Primary Navigation Mobile

The best garage door locks

• Beef up your garage security
• Easy to fit solutions
• Protect your valuable assets

Written by Alex Boyd Updated: 3 October 2024

Quite often, when we arrive home at the end of the day, we park one of our most valuable possessions in the garage without giving security a second thought—maybe now it’s time to upgrade your garage lock. But it’s not just your vehicle; think about the thousands of pounds of accessories, tools, and other valuables that might be stored there. It pays to be savvy when it comes to garage and car security.

Managing your garage security needn’t be a complicated job. Most solutions are doable in a reasonable amount of time for anyone with some DIY skills and some reasonably basic tools.

The best garage door locks at a glance:

Editor’s choice: Schlosser Technik Enfield Garage Door Lock Bolts – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for up and over doors: Master Lock 1488EURDAT Protector – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for side-hinged double doors: Yale Van Lock – Buy now from Amazon UK

It’s worth reviewing the locks on your garage and assessing if your garage security needs beefing up. Upgrading your security will, at the very least, give you a little more peace of mind; it could also save you a lot of money and hassle. We’ve had a look at some of the ways you can improve your garage locks.

The best garage door locks in detail:

This is one of the less expensive ways to improve your garage lock, but it will probably involve more work to install. The Schlosser Garage Locks can be used on both sectional and up and over garage doors and can be fitted horizontally or vertically.

Some of those who have fitted these previously say it’s a good idea to look at a YouTube video just to get an idea of how to approach fitting. You might also find that tightening the carriage bolts can be a bit tricky.

Pros

  • Inexpensive solution
  • Decrease door vulnerability

Cons

  • Installation can be tricky
Best for up-and-over doors
Alternative Retailers
Walmart
$246.18
Not only is the Masterlock Protector a sturdy anti-theft device, but it acts as a strong visual deterrent too. Again, there will be a bit of drilling involved in the installation as it’s recommended that the lock is secured to a concrete floor.

The construction is solid and sturdy, and the 6-pin cylinder in the shackle padlock offers much-improved resistance against lock picking. ‘Sold Secure’ is a police security initiative which has given the Masterlock a bronze rating.

Pros

  • Police Certified
  • Suitable for up and over and double garage doors

Cons

  • It can be tricky to attach and remove
Best for roller doors
Price: $98.80
The very name gives you confidence in the product! The Bulldog Garage Door Lock is well-made, robust and sturdy and can fit roller doors as well as up and over. All fittings are supplied, along with simple, clear instructions.

It is recommended that it is attached to a concrete floor, or if that’s not possible, that a pit be dug to accommodate a concrete base. Once that’s done, you’ll have a sturdy lock, and the yellow finish also gives the added benefit of it being a visual deterrent.

Pros

  • Suits inside or outside use
  • Suitable for roller or up-and-over doors

Cons

  • Lock dust cover can be easily lost
Best for side-hinged double doors
Price: $102.08
It says van lock on the label, but this is perfect for helping to beef up the security on garages with side-hinged double doors. The Yale Heavy Duty Van Lock is made of hardened steel for protection and weather resistance; it’s been tested through 10,000 opening and closing cycles and comes with high-security fixing bolts and three anti-cut brass keys. It’s relatively easy to install, too.

Pros

  • A trusted name in security
  • Sturdy and secure lock

Cons

  • No drilling template is supplied
Best on a budget
Price: $115.83
This security stop bar from AB Tools provides a similar function to the Masterlock Protector, except it comes as a bare unit with no fixtures or fittings. This is ideal if you already have access to the necessary bolts and padlocks required and allows you to upgrade your garage security at a budget price. The red-coloured finish provides an excellent visual deterrent too.

Pros

  • Solid and well made
  • No fixtures included

Cons

  • The size of the footplate hole could be increased to accommodate a larger shackle

The best garage locks: FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of installing a garage door lock?

A: Installing a garage door lock can provide added security for your home and garage, preventing unauthorised access and theft. The best garage locks will be able to withstand a power tool attack with ease.

While security devices like security cameras work as deterrents, the best garage lock is a proactive measure you can take to stop any would-be thieves from nicking your lawnmower or car.

Q: Can I install a garage door lock myself?

A: It is possible to install a garage door lock yourself if you have the necessary tools and experience. However, if you’re not 100% sure of what you are doing, it is probably better to get the lock fitted professionally to make sure it’s installed and functions correctly.

Q: What should I consider when choosing a garage door lock?

A: When choosing a garage door lock, you should consider factors such as the level of security you require, the type of garage door you have, and your budget. Choosing a lock that will work with your existing garage door system is also important.

How we choose
All of these garage door locks have been hand-selected by our team of experts who have spent hours investigating and researching garage door locks to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.

Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Parkers, specialising in power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, travel, gardening and music.

Sign up for the Parkers Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews, news, and recommendations from the Parkers team.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections – read why you should trust us