Sliding glass doors let in fabulous light but they don't open and close like regular doors, so how do you lock them? We all want to feel secure in our homes. We've researched to find out the best types of locks for sliding glass doors.
Here are 9 popular styles of sliding glass door locks:
- Double Bolt Locks
- Mortise And Hook Style
- Offset Thumb Turn Lock
- Sliding Door Loop Lock
- Keyed Lock
- Door Lock Pin
- Security Bars
- Lion Locks
- Patio Locks
Each of these styles works in a slightly different fashion, so we'll take a closer look so that you can decide which one is right for your sliding glass doors. Please keep reading.
Nine Popular Styles Of Sliding Glass Door Locks
Let's take a look at each of these locks, see how they work, if there are advantages or disadvantages, and look at an example of the lock. Here we go.
1. Double Bolt Locks
Double bolt locks are an easy aftermarket solution for sliding glass doors. If your current door doesn't have a lock, this is an easy way to add one after the fact. They install into the door jamb and to the door and can be done yourself. They hold tightly with the interlocking bolts, though some homeowners question how well they'd work for a really persistent intruder.
Depending on which model you buy, inexpensive plastic parts may break down after a year or so of use. But their ease of use and low cost make replacing them when they need upgrading easy.
This double-bolt lock from LockIt! contains two parts as shown. The smaller piece connects to your door jamb and is the receiver for the bolt. The larger piece attaches to your door.
Click here to see this sliding glass door lock on Amazon.
2. Mortise And Hook Style Sliding Glass Door Lock
Mortise Style sliding door locks fit inside the door panel of your sliding glass door. The lock hook operates by the thumb latch and is independent of the handle. This style of door handle allows for many options of exterior trim and installs easily on most patio doors that have existing holes for handles.
The disadvantage of this type of lock is that it's only locked from the inside. If you're outside on the patio and it's locked from the inside, you'll have to walk to a different door to get back in the house. That being said, these are one of the most common types of locks seen on screen and patio sliding glass doors.
Click here for this lock on Amazon.
3. Offset Thumb Turn Lock
This type of lock is similar to the mortise and hook style lock, in that the latch is positioned on the door and hooks into the receiver that connects to the frame. The difference is that on this lock, the thumb latch is integrated into the handle. An advantage of this is that it's easier to reach when you're locking the door.
Like the mortise lock, this works from the inside and is typically not keyed from the outside. However, keyed versions are available to purchase if you want to be able to open your locked patio door from the outside with a key.
Click here for this lock on Amazon.
4. Sliding Door Loop Lock
This is a super easy to use, aftermarket type of lock. You can install these locks on the interior at the top of your door. One side attaches to the frame, the other to your door. Or, if you have double doors, it's a way to connect them. Simply lift up and then slide the longer loop into the receiver. To open, pull it up and out.
This lock only works from the interior as there's no key involved.
Click here for this loop lock on Amazon.
5. Keyed Lock
Keyed locks allow you to operate your sliding glass doors from inside or outside. They come in a variety of styles, like the thumb set or the mortise set. The one pictured here is a flush mount lock with a keyed exterior option. These types of locks will mount into the knock out hole that may come standard on your sliding glass door. You'll need to check to see if it will work for yours.
Click here for this flush mount, keyed lock on Amazon.
6. Door Lock Pin
In this type of lock, a steel pin protrudes through the frame of a sliding door panel. It engages in the frame of the stationary panel to secure the door. A steel holder stores the pin when not in use. This simple security device securely locks the active door panel in a closed or ventilating position, and prevents the panel from sliding, or being lifted off the track. It also can't be jarred loose from the door.
Like some of our other locks, this one is used on the inside and does not come with a key lock. It's very easy to install with simple household tools and is a quick fix for locking those sliding doors.
Click here for this pin lock on Amazon.
7. Security Bars
A security bar works by sliding it into the space at the bottom of the door jamb between the active slider and the wall. In essence, it creates a blockade for anyone trying to pull the door open. This is a great option if you have no lock on your sliding door. It provides no give from the outside and must be completely taken out for the door to work.
One side of it has a stopper to butt up against the jamb and the other side has a groove to slot onto the door. It's also adjustable to fit whatever size you may need for your patio doors. This is a great option if you live in a rental and don't want to drill holes, but want some additional security for a sliding patio door.
Click here for this security bar on Amazon.
8. Window Locks
Sometimes the most ingenious solutions are the simplest construction. These locks slide onto the aluminum track of your sliding glass door and clamp into place. Like the larger security bar, these window locks act as a doorstop for anyone trying to open your slider.
This type of lock is very popular among parents who maybe want a bit of fresh air coming in from outdoors but don't want the toddler to open the door fully and toddle out. They require no tools for installation and are a super quick fix for sliding door locks.
Click here for these locks on Amazon.
9. Patio Locks
This spring-loaded keyed lock mounts at the top or the bottom of your door frame. The larger part connects to your door and a plate connects to the top or bottom door frame. The spring-loaded pull slots into the plate and holds the door in place. The keyed lock prevents an unwanted guest from pulling out the pin and opening the door.
This is another easy to install aftermarket solution, but it does require some drilling so it may not be the best choice for a rental apartment situation.
Click here for this lock on Amazon.
Lock 'Em Up!
There you have it. Nine great locks with varying types of installation and ease for your sliding glass doors. Having a way to lock your patio doors will give you a greater sense of security and most of these locks are incredibly affordable. Inexpensive peace of mind is so valuable.
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