How to Replace a Lost Garage Door Key

When I started installing garage doors, I was taught by my eighty-year-old father n law, who had been in the business for forty years. Every garage door I installed had to have a keyed lock installed, which entailed careful measuring so as not to mess up the section. One wrong move, and you were buying a new garage door section.

Because these keyed lock systems took thirty additional minutes to install and cost around $15 a piece, I finally convinced him to stop buying locks. Today, we don’t install keyed locks anymore, as they have become a thing of the past. If you're one of the few who still uses a key to open your garage door, you're probably wondering how to get a replacement.

With that being said, there are still many garage doors that require a key to gain access into the garage. Let’s take a look at how you can go about getting a replacement.

Garage Door Lock Cylinders Have a Number

What most people don’t realize is most lock cylinders for garage doors have a number etched right above the keyhole. This number matches the number on the key that is used to unlock the garage door. As you can see, the number on the lock cylinder above is 145.

The key for your garage door will also have a number that should match your lock cylinder. This number will be etched right in the center of the key so it can always be referenced.

What Happens if I Lose My Garage Door Key?

If you lose the key to your garage door, the best place to source a new key would be your local garage door dealer. Some dealers will stock extra keys with varying numbers, while others may have to special order a new key.

Keys with specific numbers can be ordered from garage door parts suppliers. Most supply houses will be able to match the exact number needed by the customer. If that exact number is not available, then a new key and lock cylinder combo can be ordered and most likely changed out if you have a standard garage door.

Cost of a New Garage Door Key?

If the key for your garage door can’t be found, you can expect to pay around $110-$150 to have a new lock cylinder with key installed in your garage door. This pricing should include the service call to come out.

Can a Locksmith Replace a Garage Door Key?

Yes, many locksmiths can replace a key for a garage door, but not all. If you call a locksmith, make sure to specify that you are needing a key for a garage door lock and text them a photo if possible.

Because garage door locks are not in high demand, most locksmiths may not stock the parts on their truck. By sending a photo, they will be able to respond in a timely manner and assess whether they will be able to accommodate your needs.

How to Open Your Garage Door Without a Key

Opening a garage door without a key is not as easy as one might think. Garage door companies do not have a universal key that can access all garage doors. If so, that could get in the wrong hands.

The lease expensive option would be to drill out the garage door lock cylinder. This may take a few attempts since the cylinders are usually solid metal, and they have two screws in the middle on the left and right holding it in place.

After several attempts, you most likely will be able to break apart the cylinder and remove it. One thing to be cautious of is a garage door section typically consists of thin metal. Using a pry bar to get the cylinder out could damage the face of your garage door if you’re not careful.

If nothing else works, you could always cut open the garage door section to release the lock handle. The cost to have a garage door section replaced can range from $300 to $600 with parts and labor for non-insulated doors, depending on the size.

This is why, if you can, I always recommend having a locksmith drill out the deadbolt on the front door of the home. It will cost a lot less money. I wrote a similar article you can check out that discusses the reasons why you should not rely on your garage door as the main entry point into the home.