Types of Garage Door Locks: Which One is Best for Your Door?

Your garage door is one of the largest entry points to your home, which makes it a target for opportunist thieves. Many UK homeowners store not only their cars but also bikes, tools, and other valuables in the garage. In some cases, the garage provides direct access to the rest of the property. Choosing the right lock for your garage door is therefore just as important as fitting strong locks on your front door.

Garage doors come in many styles, from up and over to sectional, side hinged, and roller doors. Each style is suited to different types of locks, and the best option depends on both the design of the door and your security needs. This guide explores the most common types of garage door locks, explaining how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, and which situations they are best suited for.

Why garage door locks matter

A secure garage door lock does more than keep intruders out. It also provides peace of mind and can sometimes lower your home insurance premiums. Without a good lock, a garage is often seen as the weak point of a property. Opportunist burglars know that many garages are secured with only basic mechanisms, making them easier to target than front or back doors.

Locks also matter for everyday convenience. A poorly designed or faulty lock can be frustrating to use, especially in cold or wet weather. Choosing the right type ensures not only security but also smooth day-to-day operation.

T-handle locks

T-handle locks are one of the most common types found on older up and over garage doors in the UK. As the name suggests, the exterior handle is shaped like the letter “T” and turns to operate the lock.

How they work

The T-handle connects to a locking mechanism inside the door, which usually engages rods that extend horizontally into the door frame. Turning the handle retracts the rods, allowing the door to open.

Advantages

• Widely available and affordable.
• Easy to replace if damaged.
• Simple to operate.

Disadvantages

• Basic models may be vulnerable to forced entry.
• Keys are often simple and can be duplicated easily.
• Less secure compared to modern alternatives.

Best for

Older up and over doors where cost is a concern. A reinforced or high quality T-handle is recommended if you choose this option.

Cylinder locks

Cylinder locks, also called euro cylinders, are commonly used in many types of doors including garages. They are often found on newer up and over doors and some sectional models.

How they work

The lock consists of a cylinder barrel operated by a key. Turning the key rotates the cam inside the lock, engaging or disengaging the bolts that secure the door.

Advantages

• More secure than basic T-handle locks.
• Wide range of security levels available, including anti-snap and anti-pick versions.
• Compatible with multi-point locking systems.

Disadvantages

• Low quality cylinders can be vulnerable to snapping attacks.
• May require professional fitting for best results.

Best for

Up and over and sectional garage doors. Choose a high security cylinder with anti-snap and anti-drill features for maximum protection.

Deadbolt locks

Deadbolt locks add an extra layer of security, usually fitted inside the garage rather than outside. They can be used alongside the main lock to strengthen protection.

How they work

A solid metal bolt slides into the door frame when engaged, physically preventing the door from being opened. Deadbolts can be operated by a key or from inside with a turn mechanism.

Advantages

• Very strong and difficult to force open.
• Provides extra reinforcement against break-ins.
• Works as an additional lock alongside others.

Disadvantages

• Requires manual operation from inside the garage unless upgraded to key access.
• May be inconvenient if you need regular external access.

Best for

Garages used mainly for storage, or where the main entrance is through the house. Ideal as an additional lock rather than the only security measure.

Side door bolts and shoot bolts

Side bolts, also called shoot bolts, are additional locking devices fitted inside the garage door. They are commonly used on roller and sectional doors.

How they work

A metal rod or bolt slides vertically or horizontally into the door frame or floor, preventing the door from moving. Some versions can be padlocked for extra security.

Advantages

• Simple but effective.
• Provides strong resistance against forced lifting.
• Inexpensive and easy to install.

Disadvantages

• Must usually be operated from inside the garage.
• Can be awkward if you need frequent access.

Best for

Roller and sectional garage doors, particularly for garages that are not used for daily car access. Excellent as a supplementary security measure.

Padlocks and hasps

Padlocks are among the oldest and simplest forms of garage security, often used with a hasp and staple fixed to the door and frame.

How they work

The hasp is fixed to the door, and the staple to the frame. When closed, the hasp covers the staple, allowing a padlock to secure them together.

Advantages

• Affordable and easy to fit.
• Available in high security designs with hardened steel.
• Can be replaced easily if lost or damaged.

Disadvantages

• Low quality padlocks can be cut with bolt cutters.
• External padlocks can look unsightly.
• Keys can be lost easily.

Best for

Side hinged wooden or metal garage doors, or as an additional security measure on sheds and outbuildings. For garages, padlocks should be heavy duty and weather resistant.

Electric garage door locks

Modern electric or automatic garage doors often include built-in electronic locking systems. These work alongside the motor, automatically engaging when the door is closed.

How they work

When you press the remote to close the garage, the motor engages an electronic lock that secures the door in place. Some systems include a physical deadbolt that activates automatically.

Advantages

• Extremely convenient, locking automatically without effort.
• Often integrated with rolling code technology for security.
• Compatible with smartphone apps and smart home systems.

Disadvantages

• Dependent on electricity. During a power cut, they may not function unless there is a manual override.
• More expensive than manual locks.
• Requires professional installation.

Best for

Modern roller or sectional garage doors, especially those already fitted with electric openers. Ideal for homeowners who want both security and convenience.

Smart locks

Smart garage door locks represent the latest evolution in security. These locks connect to your home Wi Fi or Bluetooth and allow operation through a smartphone app.

How they work

A smart lock replaces or supplements the traditional lock. Using an app, you can lock or unlock the garage remotely, receive alerts if it is left open, and even grant temporary access codes to visitors.

Advantages

• Remote control from anywhere via smartphone.
• Real time notifications and activity logs.
• Can integrate with wider smart home systems.
• Eliminates the need to carry physical keys.

Disadvantages

• Requires a strong Wi Fi signal in the garage.
• More expensive than standard locks.
• May need professional installation.
• Dependent on technology, so backup access is essential.

Best for

Tech savvy homeowners who want full control and monitoring. Works well for garages that are part of an integrated smart home system.

Choosing the best lock for your garage door

The right lock depends on the type of garage door you have, how often you use it, and your security priorities.

• Up and over doors: A high security cylinder lock is best, ideally combined with an additional deadbolt for reinforcement.
• Sectional doors: Multi point locking systems with strong side bolts provide excellent security.
• Roller doors: Electric locking systems or side bolts are most effective.
• Side hinged doors: Heavy duty hasps and padlocks or mortice locks offer strong protection.

For most UK homeowners, the ideal setup combines more than one lock. A primary external lock provides everyday convenience, while additional internal bolts or deadbolts add extra security when the garage is not in use.

Additional tips for garage security

• Always choose locks made from hardened steel or other durable materials.
• Look for products that meet recognised UK security standards.
• Consider fitting an alarm or CCTV camera to further deter intruders.
• Keep track of who has keys or remotes, and change locks if they are lost.
• Maintain locks regularly by lubricating moving parts to ensure smooth operation.

Final thoughts

There is no single “best” garage door lock for every situation. The right choice depends on the style of your garage door, how you use the space, and how much security you require. For older up and over doors, a reinforced cylinder lock or T-handle may suffice if combined with extra bolts. For modern sectional or roller doors, electric or smart locks provide both strength and convenience.

What matters most is recognising that your garage deserves the same level of protection as the rest of your home. By understanding the types of garage door locks available and choosing carefully, you can secure your property, protect your belongings, and enjoy peace of mind.