How to Lock Your Overhead Garage Inside and Out

Ensure you have all the components from your garage door lock kit. If you're replacing an existing lock, remove it first. If this is a new lock installation, decide where to install the lock on your garage door. Typically, it should be near the center of the door, at a comfortable height. You can use a tape measure to help determine what works best for you.

Grab the template provided in the kit. It is for the handle with the keyhole. You can hold the handle against the garage door if one isn’t provided.

Now, you are ready to mark where to drill holes to install the handle and the lock assembly. Place the template or handle against the exterior side of your garage door and mark the door using a pencil or chalk. You will need a mark for the center and two side holes. Do your best to hold the template or handle straight. You can use a ruler to draw a straight line first for reference.

Put on your safety glasses for eye protection. The kit should share what size drill bits to use. The middle hole may require a 7/16-inch bit, and the two side holes a 5/16-inch bit.

Now, use a drill to create the mounting holes. Ensure that the holes are deep enough to accommodate the screws provided with the lock kit.

Now, pop the end of the handle with the screws into the holes you created on the door's exterior, then go inside.

Next, install the actuator on the interior side of the door. First, pop in the spacer that comes with the kit behind the garage's metal frame. It will prevent crushing. Now, place the actuator over the middle screw according to instructions, aligning it with the two side holes.

The final step is to screw and bolt the lock assembly in place. Remember to make sure the lock assembly is firmly attached to the door.

Use a level to check that the lock assembly is aligned horizontally and vertically. Adjust if necessary. You may need to loosen the screws and tighten again to make adjustments.

Return outside and insert the key with the kit you purchased into the lock. Turn it to ensure that it engages and disengages smoothly. Test it a few times to make sure it's functioning correctly. 

If the lock feels stiff and challenging to turn, you may need to go back inside and slightly loosen the screws holding the actuator in place. However, you want to ensure that the screws are still tight. 

You can also use a lock lubricant, like graphite powder or silicone spray. A quick application to the lock mechanism will smooth operation, making it easier to turn the key.

Some garage door lock kits have a strike plate to reinforce the locking mechanism. If your kit includes one, attach it to the garage frame or wall where the lock's latch will engage when locked. You will need a drill and the bolts in the kit.

Now that the keyed lock is in place, you’ll want to lock your garage from the inside with a padlock. It provides an extra measure of security.

First, examine the interior side of your garage door and track to find a suitable location for the padlock. Choose a spot just above one of the rollers.

Use a pencil or chalk to mark the exact spot on the track where you want to drill the hole. Ensure it's high enough to prevent interference with the roller but low enough to accommodate the padlock.

Carefully drill a hole through the garage door track at the marked point. Use a drill bit suitable for metal, such as a metal or a cobalt bit.

Apply gentle, steady pressure while drilling to create a clean hole. Remember to avoid pushing too hard or using excessive force, which may damage the track. You may want to start with a smaller drill bit and then move to a larger size that accommodates the padlock’s shackle.

After drilling the hole, test the fit of the padlock shackle to ensure it passes through the opening without any obstructions. Make any necessary adjustments if it is too small or has burrs.

Insert the padlock shackle through the hole in the track. If your padlock has a key or combination mechanism, ensure it is accessible. Lock the padlock to secure the door.

Verify that the padlock effectively prevents the garage door from opening when it's locked. Test the padlock to ensure it can be easily opened.

Periodically check the padlock and the hole in the track to ensure they are in good condition. Lubricate the padlock's mechanism if needed. Remember, proper maintenance is critical to securing your garage from theft.