Suggestions to secure my ghetto-a** Garage Door

[rennch]

This is a picture of my barely secured garage door. It's got a thick Master lock on it, but it hardly gives me piece of mind unless my Jeep is parked in front of the door blocking entry. What methods can I use to secure the door a little more effectively?

[HawgRyder]

I had a door like that...and installed 2 nice brass door handles.
Then I wired up 220VAC to the bolts that went through the door to secure the handles.
When the alarm system was on...the handles were live.
A small LED over the door indicated the alarm state.
I only once found evidence of someone trying to open the garage...indicated by 2 nice pieces of burned flesh on the inside of the handles.
I guess they were discouraged from trying again.
Bob

[Kidasters]

All fun and games until you get sued.

Do you have access from the inside? If so, do the old time "bar the door" with a 2 x 4. If not - I'd tear that all out and replace the door.

[VillaRicaGA911]

two large German Shepherds? (keep them slightly hungry)

[tharbert]

Originally Posted by HawgRyder

I had a door like that...and installed 2 nice brass door handles.
Then I wired up 220VAC to the bolts that went through the door to secure the handles.
When the alarm system was on...the handles were live.
A small LED over the door indicated the alarm state.
I only once found evidence of someone trying to open the garage...indicated by 2 nice pieces of burned flesh on the inside of the handles.
I guess they were discouraged from trying again.
Bob

This, by the way, is illegal in all 50 states!

With the exposed hinges, it really makes no difference how you lock it. One of those battery powered grinders would make short work getting into the garage. Mount a wireless camera high above, maybe several, and put up a bunch of signage. Then save your pennies to replace the jamb and door.

[82 SC]

How about steel plates on the inside and bars on the outside with the wood door in between? Other than that Replacing the door might be the best option.

[blucille]

what you want to do is secure one door to the header above or the concrete below with a slide bolt, then the lock from one door to the other will be much more secure.

put up a security camera, real or fake.

[javadog]

There's nothing you could do to that door that's worthwhile. It's junk. There's a half dozen ways I could get into that in less than a minute. If that is your only access into the garage, replace the door with a new one. Add an alarm to the garage.

JR

[tobluforu]

Sometimes a funky door is the best defense. You start putting all sorts of locks/bars, etc and someone is going to wonder just what is being stored in that garage. But, you need to rip that one out and have a new one installed if you are really freaked out.

[GH85Carrera]

With hinges on the OUTSIDE and a old beat up wood door there is nothing to really secure it. Replace it with a steel door and hinges installed properly.

[LJ851]

Originally Posted by tobluforu

Sometimes a funky door is the best defense.

I agree with this.

I would put a secure, metal gate/door behind what you have.

[rennch]

It's a rental...I'm not sure what my options are here. Thanks for the feedback.

[javadog]

Talk to the owner. Maybe you can split the cost.

JR

[4495]

I'd rig up a contraption with 2x4s, sheets of plywood and long carriage bolts and maybe a few "L: brackets

[Scott S]

Originally Posted by LJ851

I agree with this.

I would put a secure, metal gate/door behind what you have.

^^ this.

I bought two of these for the overhead doors on a rented storage space. They are the old collapsible scissor type - I think they came out of a school. 250.00 on our local craigs list. you would have to be really determined to get through them and it would be a huge ruckus.

They also provided security late at night when I was working in the garage. The main door could be open for ventilation (especially in the summer), but with the gate closed no one could sneak in on you if you were under a car.

[HawgRyder]

I know about the law problem with the live handles...but my view is...dead bodies do NOT sue live people!
I have spent too much time in the combat field to worry about law problems.
The only problem I have now is where to dispose of the bodies...not as young as I once was...and no longer have access to very large acid tanks...
Bob

[ClickClickBoom]

Originally Posted by HawgRyder

I know about the law problem with the live handles...but my view is...dead bodies do NOT sue live people!
I have spent too much time in the combat field to worry about law problems.
The only problem I have now is where to dispose of the bodies...not as young as I once was...and no longer have access to very large acid tanks...
Bob

Jeez Bob,
You live in the land of lots of nothing but trees. If you don't have a couple of pre-dug holes holes you aren't very prepared.
Shooter (4/8) Movie CLIP - Mister Rate's Advice (2007) HD - YouTube
BaaaHaaaaaa

[juanbenae]

add a couple of 2x4's hung from the inside that fit in some hangers that span the entire opening top & bottom to make the door "one". you will have to remove them from the inside prior to opening. Id also move any additional locks to the inside. it looks like its a detached, is that the only entrance?

[billybek]

How about those security roll shutters mounted over the existing door?
Might be cheaper and easier to get a new door though.

[RSBob]

I know about the law problem with the live handles...but my view is...dead bodies do NOT sue live people!

I have spent too much time in the combat field to worry about law problems.

The only problem I have now is where to dispose of the bodies...not as young as I once was...and no longer have access to very large acid tanks...

Bob

Great thought until a 5th grader touches it by accident or just being a stupid kid. Then you will have lots of time to think about your choices