As AD Locksmithing, I take pride in helping homeowners feel safer and more secure. In late December, I had the pleasure of providing garage door locksmith services to a homeowner in East Boldon who wanted to improve the security of their manual garage door. The garage door lock was outdated and no longer offered the protection they needed.
This job came through a trusted colleague who doesn’t provide changing garage locks. The homeowner wasn’t concerned about protecting anything specific but wanted to enhance general security for peace of mind.
Assessing the Garage Door Security Needs
After receiving photos of the garage door, I discussed options with the homeowner. They were concerned about discreet security, preferring not to have obvious external locks like padlocks. I recommended key-operated door bolts, which are secure and visually unobtrusive. While slightly more expensive than hasps and padlocks, these bolts offer excellent security and discretion, making them the ideal choice for this job.
Preparing for Installation
The manual garage door was well-suited for the key-operated bolts. The structure had adequate space for the lock cases and rails for the bolts to engage. Its design also allowed the bolts to function effectively without interference. The discreet nature of these bolts means only the escutcheons and two small bolts are visible from the outside, a significant aesthetic advantage.
The security features of these key-operated bolts are outstanding. The cross-shaped keyway and multi-sided key design make picking nearly impossible without specialised tools. Furthermore, as the bolts are mounted internally, there’s nothing visible to snap or cut, providing an excellent deterrent for potential intruders.
Installing the Key-Operated Bolts
Installation began with determining the optimal height for the bolts. Placing them too low would make them awkward to operate, while too high would prevent effective protection against attacks targeted at the bottom of the door. A middle-ground approach ensured both functionality and enhanced security.
I carefully measured and drilled the necessary holes for the bolts and keyway, ensuring everything aligned perfectly. Removing any burrs or sharp edges was crucial to achieving a flush fit. The lock cases were mounted securely on the inside of the garage door, and I tested the operation at every stage to ensure smooth functionality.
Once the lock cases were in place, I marked the rail points where the bolts would engage and drilled holes to accommodate them. After both sides were completed, I thoroughly tested the locks to ensure they operated seamlessly.
The homeowner was pleased with the result and appreciated the two keys I provided for the locks.
A Safer Garage Door for Peace of Mind
Previously, this garage door relied on a single, weak lock that offered minimal protection. Thanks to the proactive approach of this East Boldon homeowner, the door is now significantly more secure. These high-security key-operated bolts transform a vulnerable garage into a robust, challenging barrier against intruders.
This upgrade doesn’t just deter casual attempts; if an intruder could manage it at all, it would take them at least five noisy minutes to break through.
Why Choose AD Locksmithing?
Whether you need emergency locksmith services, garage door lock repairs, lock changing, or general locksmith services in East Boldon and Newcastle Upon Tyne, I’m here to help. From replacing outdated or damaged locks to adding high-security features, I provide tailored solutions to meet your needs in the North East.
If your garage door lock security feels outdated or insufficient, don’t wait for an issue to arise—contact me today. Together, we can protect your property and give you peace of mind.
Published: 18th January, 2025 | Updated: 18th January, 2025