Sectional Bolt Coming

Question: Is the Gravity Drop Automatic Dead Bolt mentioned in the May 1, 1988, Dear Dale column available for sectional garage doors?

Answer: According to Debi Hrboka of GDI, P.O. Box 2242, Oxnard, Calif. 93034, there will be a sectional door version of the Gravity Drop on the market by Aug. 1.

This version--called Garage Guard--can be seen on the Conejo Valley Design House, open daily except Mondays through July 10 at 3820 Castle View Drive, Agoura Hills.

Debi’s husband, Deso Hrboka, devised a time-delay bracket with a built-in steel dead bolt that is designed to fit into a hole drilled in the concrete garage floor. As the door closes, the force of gravity drops the dead bolt into the hole, eliminating the play at the door’s bottom edge.

“We now manufacture and distribute Gravity Drops to garage door companies, locksmiths and a few hardware stores, including the Holiday Hardware chain and Keenes Hardware,” she said.

“Our Gravity Drop, retailing for about $40 (about $75 installed) is compatible with all automatic garage door openers,” Debi Hrboka added.