Garage security

[Tony Stark]

Im looking at beefing up the security on my garage door, theres no windows to worry about and theres no power to the garage so cant do alarms. Its in the next cul de sac with about eight others so I dont want to go ott with it id just rather mine be more of a hassle to break into than everyone elses around it.

Firstly i wanna put a heavy duty latch on that fixes to concrete/block work not just the wooden frame and secondly a better padlock - can anyone recommend a good one? Im guessing more barrel tumblers means harder to pick/match a key to? Also reinforce the roller guide fixings to the frame so it cant be just forced outwards.

Anyone got any tips or advice?

Cheers

[andy10v]

Is this a "normal" garage, ie one single up and over door that you have to lock from the outside?

How does the existing lock system work?

I would be aware of making it too visibly fortified, then it is worth braking into.

[DJones]

On one of my previous garages i fitted two standard five lever mortise locks in the side of the steel garage door. Chiseled out two recesses to accept the lock when the keys were turned.

Virtually no signs of it being fitted externally other than two small key holes in the bottom corners of the door.

Worked a treat....

Darren.

[ian4455]

How about considering a pager alarm on the car with battery back-up if the garage is in the next cul de sac. If you're worried about it getting stollen may be best to say make the ECU removable so the car can't be driven away.

Been there myself when i had motorbikes, my mate had part of the garage roof removed during the night and the bike lifted up through it and away. All because the security was all around his door. (the garage was attached to the house)

Don't let what you do to the door stand out from the rest too much otherwise it may attract attention.

[martinws]

On one of my previous garages i fitted two standard five lever mortise locks in the side of the steel garage door. Chiseled out two recesses to accept the lock when the keys were turned.

Virtually no signs of it being fitted externally other than two small key holes in the bottom corners of the door.

Worked a treat....

Darren.

Id go with this sort of thing.

Most people get into garage and roller doors but wedging one side as the locks are usually in the middle.

The neater and less visible you can do it the better.

[Tony Stark]

Yep 1 old school single up n over door job. Cheap padlock and a crappy hinged flap that swings down onto a hook type thing.

Thats the thing, want it to like a regular garage not fort knox.

[andy10v]

DJones suggestion sounds nice.

Only thing I would add if it is a normal garage door would be a reinforcing bar across the door between the locks. Otherwise a hook under the middle of the door being pulled out, buckles the door out and the side locks disengage.

[macspring]

Tony,

As has been mentioned, should be discrete so as not to draw attention or stand out.

Should be effective if "attacked", but easy for you to open and close each time, and not be a pain to use every time.

Also evaluate the weakest link after the door, given Darren's comment re the roof.

I presume somebody casing the cluster of garages can easily view what's inside yours when you're taking the car in and out ?

Ironically on this occasion, photos would be inappropriate.

[Tony Stark]

DJones suggestion sounds nice.

Only thing I would add if it is a normal garage door would be a reinforcing bar across the door between the locks. Otherwise a hook under the middle of the door being pulled out, buckles the door out and the side locks disengage.

I like the sound of this too plus the extra bar, ill make sure the frame is still fixed good n proper not rotting out. I told myself any padlock would require some alarming noise to break off but the current one is pants i dont trust it anymore.
Maybe ill leave the current padlock on the door but make the hinge a dummy and use only the two mentioned side locks, its looks cheap and would at least take some time for a **** to break it for no gain

Cheers

[bazburn]

Also maybe a floor post so even if they do get in its not going anywhere without a lot of noise/grief...or is this OTT? Depends how much you love her...

[Tony Stark]

Im pretty sure the roof is a no go, its a gable with a fairly steep pitch.
A better immobiliser/will be next on the list.

[Tony Stark]

Also maybe a floor post so even if they do get in its not going anywhere without a lot of noise/grief...or is this OTT? Depends how much you love her...

My missus did ask if she should be worried about our relationship lasting shortly after id bought it and then told me i should "go and get a room with it".

The post would very effective but, knowing what im like in the mornings id forget and reverse into it everyday

[dspl1236]

an alternative...

[Greg_S]

DJones suggestion sounds nice.

Only thing I would add if it is a normal garage door would be a reinforcing bar across the door between the locks. Otherwise a hook under the middle of the door being pulled out, buckles the door out and the side locks disengage.

We had that when we first moved into our house and were renovating. Someone tried to break into the garage to steal tools I assume. They bent the top corner of the door over to try and get it in. Now have multiple bolts, each corner and centers.

[Error404]

This is my deterrent. Sleeps 2ft from my garage door. Perfect.