Garage door lock repair.
Same-day Palm Beach County dispatch. Written warranty. Eric answers.
Manual garage door locks aren't as common as they used to be — modern openers with battery backup essentially serve as the lock — but many older PBC homes still have T-handle, side-bolt, or deadbolt manual locks installed. These are useful as a secondary security layer or when you want to disable the opener (e.g., during long absences).
Most lock-repair calls in PBC are for T-handle locks that have rusted internally and won't turn, or side-bolt locks that have jammed. Repair, replacement, and rekeying are all routine for us.
If you're considering whether to add a manual lock to a door that doesn't have one, we'd usually recommend against it — modern impact-rated doors with code-compliant openers and battery backup are far more secure than any manual lock, and manual locks are a common cause of damaging the door if someone forgets to disengage before opening.
Is this you?
T-handle won't turn
Internal lock cylinder rusted. Lubricate or replace. $85-$145.
Need to rekey (after move-in)
Have the lock cylinder rekeyed to a new key. $85 per lock.
Side-bolt lock stuck open
Bolt mechanism jammed. Service or replace. $85-$165.
Door damaged from being opened with lock engaged
Common scenario. We repair the door and replace the lock if appropriate.
Palm Beach County price ranges.
| Lock cylinder lubrication + service | $85 |
| Lock cylinder replacement | $95–$145 |
| Rekey existing lock | $85 |
| Side-bolt lock replacement | $125–$185 |
| Lock removal (if unwanted) | $65 |
| Deadbolt addition for older doors | $145–$245 |
Quoted in writing before any work begins.
Common questions.
Do I need a manual lock if I have an opener with battery backup?
Not necessarily. Modern openers with battery backup function as a lock when the door is closed. Manual locks are useful as a secondary layer or for vacation/long-absence use.
Can I get my garage door lock rekeyed?
Yes for most cylinder lock types. $85 standalone. We can also rekey when added to other service.
Why does my T-handle lock not turn smoothly?
Almost always internal corrosion. Florida humidity oxidizes the lock mechanism over years. Lubrication ($85) can often free it; replacement ($95-$145) is sometimes more cost-effective.
Is a manual lock worth keeping?
If you're traveling for extended periods, yes — it adds a second layer of physical security. If you're rarely away, the opener alone is sufficient and a forgotten engaged lock can damage the door.