How to Open a Garage Door Lock: Keyed, Manual & Emergency Access Tips

Published Date: Aug 26, 2025

Locked out of a garage? It can happen to anyone — whether it’s because of a lost key, a broken lock, or a power issue. Whatever the reason, this guide offers practical solutions for homeowners, business owners, and anyone who needs quick access to their garage. We’ll cover methods for both keyed and keyless entry, as well as emergency situations.

Understanding Your Garage Door Lock Type and Your Options

Before attempting to open your garage door, take a moment to identify what kind of lock you’re dealing with. Here are the most common types and how they typically work:

T-handle locks (often found on older or detached garages): These require a key to rotate and release the lock. If you’ve lost the key or it’s stuck, forcing it could damage the mechanism.
Slide bolt locks (used as a second layer of security): Usually located on the inside of the door. These can’t be unlocked from the outside unless you have another way in.
Deadbolt locks (used on side or entry doors): Operated by a key from the outside or a thumb turn from the inside.

Knowing the type of lock is the first step to understanding how to open a locked garage. If your situation allows for a DIY fix, check out the steps below. If not — or if you’re worried about causing damage — you might be asking, can a locksmith open a garage door? The short answer is yes, if the issue is lock-related (read more in the article)

How to Open a Garage Door Lock with a Key

If you have your key but the lock is stubborn:

Lubricate the Lock: Apply a graphite-based lubricant to the keyhole to ease movement.
Gently Wiggle the Key: Insert the key fully and gently wiggle it while applying slight turning pressure.
Avoid Forcing the Key: If resistance persists, forcing it may break the key inside the lock.

If the key doesn’t work and you suspect damage, it’s a good idea to call a professional. A skilled locksmith can provide on-site assistance to resolve the issue efficiently.

How to Open a Garage Door Without a Key

Losing your garage key is more common than people might think. However, there are methods to open a garage door lock even without the key.

Use the Emergency Release: Most garage doors have a red emergency handle hanging from the opener. Pulling it disconnects the door from the motor so you can lift it manually — great during power outages or opener issues.
Pick the Lock (Use with Caution): If the lock is a standard keyed type, it might be possible to pick it using a tension wrench and rake or hook pick (available in basic lock pick sets). But if you’re not experienced, it’s easy to damage the lock. Calling a locksmith is usually safer.
Drill the Lock (Last Resort): This should only be done if everything else fails. Drilling will break the lock, and you’ll need a replacement. It’s wise to call a locksmith first before attempting this step.

How to Open a Garage Door Lock in an Emergency

In urgent situations, quick access to your garage might be essential. Whether you’re trying to reach your car, tools, or get inside the house, here’s how to respond:

Assess the Situation: First, determine if it’s a true emergency. If so, prioritize safety.
Try the Emergency Release: As mentioned earlier, the emergency release is often the quickest way to get the door open manually, especially if the issue is with the automatic opener.
Contact Emergency Services: If the emergency is life-threatening (like a fire or a child locked inside), contact 911 immediately. They’re trained to get inside quickly, though it may involve damaging the door.
Call a 24/7 Mobile Locksmith: For urgent but non-life-threatening situations, a mobile locksmith from a trusted local company like Sure Lock & Key can arrive at your location and regain access quickly.

Need Expert Help with Opening or Still Have Questions?

If you’re still unsure about the best method to open your garage door, or if you've tried the above steps without success, professional assistance is available. Over 35 years, Sure Lock & Key has continuously built reliable teams that know locks inside and out, handling every job with the skill and care it deserves.

Don’t let a locked garage door (or any other lock issues) disrupt your day. Contact Sure Lock & Key today for prompt and expert service!

Are you dealing with a door lock that won’t turn or is jammed? It’s a common and frustrating issue — and sometimes even a security risk. Learning how to fix a stuck door lock quickly can save you stress and get your day back on track. That’s why Sure Lock & Key put together this quick guide to help you identify what’s going wrong and how to fix it quickly.

How to Reset a Keypad Door Lock: Simple Guide

Resetting a door keypad lock can be necessary for more than just forgotten codes. If the lock is unresponsive, acting slow, or not saving new entries, a reset often helps clear internal glitches. It’s also smart after using temporary codes, switching tenants, or anytime you want to update access without replacing the hardware. In this guide, we’ll cover how to reset a keypad lock on a door, troubleshoot common problems, and explain when a reset is actually the right move.

How to Lock a Garage Door: Effective Methods for Added Security

The garage isn’t just a place to park your car or to store tools — it’s one of the biggest entry points into your home, and a secured garage often improves overall home security. Let’s explore how to lock a garage door using simple yet effective methods.