The Simple Hack That Keeps Thieves Out Of Your Garage

Our homes are designed to keep us, and our belongings, safe, while keeping out unwanted critters and, of course, thieves. But if there is a known workaround to get inside, a thief will find it. And unfortunately, there is one for many garage doors. Depending on the model, with a little pushing and prodding, a thief can break into your garage using nothing more than a wire clothes hanger and a small block of wood.

Thankfully, there is a simple hack that can keep thieves out of your garage and home. All it requires is a zip tie. You can grab a pack of 65 for $1.25 at Dollar Tree. The zip tie works by securing the part of the emergency release cord that allows the mechanism to be disengaged, making it difficult for thieves to trigger from the outside. The cord is designed so homeowners can manually open the garage during a power outage or if the automatic opener fails. But it also makes the door vulnerable.

Here is how they do it. The thief uses a small block of wood, or a similar object, to open a small gap at the top of the garage door, right between the door and the weather stripping. This creates just enough space to slide in a wire hanger, which they have shaped into a hook. Then they fish around until they feel tension on the wire and then pull it through the gap to give it a tug. With one firm pull, this disengages the mechanism, allowing the thief to open the door manually.

To protect your garage from break-ins using the zip tie hack, start by threading a zip tie through the hole where the emergency release cord is attached. Loop it through that hole and the smaller hole located just above it, then tighten the zip tie as much as possible. This prevents the cord from releasing the garage door from the automatic opener if it is pulled. So, even if a thief manages to snag it with a coat hanger, the door will not disengage. And should you need to use the emergency release cord because your garage door malfunctions, simply cut the zip tie and replace it afterward.

To take this security hack a step further, use a high-grade or industrial-strength zip tie, one that can withstand a firm tug without snapping. If a thief manages to grab the cord and pulls hard enough, a standard zip tie could break. You can also reduce the amount of visible cord by securing it to the trolley arm with a Velcro strap. Just make sure it does not interfere with the door's movement. One thing to keep in mind is that if someone, like an elderly person, needs to open the door in an emergency but cannot cut or loosen the zip tie, it could become a safety risk. Some other tips for keeping thieves out of your garage include trimming the emergency release cord or opting for a newer garage door opener that reverses the release function. You might also consider upgrading your garage door opener to one that fits on your keyring.