door lock can be used with a mortise installation and it is applicable for any latching application. With a total of 2 keepers included, all of the good hardware has been included with this garage door lock which is made of steel.
With a contemporary style, the latch rest is at 1 inch thick. Moreover, the garage door lock is great for a slide bolt latch. With a secure locking system, you can be able to surface mount with this garage door lock with great ease.
Made of zinc plated steel, this garage door lock comes with a sturdy keeper and you get half the frustration when installing it due to its ability to be capable of surface mount installation. The space between the two holes is at 2 5/16 inches.
Including fasteners for faster installation, it is also applicable for mortise bolt keepers. It can be used with a padlock and it is backed by a 1 year warranty against manufacturing defects and 30 days money back guarantee.

Best Garage Door Lock with a Deadbolt Design

National Hardware V7650 3-1/8″ Deadbolt Cylinder
The National Hardware V7650 3-1/8″ Deadbolt Cylinder is our ideal deadbolt style garage door lock for the best kind of security possible against lock picking. This garage door lock will last a long time if you take care of it.
This particular garage door lock is a ball bearing design which makes it very smooth in operation which also makes it stealthy in terms of locking and unlocking the door from either side of the fence, gate or garage door. It is guaranteed to keep your door secured in an easy way.
You can easily secure your gates or door with this lock and it can also be used through the fence. As a heavy duty garage door lock, it can work as a universal gate door lock that is easy to install. Made of heavy gauge materials, it includes different types of receivers.
Built with an attractive aluminum finish, the elegant design makes this garage door lock complement most modern houses out there. You can use it for carded doors and it can be as a replacement of an OEM lock. Given a smooth finish, it works perfectly as a garage door with a rim cylinder.
You can have it mounted in the center of the door and it is generally less expensive than consulting a locksmith. The garage door lock includes 2 keys and it is made of aluminum materials. With applicable mounting hardware for a overhead door, it can be used for wood or metal doors.
With the key, you can unlock it from outside and you can easily lock a garage door with it. You can use it as a replacement lock cylinder even for older garage doors and it measures 3 1/8 inches long. As a garage door deadbolt, it has a 2 inches long shaft.
As a much tighter lock than most at a fraction of the cost, the garage door lock comes with a pivot plate as a deadbolt mechanism. It can be a replacement for a cylinder lock and can be used with an existing dead bolt.
This garage door lock has a rim cylinder design and it is relatively easy to install. With a chromium design, the particular locking system comes with a couple of extra keys and it also comes with user instructions for ease of setup.

Best Garage Door Lock for Side Locking

Garage Door Parts Locking Side Latch
If you want a side locking mechanism as a side latch for your garage door then you can go for the Garage Door Parts Locking Side Latch. As a great garage door lock, it is really designed for durability and is made out of steel castings so it is very sturdy in the long run.
The garage door lock has a stamped deadbolt design so it is not easy to pick at all so it presents safety and security. Also okay for most sheds, a lot of professionals will find this garage door lock a well built lock with the best pick resistance possible.
With a locking side latch, there is absolutely no need to drill a relief hole with this garage door lock due to its easy installation and easy locking. Applicable for 2 to 3 inches tracks, it has a great locking mechanism and it is also okay to use with any outside lock handle.
Ideal and applicable for end stile mounting, this door lock’s steel stampings are of top quality. Moreover, it provides you with effortless setup with up to 2 3/4-inch center line lock handling. Designed for durability, the garage door lock works great as an end style lock.
You can choose right or left installation for this garage door lock and you can have the bolt sliding into a receiver in an easy way. You can also add an optional handle for this garage door lock. With 7 1/2 inches in its lock bar, it only requires minimal oil or grease when maintaining it.
The garage door lock can be used for doors that can be opened from the outside. It is also easy to configure on the right end of the bar. Made of sturdy steel material and a zinc plated finish, you can also add an optional rim cylinder set for this garage door lock.
Measuring 2 1/8 inches in its throw part, the different combinations for the bracket hole make installation a breeze. There is also a universal side latch for a garage door and it also accommodates lock bars of most types.
With reasonable quality in terms of its materials, this garage door lock has a bunch of locking arms. As an ideal manual garage door lock, it is a trouble free design. With a keyed cylinder spindle, the garage door lock is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty of 6 months.

Best Garage Door Lock with a Chrome Plated Finish

Prime-Line Products GD 52169 Keyed T-Handle
If you want a chrome plated finish garage door lock then look no further than the Prime-Line Products GD 52169 Keyed T-Handle. With a swing gate capable installation mechanism, the garage door lock brings the spring closer with its mechanism and it can be used on aluminum gates.
With a die cast zinc build, this garage door lock measures 5/16 inch by 4 5/8 inches in its entire design. Built with a chrome plating finish, you can use it for both garage doors and campers as well. You can also use it for RV doors and it has a square shaft design.
You will find more uses for this garage door lock other than for your garage with its shackle seal. As a master lock garage door lock with sufficient scratch resistance, you can even use it for workshops and the like. It has a resettable combination and can even be used with bikes.
It will not break or tear away and is also ideal for ornamental iron doors. The wide design of this garage door lock makes it sufficient for locking up your garage. This steel garage door lock can be used as a slide bolt latch with an easy surface mount installation. This also makes it really easy to install and secure.

The Competition

Other garage door locks did not qualify with our standards because they were substandard in quality and ease of use. It is imperative that you keep your garage door safe with a reliable garage door lock that cannot get easily destroyed.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a garage door lock?
A: The garage door lock is a door lock that is meant for use with a garage or a shed. It is highly important that you lock up your garage or shed because it might contain tools and valuables such as your bike or your car and anything that can be stored in there.
Q: Should I contact a locksmith to install a garage door lock?
A: Some garage door locks can be installed by the homeowner themselves due to their ease of use but some garage door locks that are heavy duty may be installed by a professional locksmith. A locksmith can take care of those special needs when it comes down to managing a garage door lock or any kind of lock possible.
Q: Can a garage door lock be opened with an electric garage door opener?
A: Yes, most garage door locks are interconnected with a garage door opener so that you can have an all in one system for you to lock up your garage safely to keep your items as secure as possible. The garage doors can be locked and then accessed later using the door opener.
Q: Can a garage door opener also serve as a garage lock?
A: Yes, some garage door openers can be a dual purpose garage lock as well. Most systems can work like those regular electronic door locks that require pass codes, fingerprint scanning and the like. In fact, some garage door openers can lock up your garage even with the use of a smartphone or a remote control.
Q: What kinds of locks can I add to a garage to lock up the door really good?
A: The garage door lock can come in a variety of styles, such as a deadbolt, a deadlock or a latch. You can also see a side lock in most stores but this all depends on what your garage door needs. Most people can consult a locksmith service to find out what kind of garage door lock they need.
Q: What is an automatic garage door and can it be locked?
A: Yes, most automatic garage doors can be easily locked with a remote control due to the very fact that it is an automatic mechanism. This is a great door system to consider for your garage, especially if you are one of those people who tend to forget to close the garage or get lazy at doing it (especially during the winter or in the rain).
Q: Can a garage door lock be customized?
A: Yes, most garage door systems can be customized and this includes the garage door lock as well as the garage door opener. A door lock for the garage may have a pass code entry, a biometric fingerprint entry or a manual key entry or a combination of both.
Q: What is the difference between a garage door deadbolt that is single cylinder and double cylinder?
A: Just like on regular door locks , the garage door deadbolt lock can be either single cylinder or double cylinder. The single cylinder garage door deadbolt lock is the most common one because it can be locked from the inside and can be opened on the outside with a key. The double cylinder deadbolt requires a key from both sides, which makes it trickier for emergency situations and fire hazards.
Q: Why is a deadbolt garage door lock more preferred in comparison to a spring bolt lock system for your garage?
A: The spring bolt lock can be susceptible to lock picking which makes it not very safe for most people. If you want a truly secure garage door lock then you can go for the deadbolt garage door lock because it is less likely to be picked due to the unique pin arrangement.
Q: Which is better: a padlocked garage door or an automated external door lock?
A: The padlock is still a useful garage door lock mechanism to consider, even if it can be lock picked. However, it is only advisable to use it as a hindering device or as a supplementary lock to your main lock such as a keypad password protected garage door lock.
Q: Can you use your garage door lock even during a power outage?
A: The garage door lock can be used even during a power outage due to the very fact that it may have an emergency manual mode to make sure that it is easy to operate even when there is no power around. The garage door lock may have some trigger mechanism such as a red rope that is long enough to be pulled. A manual mode can also be triggered in other ways so you need to consult your user’s manual or ask the manufacturer directly for more information.
Q: Can garage door padlocks have a keypad?
A: Yes, some modern garage door padlocks can now already have a keypad entry in which you can program your own pass code or password for entry. This allows the garage door lock to keep the door as secure as possible along with your other lock systems. It is still important that you not only have a strong door lock but also a strong door material to consider.
Q: Is it advisable to perform any DIY modifications for a garage door system?
A: The garage door system that is full of electronics and automated systems should be consulted to the user’s manual first if you want to DIY some parts. Better yet, you need to consult the manufacturer if you want to make some changes in the system. Doing so will avoid the garage door system being compromised in terms of security and being voided of its warranty.
Q: What is the typical garage door lock measurement that you need for most garage doors?
A: A length of about 250 mm above the ground should be the place of the garage door lock with the door edge being away for up to 20 mm more or less. However, this can vary depending on the garage door that you have and the size of your garage and garage lock mechanism altogether.
Q: What items in the garage should I consider to be protected with a garage door lock?
A: If you keep your car in the garage or if you keep bikes, power tools, lawn equipment, golf clubs, sporting goods, camping goods and so much more, then it pays to invest in a heavy duty garage door lock. You never know when the intruder will strike and this is why you need to consider a garage door lock that cannot be easily broken.
Q: Should I rely on the locking mechanism of the garage door if it is an automatic door?
A: You have to consider your need for security because most automatic garage doors can already protect your garage with its included garage door lock. However, most garage door locks are not automatic and hence they should be opened manually. The garage door that is manually opened should be installed with a garage lock mechanism for security purposes.
Q: When is it okay tripping the trigger of the garage door?
A: The garage door that is automated can be unlocked even during a power outage using a trigger switch or bypass switch that must exist somewhere, usually in the form of a red cord or rope. This emergency trigger can help you open up your garage door during times of need such as in a power outage, a disaster and other emergencies without electricity.
Q: Other than a garage door lock, what other ways can you prevent entry through an automatic garage door?
A: You can try the method of drilling holes at the door’s center, with a size of up to 1/4 of an inch. In this way, your garage door cannot be forced open in a rolling mechanism.
Q: Is it still advisable to have physical locks for your garage other than the electronic ones?
A: Yes, garage doors are easy to access in comparison to regular doors so you need to add manual locks as well. This will help strengthen the lock system of your garage door or shed door.
Q: Can a C-clamp become a garage door lock?
A: Yes, most C-clamps can take the place of a door lock system for your garage, especially if you are out of the house. It is easy and fast to set up, though it might not be as reliable as real garage door lock systems, but it is a good temporary or supplementary garage door lock method to consider for your safety.

Wrapping It Up

As a whole, the Fradon 2304 Switch Lock Tubular Key is our best garage door lock due to its 500 mega-ohm insulation resistance, inclusion of 2 keys and zinc alloy construction.