Garage Door Will Not Open or Unlock
A locked garage door stuck shut, a key that turns but nothing happens, or a handle that will not release the door. Opened 24/7 and the lock fixed.
Manual garage doors only - no electric doors No fix, no fee 24/7, emergency and non emergencyWhy a garage door will not open
The key will not turn
A seized or worn barrel. See key will not turn.
The key turns but the handle will not move
The handle or the cam behind it has jammed, often because the door has dropped and the latches are binding on the keeps.
The handle turns but the door stays shut
A cable or rod has snapped, or the lock body has broken, so the latches never release. See garage door handle spins.
The door unlocks but will not lift
One latch is still engaged, or the door itself is jammed on its frame or springs. We check the lock first and tell you if the door needs a garage door engineer.
What not to do
- Do not lever the bottom of the door. It bends the panel and the latches and can damage the frame.
- Do not force the key. That is how keys snap. See key snapped in garage lock.
- If the garage has internal access from the house, try opening from the inside first.
How we open it
We work 24/7. We find where the locking chain has failed, release the door without forcing it wherever possible, then repair or replace the failed part so the door opens and locks normally. If keys are lost, a new barrel and keys are fitted. Proof that the garage is yours is required. See locked out of garage.
Frequently asked questions
My garage door is unlocked but will not open. Why?
One side latch may still be engaged because a cable has snapped, or the door may be jammed on its frame. We check the lock first.
Can you open a garage door that is stuck shut?
Yes, 24/7, without forcing it wherever possible, with proof that the garage is yours.
Is it the lock or the door?
Often the lock, but sometimes the door has dropped or a spring has failed. We tell you if the door needs a garage door engineer.
What does it cost?
Labour is £49 plus VAT and a basic lock from £20 plus VAT, confirmed before work. No fix, no fee.
Related services
Garage door will not lock or open?
Send a photo of the handle and we will identify the lock.