Best Garage Door Reinforcement Upgrades Under $100

Your Garage Door Is Easier to Break Into Than You Think

Published: 25-May-2025

TL;DR

Most garage doors are easy targets, but you can add serious strength without spending much. Install a manual slide lock, add a garage door shield, use a side bolt lock, or reinforce the door with a bracing kit. 

These simple upgrades—each under $100—can make your garage way harder to break into.

Most folks think their garage is solid just because it’s big, heavy, and made of metal.

But here’s the truth: a standard garage door is one of the weakest entry points in your entire house.

And it’s not just about break-ins through the front.

If someone knows what they’re doing, they can pop that door open with a simple coat hanger in under 30 seconds, without even making noise.

“So what can I do about it?”
Good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune or replace the whole door.

There are a handful of cheap upgrades, most under $100, that can make a huge difference.

Garage door – AI image

They’re quick to install, easy to find at your local hardware store or online, and they help turn your garage from an easy target into a serious headache for any would-be intruder.

Let’s walk through the best ones..

Add a Manual Slide Lock (a.k.a. Garage Deadbolt)

This is one of the simplest and most effective upgrades you can make to your garage door, and it costs less than a tank of gas.

A manual slide lock (sometimes called a garage door deadbolt) is a small metal latch that bolts directly into the track inside your garage.

When it’s engaged, the door physically cannot be lifted, even if someone tries to force it open from the outside.

“Isn’t my garage opener enough?”

Not really. If the power goes out or someone manages to release the emergency handle (which is easier than you’d think), your opener won’t stop them. A manual slide lock adds real resistance.

Here’s why I like it:

• Costs $10–$30
• Can be installed with just a drill and a few screws
• Works on most single or double sectional garage doors
• Gives you peace of mind, especially when you’re out of town

If you really want to lock things down, you can add one on each side of the door, so it’s anchored in two places instead of one.

A side bolt lock is another easy mechanical fix that adds real resistance against forced entry, especially when you’re away for a few days or don’t need to open the garage often.

It works just like it sounds: a sliding bolt that fits into a small hole in the vertical track of your garage door. Once it’s in place, the door can’t be lifted until that bolt is pulled back.

“Isn’t that basically the same as the slide lock?”

Kind of, but this version often mounts on the edge of the door, near the rollers, and can sometimes be used in combination with your automatic opener (some even integrate directly).

Here’s what makes it handy:

• $10–$20 price range
• Great for secondary reinforcement
• Doesn’t require power or smart tech
• Can be padlocked for extra security

I recommend this one especially for people who have a detached garage or don’t use the door daily.

Lock it, forget it, and know no one’s getting in without making a serious amount of noise.

Here are the products on Amazon:

Heavy Garage Door Side Lock -1 Pack, Silver (4.5 rating score from 1000+ ratings in May 2025).

Garage Door sidelock 2 Pack (4.5 rating score from 300+ ratings in May 2025).

Garage Door Lock Kit, Complete Set with Spring Latch and Keyed Handle (3.9 rating score from 40+ ratings in May 2025).

Use a Garage Door Shield or Anti-Lift Kit

If you’ve ever seen a video of someone breaking into a garage with a coat hanger… yeah, that’s a thing.

They slide it through the top seal, snag the emergency release cord, and pop the door open like it’s no big deal.

A garage door shield (also called an emergency release shield) stops that cold.

It’s a small metal plate that blocks access to the release mechanism from outside.

“Does it stop my emergency release from working?”

Nope. You can still pull the release cord from inside if you need to – this just keeps intruders from pulling it from outside.

Here’s what I like about this fix:

• Costs around $15–$25
• Installs in about 10 minutes
• No wiring or major tools needed
• Stops one of the most common and quietest garage break-in methods

If your garage door opener is more than a few years old, you should absolutely check this. Even newer ones can benefit from the added protection.

Check it on Amazon:

Garage Shield (4.1 rating score from 470+ ratings in May 2025).

Reinforce Weak Points With a Bracing Kit

If your garage door looks solid but feels a little flimsy, or if you live in an area with strong winds or heavy storms, this one’s worth a closer look.

A garage door bracing kit adds internal support bars or struts to the back of the door panels.

It makes the whole structure more rigid, which helps it stand up better to both forced entry and wind pressure.

“Isn’t that more of a storm protection thing?”

Yes, but here’s the bonus: a stronger door is harder to bend, kick, or pry open.

Most burglars are looking for quick, weak spots. This upgrade makes your door a much tougher target.

Why I recommend it:

• Basic kits start around $50–$70
• Improves both security and durability
• Especially smart for older or thinner garage doors

You can install it yourself if you’re handy, or hire someone for a quick install. Either way, it’s a strong last line of defense.

Check it on Amazon:

Garage Door Hardware Kit Roller/Hinge/Top Bracket/Wire Rope (for 16’x7′ and 18’x7′ Height Double Garage Doors) (4.5 rating score from 1000+ ratings in May 2025).

Final Thoughts: Layer Cheap Fixes for Serious Strength

You don’t need a brand-new garage door or a high-end security system to keep your garage secure.

With just $100 or less, you can stack a few smart upgrades that make a huge difference.

Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:

• Manual slide lock to stop the door from being lifted
• Garage door shield to block coat hanger break-ins
• Side bolt lock for added reinforcement when you’re away
• Bracing kit to stiffen up flimsy doors and resist forced entry

“Do I need all of these?”

Not necessarily. Even doing two of them gives you a major security boost.

If your garage is attached to your house, or just full of valuable tools and gear, spending a few bucks and a couple hours is absolutely worth it.

Marvin McAlister is an enthusiastic advocate for home safety and security, possessing a solid grasp of the subject through years of personal and professional involvement with security equipment. Check more about Marvin here.