Can a Broken Garage Door Lock Be Fixed?
What causes a stuck garage door lock or handle, what to check, and when to call for help.
If there's one thing you can count on, it's that problems turn up at the worst possible moment. A broken garage door lock can stop the door opening at all, and make you late for work or an appointment.
Why Garage Door Locks Fail
Handles and locks are among the most common garage door problems. They wear out, get damaged accidentally, or are forced in a break-in attempt. And sometimes the only key simply gets lost.
What to Check First
The key won't turn
Don't force it. A key forced in a jammed lock can snap off inside the cylinder. If the mechanism has seized, the lock needs replacing.
The handle turns but nothing happens
If the handle spins freely, the linkage to the latch has probably come loose or broken. The door can usually still be unlatched from the inside, because the inside lock works separately from the outside handle. If it still won't release, the mechanism is jammed and needs a technician.
Why DIY Fixes Often Backfire
Garage door locks are more delicate than they look. Prying or forcing them can bend the latch bars, damage the door section and turn a simple repair into a costly replacement. A technician has the right tools to open the door without further damage, and if the lock needs replacing, you get new keys on the spot.
When It Can't Wait
If the garage is your main entrance, or the door is stuck closed with your car inside, call our emergency line. We're available 24/7, including evenings and weekends. Call 604.398.4009.
Read more: Do I Need a Lock on My Garage Door?
Need help with your garage door?
Call 604.398.4009, book online, or get a free estimate.
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