I’ve lost the keys to my garage, any tips for getting in?

[LostMyUserName]

It’s an up and over door. Is there a way I can pick the lock?

Calling a locksmith is going to be a last resort as I really can’t spare the money.

[Summerslimtime]

When we got burgled they sawed a horizontal line above the lock to cut the cable. I'm not sure if all garages are alike.

[gingercat02]

If you know the code you can order a new key. It will be on any paperwork you have or on the inside of the door (no good I know if you are locked out)

[TheFlis12345]

Is it the original door / lock from when the house was built? My parents was and when the neighbours lost their key, they tried my parents key and it fitted!

[LostMyUserName]

@Summerslimtime

When we got burgled they sawed a horizontal line above the lock to cut the cable. I'm not sure if all garages are alike.

Thanks @Summerslimtime, ideally I’m looking for a solution that doesn’t damage the door.

[ILikePizzas]

Local FB group and ask if someone picks locks as a hobby. Some people do, believe it or not. Never know your luck. Someone might be chuffed to put it to good use.

[LostMyUserName]

@gingercat02

If you know the code you can order a new key. It will be on any paperwork you have or on the inside of the door (no good I know if you are locked out)

No paperwork unfortunately @TheFlis12345 but I’m glad I’m not locked inside! I think there’s a number on the lock itself, I’ll see if it corresponds to me being able to buy a new key.

[LostMyUserName]

@TheFlis12345

Is it the original door / lock from when the house was built? My parents was and when the neighbours lost their key, they tried my parents key and it fitted!

I’m not sure @TheFlis12345 and the previous owner is deceased.

[Nameinspirationneeded]

Not sure you’d want to but is there a window with a way to get in easier lock?

[LostMyUserName]

@LostMyUserName

No paperwork unfortunately @TheFlis12345 but I’m glad I’m not locked inside! I think there’s a number on the lock itself, I’ll see if it corresponds to me being able to buy a new key.

Sorry, that was supposed to be @gingercat02

[LostMyUserName]

@ILikePizzas

Local FB group and ask if someone picks locks as a hobby. Some people do, believe it or not. Never know your luck. Someone might be chuffed to put it to good use.

I’m worried about attracting the wrong type of lock picker with that request @ILikePizzas. I could ask neighbours though so thank you for the idea.

[LostMyUserName]

@Nameinspirationneeded

Not sure you’d want to but is there a window with a way to get in easier lock?

Thanks for the idea @Nameinspirationneeded but unfortunately the only window doesn’t open.

[kitchenhelprequired]

Is it cheaper to repair the window or the garage door lock? You can open the garage from the inside and presumably find some kind of lock type of code to order a new key so pick the cheapest way to get in.

[Pearl97]

I was just coming in to say if it’s a fairly old house ask the neighbours. When we were kids our key fitted every garage in our close.

[ILikePizzas]

@LostMyUserName

I’m worried about attracting the wrong type of lock picker with that request @ILikePizzas. I could ask neighbours though so thank you for the idea.

I see. This is one of those threads where the OP asks for ideas but then rejects every single one. Ok fine, come up with your own ideas.

[johnd2]

We lost the key and found it was a birtley "easy fix" which basically means it screws on with 4 screws from the outside then you can turn it 90 degrees as a whole.
If it's a decent one with no external screws you can still drill it easily as garage locks are not really that secure.
it will cost you 40 pounds for a replacement handle which will come with the lock and keys all together.

A photo of your lock and handle would help

[SureJanSure]

I'm more worried that someone's trying to find a way into another's home...but the likelihood of this person coming to mn to ask is low. So...

[Clickncollect]

If you do go the locksmith route, please go with a local reputable company as I’ve read a thread or two on national locksmiths recently that people have googled and have caused a lot of damage and charged crazy amounts, scam style. Good luck!

[stormytwilightnight]

@ILikePizzas

I see. This is one of those threads where the OP asks for ideas but then rejects every single one. Ok fine, come up with your own ideas.

I can fully understand why the OP has dismissed your idea, I would too, stupid and reckless idea.

[LostMyUserName]

@johnd2

We lost the key and found it was a birtley "easy fix" which basically means it screws on with 4 screws from the outside then you can turn it 90 degrees as a whole.
If it's a decent one with no external screws you can still drill it easily as garage locks are not really that secure.
it will cost you 40 pounds for a replacement handle which will come with the lock and keys all together.

A photo of your lock and handle would help

Thanks @johnd2. It’s an Apex with no visible external screws.

Looks like this one.

[LostMyUserName]

@SureJanSure

I'm more worried that someone's trying to find a way into another's home...but the likelihood of this person coming to mn to ask is low. So...

I’m conscious of looking like a burglar @SureJanSure. I can only guess they already have contacts in the know about these things.

[LostMyUserName]

@kitchenhelprequired

Is it cheaper to repair the window or the garage door lock? You can open the garage from the inside and presumably find some kind of lock type of code to order a new key so pick the cheapest way to get in.

If it gets to the stage of weighing this two options up @kitchenhelprequired, you’re right, the window might be an easier and cheaper option.

I’m trying to avoid smashing anything unless I really have to.

[LostMyUserName]

@Clickncollect

If you do go the locksmith route, please go with a local reputable company as I’ve read a thread or two on national locksmiths recently that people have googled and have caused a lot of damage and charged crazy amounts, scam style. Good luck!

Thanks @Clickncollect, I appreciate you mentioning that. If I do go down that route, I feel better informed from the contributors to this thread.

[Yogibearspicnic]

I'd think cheapest way to do it would be to drill out the lock with a decent HSS drill bit. Should just undo as normal then, and can put a replacement lock on after.

[LostMyUserName]

@Yogibearspicnic

I'd think cheapest way to do it would be to drill out the lock with a decent HSS drill bit. Should just undo as normal then, and can put a replacement lock on after.

Thanks @Yogibearspicnic, would I drill straight through the barrel?

[LostMyUserName]

@stormytwilightnight

I can fully understand why the OP has dismissed your idea, I would too, stupid and reckless idea.

I like you @stormytwilightnight.