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Loveland Garage Door Service  /  Garage Door Tips
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Manual Locks vs. Automatic Deadbolts: What’s Best for Your Garage?

Close up of a manual metal slide lock on a garage door track in Loveland

When we think about home security, we often picture deadbolts on the front door, motion sensor lights, or alarm systems. However, for many homeowners in Northern Colorado, the primary entrance to the house isn’t the front door—it’s the garage.

While garage doors are convenient, the opener that powers them can be a surprising weak link in your home’s defense if it is outdated. Garage door openers manufactured before 2011 (and especially those from the 1990s) lack the sophisticated encryption and mechanical locking features standard in today’s models.

At Loveland Garage Door Service, we want to ensure your home is as safe as it is functional. Here are three hidden security risks lurking in older garage door openers and the modern solutions available to fix them.

The Traditional Choice: Manual Garage Door Locks

If you look at the inside of your garage door, near the rollers on the side track, you might see a metal bar or a sliding latch. This is the manual lock (often called a slide lock or side lock). It is a simple mechanical device that slides a metal bar through a hole in the vertical track, physically preventing the door from moving upward.

The Pros of Manual Locks:
  1. Simplicity and Durability: There are no electronics to fail, no batteries to replace, and no software to update. It is a solid piece of metal. If you are using your garage strictly for long-term storage and rarely open the door, this is a cost-effective solution.
  2. Vacation Security: Manual locks are excellent for “vacation mode.” If you are leaving Loveland for a week-long trip, engaging the manual lock ensures that even if someone hacks your opener signal, the door physically cannot open.
  3. Cost: Manual locks are inexpensive to install and replace.
The Cons of Manual Locks:
  1. The “Human Error” Risk: This is the single biggest downside. If you engage the manual lock and then someone else in the family (who doesn’t know it’s locked) tries to open the door with the remote, catastrophe strikes. The motor will try to lift the door, but the lock will hold it down. The result? Ripped metal, stripped gears, a burned-out motor, or a door pulled off its tracks. It is one of the most common repair calls we receive.
  2. Inconvenience: You cannot lock or unlock it from your car. You must be inside the garage to engage it. This means it rarely gets used for daily protection, leaving your home vulnerable on a typical Tuesday night.
  3. No Remote Monitoring: You cannot check if a manual lock is engaged from your phone.

The Modern Solution: Automatic Garage Door Deadbolts

Automatic garage door deadbolts (often referred to as “Power Locks”) represent the next generation of security. These are electronic deadbolts that wire directly into your garage door opener. When you press your remote to close the door, the opener lowers the door, and once it is fully closed, the deadbolt automatically slides into the track with a reassuring click. When you press the remote to open it, the bolt retracts before the door begins to move.

The Pros of Automatic Deadbolts:
  1. Foolproof Operation: Because the lock is controlled by the opener itself, the system knows exactly when to lock and unlock. You will never accidentally destroy your door by trying to open it while locked. The opener retracts the bolt before lifting the door, eliminating the risk of damage.
  2. Everyday Security: unlike manual locks, which are only used occasionally, automatic deadbolts secure your home every single time the door closes. You don’t have to think about it.
  3. Defeating the “Coat Hanger” Trick: A common burglary method involves sliding a wire hook through the top of the garage door to pull the emergency release cord. This disconnects the door from the opener, allowing the thief to lift it by hand. An automatic deadbolt physically locks the door to the track. Even if the emergency cord is pulled, the door remains locked down.
  4. Weather Sealing: By physically pushing against the track or locking the door in the down position, these locks can help hold the door tighter against the floor, which is helpful during Loveland’s windy seasons.
The Cons of Automatic Deadbolts:
  1. Cost: These systems are more expensive than manual latches and usually require a compatible opener model (such as the LiftMaster 8500W wall-mount series).
  2. Installation Complexity: These require professional installation to ensure the wiring is correct and the lock aligns perfectly with the track holes.

Which Is Right for Your Loveland Home?

To decide between the two, you need to evaluate how you use your garage.

Scenario A: The “Front Door” User You park in the garage every day. You use the keypad to let the kids in after school. You want seamless convenience. Verdict: Automatic Deadbolt. Manual locks are simply too cumbersome for daily use. An automatic deadbolt gives you the heavy-duty security of a physical lock without the hassle. It offers peace of mind that your door is deadbolted every night without you lifting a finger.

Scenario B: The “Storage Unit” User You park in the driveway. The garage is full of boxes, tools, or a classic car that only goes out on Sundays. You rarely open the big door. Verdict: Manual Lock. Since you aren’t opening the door frequently, the risk of accidental damage is low. You can keep the slide lock engaged permanently for maximum security and simply disengage it on the rare occasions you need to open the door.

Scenario C: The Tech Enthusiast You have a smart home with cameras and automated lights. Verdict: Automatic Deadbolt. Modern power locks integrate with smart home apps (like myQ). You can receive an alert on your phone not just that the door is closed, but that it is locked.

A Note on the "Lock" Button on Your Wall Console

Many homeowners confuse the physical manual lock with the “Lock” button found on their wall-mounted control panel.

  • The Wall Console “Lock” (Electronic Lock): This button stops the opener from accepting signals from remote controls. It is great for vacationing, but it does not physically lock the door to the track. A burglar could still manually lift the door if they managed to trigger the emergency release.
  • The Physical Lock: This (whether manual or automatic) physically secures the door to the metal track.

For maximum security, we recommend a combination: use an automatic deadbolt for physical resistance and the wall console lock for electronic signal blocking when you are away on vacation.

Conclusion

Your garage door is a massive investment and a critical part of your home’s security envelope. While manual locks have served us well for decades, the convenience and safety features of automatic deadbolts make them the superior choice for most modern households in Loveland. They remove the human error that leads to costly repairs and ensure your home is secure 24/7, not just when you remember to slide a latch.

If you are unsure which system is currently on your door, or if you are interested in upgrading to an opener that supports automatic power locks, Loveland Garage Door Service is here to help or you can Call Us Today (970) 367-8600

We can assess your current setup, explain your options, and provide professional installation to ensure your home remains safe and secure against both intruders and the Colorado elements.

Author Harry P
Categories Garage Door Tips

3 Hidden Security Risks of Old Openers (and How to Fix Them)

Modern garage door opener security features preventing break-ins

When we think about home security, we often picture deadbolts on the front door, motion sensor lights, or alarm systems. However, for many homeowners in Northern Colorado, the primary entrance to the house isn’t the front door—it’s the garage.

While garage doors are convenient, the opener that powers them can be a surprising weak link in your home’s defense if it is outdated. Garage door openers manufactured before 2011 (and especially those from the 1990s) lack the sophisticated encryption and mechanical locking features standard in today’s models.

At Loveland Garage Door Service, we want to ensure your home is as safe as it is functional. Here are three hidden security risks lurking in older garage door openers and the modern solutions available to fix them.

1. The "Fixed Code" Vulnerability

If your garage door opener was installed before the mid-1990s, it likely uses what is known as “fixed code” technology.

The Risk: In older systems, the remote control and the opener unit communicate using a specific radio frequency code. This code is determined by a set of “dip switches” inside the remote (you might remember flipping little switches to match the pattern on the motor).

The problem? There is a limited number of possible combinations. Tech-savvy intruders can use devices known as “code grabbers.” These devices listen for the signal when you press your remote, record that static code, and then replay it later to open your door when you aren’t home. In some cases, thieves can even drive through neighborhoods with a generic remote, hoping to trigger a door with a common dip-switch pattern.

The Fix: Rolling Code Technology 

Modern openers utilize Rolling Code Technology (often branded as Security+ 2.0 or Intellicode). Every time you press your remote, the opener generates a brand new, random code for the next cycle.

Because the code changes after every single use, a “code grabber” becomes useless. Even if a thief intercepts the signal you just used, that code is now dead and will never open the door again. Upgrading your opener is the only way to get this essential digital protection.

2. The "Fishing" Method (Emergency Release Exploitation)

Every garage door opener is required by federal law to have an emergency release cord (usually a red handle hanging from the rail). This is a vital safety feature that allows you to manually open the door during a power outage or emergency.

The Risk: On older rails and trolley systems, the mechanism that releases the door is designed purely for interior convenience, without considering exterior threats. A common method used by intruders involves using a wire coat hanger.

They can slip the wire through the top weather seal of the garage door, hook the emergency release latch, and pull. This disconnects the motor from the door, allowing them to lift the door manually from the outside. Experienced thieves can do this in under six seconds, often without making a sound.

The Fix: Newer Rail Designs and the “Zip-Tie” Trick 

There are two ways to combat this:

  1. The DIY Band-Aid: Some homeowners use a zip-tie to secure the release latch so it cannot be pulled by a flimsy wire. However, we do not recommend this as a permanent solution because it also prevents you from using the emergency release quickly during a fire or real emergency.
  2. The Modern Upgrade: Newer openers, particularly high-quality LiftMaster or Genie models, feature improved trolley designs that make the “fishing” method significantly harder. Furthermore, installing a PosiLock system (standard on many new units) ensures that when the door is down, the motor physically forces it shut, making it nearly impossible to pry open or slide up manually.

3. The "Human Error" Factor (Leaving the Door Open)

The biggest security risk isn’t always high-tech hacking or lock-picking; often, it’s simply forgetfulness.

The Risk: We have all done it. You leave for work in a rush, or you bring the groceries in and forget to hit the wall button. A garage door left open is an open invitation—not just to burglars, but to wildlife and weather damage.

With an old opener, you have no way of knowing the door is open once you drive away. You spend the rest of the day with that nagging anxiety: “Did I close the garage?”

The Fix: Smart WiFi Connectivity 

This is where the biggest leap in garage technology has occurred. Modern openers now come with built-in WiFi and smartphone integration (such as MyQ technology).

  • Real-Time Alerts: You get a notification on your phone the instant your garage door opens or closes.
  • Remote Control: If you get to work and realize the door is open, you can tap a button on your phone to close it from anywhere in the world.
  • Scheduled Closing: You can program the door to automatically close every night at 10:00 PM or after 10 minutes of inactivity.

Eliminating the possibility of human error is one of the most effective security upgrades you can make.

Why Repair When You Can Upgrade?

If your garage door opener is making grinding noises, struggling to lift the door, or is simply over 15 years old, you are likely missing out on these critical security features.

While we love fixing doors, there comes a time when maintaining an old unit costs more in safety risks than it saves in cash. A new installation offers:

  • Battery Backup: Get in and out even during Colorado winter power outages.
  • Quieter Operation: Swap that noisy chain drive for a whisper-quiet belt drive.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing your home is digitally and physically secure.

Secure Your Home with Loveland Garage Door Service

Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home and a primary entry point. Don’t leave it vulnerable to outdated technology.

Whether you are located right here in Loveland, or nearby in Fort Collins or Greeley, our team is ready to help you evaluate your current security setup. We provide professional installation of top-rated openers that feature rolling codes, PosiLock security, and smart-home integration.

Is your garage door opener protecting your home or inviting trouble?

Contact Us Today (970) 367-8600 for a safety inspection or a free quote on a new, high-security opener installation. Let’s keep your home safe and your mind at ease.

Author Harry P
Categories Garage Door Tips

How to Program a Garage Door Opener Remote: A Comprehensive Guide

Homeowner standing on a ladder programming a garage door opener remote

There are few conveniences in modern home ownership quite like the garage door opener. It’s the unsung hero that welcomes you home on a rainy evening, saving you from the elements with the simple press of a button. But when that remote stops working—or when you need to program a new one—that convenience quickly turns into frustration.

At Loveland Garage Door Service, we believe that managing your home’s access shouldn’t be a headache. Whether you’ve just purchased a replacement remote, moved into a new home, or simply need to reset your system for security reasons, programming a garage door opener remote is a task you can often handle yourself. This guide will walk you through the process for the most common openers, including LiftMaster, Genie, and Chamberlain, and help you troubleshoot pesky signal issues.

Step 1: Identify Your Opener Type

Before you climb that ladder, you need to know what kind of technology you are working with. Garage door openers generally fall into two categories: modern Rolling Code systems and older Dip Switch systems.

  1. Rolling Code (The “Learn” Button) Most openers manufactured after 1993 use rolling code technology for enhanced security. The key to programming these is the “Learn” button (sometimes labeled “Smart” button).
  • Location: Look on the back or side panel of your garage door motor unit, near where the antenna wire hangs down. You may need to pop off the light lens cover to find it.
  • The Color Matters: For Chamberlain, LiftMaster, and Craftsman units, the color of this button tells you the frequency and compatibility:
    • Yellow: Security+ 2.0 (Newest models)
    • Purple: Security+ 315 MHz
    • Red or Orange: Security+ 390 MHz
    • Green: Billion Code (Older models)
  1. Dip Switches (Fixed Code) If your opener is from the 80s or early 90s, it might use a set of tiny switches (Dip switches) to set the code. These are becoming rare but are still found in some Loveland homes.

Step 2: Programming a Rolling Code Remote

This process works for the vast majority of modern openers, including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Craftsman, and Genie.

Note: You will need a stepladder to reach the motor unit. Please ensure it is stable before climbing.

  1. Prepare the Remote: If your remote is brand new, ensure the battery is installed and the plastic pull-tab is removed.
  2. Locate the Learn Button: Ascend your ladder and find the colored Learn button on the motor unit.
  3. Activate Learning Mode: Press and release the Learn button quickly (like a doorbell).
    • Caution: Do not hold the button down! Holding it for 6–10 seconds will often erase all programmed remotes and keypads from the memory, requiring you to reprogram everything.
    • You should see a small LED light next to the button turn on or flash, indicating the unit is ready to pair.
  4. Sync the Remote: Within 30 seconds of pressing the Learn button, press and hold the button on your handheld remote that you wish to program.
  5. Wait for Confirmation:
    • LiftMaster/Chamberlain: The light bulb on the main opener unit will flash once, or you will hear two clicks.
    • Genie: The LED on the motor head will usually stop blinking and stay solid (or turn off), depending on the model.
  6. Test: Release the remote button and press it again. Your garage door should now activate.

Step 3: Programming a Universal Remote

Universal remotes are great replacements because they work with almost any brand. However, they require an extra step to “tell” the remote which language to speak.

  1. Check the Manual: Universal remotes often use a series of button presses or internal dip switch settings to select the brand (e.g., “Press the button 1 time for Genie, 2 times for LiftMaster”).
  2. Set the Brand Mode: Follow the instructions to set the remote to your specific manufacturer.
  3. Pair with Opener: Once the remote is in the correct mode, follow the Rolling Code steps above (Press Learn on motor -> Press Remote Button).

Step 4: Programming an Older Dip Switch Remote

For many of us in Loveland, the garage is more than a parking spot. It’s where we store our camping gear, mountain bikes, paddleboards, and tools. If a standard door fails, it doesn’t just let wind in; it lets in debris, rain, and hail. A reinforced door acts as a shield, ensuring that your expensive gear (and your car) stays safe and dry, regardless of what the weather is doing outside.

5. Increasing Home Value & Insurance Benefits

If you pop open your remote battery compartment and see a row of 8 to 12 tiny switches, you have a fixed code system.

  1. Match the Patterns: You must match the switch positions on the remote exactly to the switch positions on the receiver (the box on the garage ceiling).
  2. Use a Tool: Use a pen or small screwdriver to slide the switches to “On” or “Off” (or +, 0, -).
  3. Troubleshooting Tip: If you match them perfectly and it still fails, try reversing the pattern on the remote. Some aftermarket remotes have the switch block installed upside down relative to the original opener.

Troubleshooting: Why Won’t My Remote Work?

Sometimes, even after following the steps perfectly, the door refuses to budge. Before calling Loveland Garage Door Service, check these common culprits:

  1. The “Ghost” Interference (LED Bulbs) This is the most common issue we see today. Did you recently install new energy-efficient LED light bulbs in your garage door opener?
  • The Problem: Cheap LED bulbs emit radio frequency (RF) noise that blocks the remote signal. The door might open fine (when the light is off) but refuse to close (when the light is on).
  • The Fix: Unscrew the bulbs and test the remote. If it works, replace the bulbs with “Garage Door Compatible” LEDs or standard rough-service incandescent bulbs.
  1. The “Lock” Button Check your wall control panel (the button mounted on the wall inside your garage). Many modern panels have a “Lock” or “Vacation” switch. If this is engaged, the opener will ignore all remote signals to secure the home. Ensure this is turned off.
  2. Memory Overload Garage door openers have a limit to how many remotes they can remember (usually 5 to 10). If you have programmed many remotes over the years, the memory might be full.
  • The Fix: Hold the Learn button for 6–10 seconds until the LED goes out. This wipes the memory clean. You will then need to reprogram all your remotes and keypads from scratch.
  1. Damaged Antenna Locate the short wire hanging from the motor unit. It should be hanging straight down. If it is tucked up inside the unit or cut, your range will be severely limited.

When to Call a Professional

While programming a remote is often a DIY task, persistent issues can point to deeper electrical problems. If you have tried replacing batteries, clearing the memory, and removing LED bulbs but still can’t get it to work, the issue may lie in the opener’s logic board or receiver.

At Loveland Garage Door Service, we are here to help. Whether you need a logic board replacement, a new high-security opener installation, or just a professional tune-up to get everything running smoothly, our team has the expertise you need.

Don’t let a stubborn garage door leave you stuck in the rain.

Call Loveland Garage Door Service today (970) 367-8600 for all your repair and installation needs.

Author Harry P
Categories Garage Door Tips

Battling the Chinooks: Why Loveland Needs Wind-Rated Garage Doors

Reinforced garage door interior showing steel struts on a home in Loveland, Colorado.

Living in the “Sweetheart City” has plenty of perks—stunning views of the Devil’s Backbone, days spent at Boyd Lake, and easy access to the Rockies. But living this close to the foothills comes with a noisy neighbor: The Wind.

If you’ve lived in Loveland for more than a season, you know the drill. The Chinook winds come roaring down the mountains, shaking the windows and rattling the house. While we worry about our fences and roof shingles, there is one massive weak point in your home’s armor that often gets ignored: The Garage Door.

Your garage door is the largest moving opening in your home. If it fails during a high-wind event, it can jeopardize the structural integrity of your entire house. Here is why choosing a wind-resistant (wind-load rated) garage door is one of the smartest investments a Loveland homeowner can make.

1. It’s Not Just About the Door; It’s About the Roof

Most people think a wind-damaged door just gets dented or blown inward. The reality is much scarier. If high winds force your garage door open or buckle it inward, the wind rushes into your garage. This creates a massive buildup of internal pressure. At the same time, the wind blowing over your roof creates low pressure (like an airplane wing).

The Result: The pressure inside pushes up, and the pressure outside pulls up. This combination can literally lift the roof off your home. A wind-resistant door stays sealed, preventing this pressure buildup and keeping the roof over your head.

2. Designed for "Front Range" Weather

Standard garage doors are built to go up and down. Wind-resistant doors are built to stand their ground. These doors are engineered with specific reinforcements to handle the high-velocity gusts we get along the I-25 corridor.

  • Reinforced Struts: You will see horizontal steel bars (struts) attached to the back of every panel. These act like a ribcage, preventing the door from bowing or buckling under pressure.
  • Heavier Gauge Steel: The tracks and hinges are often made of thicker steel to prevent them from twisting or pulling away from the wall during a storm.

3. Peace of Mind During Storms

We all know that sound—the rattling, banging noise of a standard garage door fighting against a 60 mph gust. It’s unsettling. Wind-rated doors are significantly sturdier. Because they are reinforced, they don’t rattle or shake nearly as much. You can sleep soundly through the next spring storm knowing your door isn’t about to jump the tracks.

4. Protecting Your Valuables

For many of us in Loveland, the garage is more than a parking spot. It’s where we store our camping gear, mountain bikes, paddleboards, and tools. If a standard door fails, it doesn’t just let wind in; it lets in debris, rain, and hail. A reinforced door acts as a shield, ensuring that your expensive gear (and your car) stays safe and dry, regardless of what the weather is doing outside.

5. Increasing Home Value & Insurance Benefits

Because wind damage is a known risk in Northern Colorado, installing a code-compliant, wind-load-rated door is a great selling point. It shows potential buyers that the home has been well-maintained and upgraded for safety.

  • Pro Tip: Check with your homeowner’s insurance provider. Some companies offer discounts for homes with wind-mitigation features, including reinforced garage doors.
The Bottom Line

In Loveland, wind isn’t a matter of “if,” but “when.” Don’t wait for a severe storm to buckle your door panels. upgrading to a wind-resistant model ensures your home stands strong against the elements, keeping your family safe and your investment secure.

Need Help with Your Garage Door in Loveland?

Whether you need a wind-load assessment for your current door or you are ready to install a new reinforced system, Loveland Garage Door Service is here to help.

We are local, we know the codes, and we know how to handle Colorado weather. Call us (970) 367-8600 today for a free estimate!

Author Harry P
Categories Garage Door Tips

7 Essential Garage Door Security Tips to Keep Your Family Safe

garage door security tips for family safety

Your garage is more than just a place to park your car; it’s an extension of your home, often storing valuable tools, sports equipment, and providing direct access to your living space. Yet, it remains one of the most vulnerable entry points for intruders. Prioritizing garage door security is not just about protecting belongings—it’s about ensuring the safety and peace of mind for your entire family.

Implementing simple, proactive measures can significantly deter burglaries and safeguard against accidental injury. Here are 7 essential garage door security tips every homeowner needs to know to keep their family safe year-round.

1. Upgrade to Rolling Code Technology

If your garage door opener is more than 10 years old, it likely uses a fixed-code system. This is a significant security risk.

The Dangers of Fixed-Code Openers

Older openers transmit the same access code every time you press the remote. Thieves use code-grabbing devices to capture this signal, effectively giving them a digital key to your home.

  • The Solution: Modern openers use rolling code technology. This system generates a new, random code with every use, making it virtually impossible for thieves to intercept and duplicate the signal. When you upgrade, you immediately enhance your garage door security.

2. Secure or Hide Your Remote Control

Leaving your garage remote visible in your car is the equivalent of leaving your house key on the doormat. If a thief breaks into your car (even while parked in the driveway), they gain immediate access to your entire home.

  • Keychain Remotes: Carry a small keychain remote with you, treating it exactly like your car keys.
  • Use a Wall Keypad: Rely more on a securely mounted, coded exterior keypad and keep the remote safely locked inside the house or in your pocket. This is an essential practice for maintaining high garage door security.

3. Fortify the Emergency Release Mechanism

One of the most common and simple break-in methods involves the “coat hanger” trick, where a burglar uses a wire to hook the red emergency release cord from the top of the door.

How to Disable the External Hook

While the cord must remain functional for emergencies, you can prevent easy external access:

  • Use a Zip Tie: Thread a heavy-duty plastic zip tie through the hole in the emergency release lever and around the carriage assembly. This secures the lever and prevents a quick, clean pull from the outside, yet can still be snapped by a strong, internal pull in a true emergency.
  • Install a Release Lock: Dedicated products exist that slide over the release mechanism to block external manipulation while preserving internal function.

4. Install a Secondary Manual Locking System

An automatic opener is great for convenience, but it is not a deadbolt. For maximum garage door security, especially when going on vacation, add a physical lock.

  • Slide Bolts: Install slide bolts or a robust padlock on one of the door tracks. This physically blocks the door’s movement and is the strongest defense against forced entry.
  • Vacation Mode: If your opener has a “Vacation Mode” on the wall console, activate it. This temporarily disables all wireless remotes, adding an extra layer of protection while you are away.

5. Leverage Smart Technology and Monitoring

Smart garage door openers integrate seamlessly with your smart home system, offering convenience and a massive security boost.

  • Real-Time Alerts: Receive instant alerts on your phone if your garage door opens, closes, or is left open for too long. This prevents the common mistake of accidentally leaving your garage door open.
  • Remote Control: Check the door’s status and close it from anywhere in the world using your smartphone, ensuring family safe access control.

6. Secure the Interior Access Door

If a burglar successfully bypasses your garage door security and gains entry to the garage, the internal door leading into your house is the last line of defense.

  • Treat it Like an Exterior Door: The internal garage door should be a solid-core or metal door.
  • Install a Deadbolt: Most importantly, install a heavy-duty deadbolt lock (separate from the handle lock) and always keep this door locked, even when you are home. Many homeowners fail to do this, giving intruders an easy path from the garage into the main house.

Your Next Step to a Safer Home

A secure garage door is the first step toward a secure home. By implementing these 7 essential garage door security tips, you actively reduce the risk of break-ins and ensure your family safe living environment.

Ready to upgrade your peace of mind? Contact a certified local garage door or Call 970-367-8600 technician today for a comprehensive security assessment and installation of a rolling code opener and a manual locking system!

Author Harry P
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