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Top 5 Locks for Sliding Glass Doors

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Locks for Sliding Glass DoorsSliding doors are an efficient addition to your home, especially if you have a patio.

They are convenient and deliver more space and natural light.

But, sliding doors became a weak point as they are easy to open without an extra security layer.

Sliding doors prevent encroachment because their designs keep them lightly shut.

Sliding door locks have several established designs, each offering a different approach.

Lock designs are simple, complex, standard, or high security.

There is something for every door.

You can find a various door lock that fits your needs.

There is something sophisticated and modern about sliding doors.

However, security is a primary concern.

It is critical to choose the best lock for your sliding door.

Table of Contents

  • How Burglars Break in Through Sliding Glass Door
    • Breaking the Glass
    • Lifting the Door Out of its Frame
    • Bypassing the Lock
  • Can You Securely Lock Sliding Doors
  • Types of Sliding Glass Door Locks
    • Double bolt lock
    • Mortise lock
    • Keyed lock
    • Loop lock
    • Offset thumb turn lock

How Burglars Break in Through Sliding Glass Door

Even the rookie thief can penetrate your house with the factory-installed latches.

Never put your home in danger.

Rather than attracting intruders to your home, install the best locks to make entering your home time-consuming and challenging.

Before we discuss the best locks for your sliding door, let’s see how burglars can get in there in the first place.

Many burglars find it rather silly when people forget to latch their sliding glass door.

And, even if they locked the door with those factory-installed locks, they are easy to pick.

Always consider alternative latches to secure your home.

Breaking the Glass

Ultimately, if someone is hopeless enough, they might as well go through the glass.

But never fret if they can break the glass door of tempered glass and not get hurt.

Your best bet to mitigate this risk is to prepare yourself.

If you want a sliding door for your living room to get some natural light inside the house, get it.

Your professional locksmith can help address your security concerns.

Lifting the Door Out of its Frame

A burglar can lift the sliding door and move it off the tracks using a crowbar.

The burglar can reverse-engineer the installation process.

He can also throw a large object through the door or strike it with a crowbar to break in.

Tempered glass does not have sharp edges when it shatters to hurt anyone.

Therefore, burglars can go through broken glass without hurting themselves.

Bypassing the Lock

Sliding door locks are just latches.

They are standard factory locks and are not secure enough to protect your possessions.

Burglars can easily bypass these locks with a screwdriver.

Can You Securely Lock Sliding Doors

The standard factory locks that go with your sliding glass door are not of high-quality materials.

On some door models with vinyl frames, the clasp and the bolt mechanism do not pass through a metal or wood frame.

That is why it does not provide enough security.

A locksmith can distinguish if it has an adequate level of protection.

The lock may require added mounting or replacement.

Types of Sliding Glass Door Locks

While sliding glass doors can make a functional and beautiful and functional design statement, they can also pose security dangers.

Sliders have flaws diverse from those associated with conventional steel or wooden doors.

Some homeowners shy away from installing sliding glass doors because of these risks.

Yet, there are relatively simple measures you can do to guarantee that your slider unit is secure.

It is critical not to disregard the locks on your glass sliding doors.

Latches must be close-fitting and robust enough to hold out against break-in attempts.

Glass sliding doors are deemed unsafe because burglars only need pieces of brick to break into the house.

There is a wide array of sliding door locks at department stores or even online that you can buy.

Let us plunge into the types of locks that are a good investment.

Use your due diligence before choosing the best lock.

Double bolt lock

When it comes to popularity, the double-bolt lock is only second to a mortise lock.

These are fixed then held tightly with interconnected bolts.

These locks are uncomplicated and an affordable option.

LockIt! is the top-tier double-bolt locks brand in the market.

It is an easy aftermarket solution for your glass door.

It is child-safe because you can install as low or as high as you want.

The robust steel in the two-bolt lock slides the bolt into the frame when in lock mode.

This system provides an additional level of protection to the latch.

The upside is you can’t lift or detach the door from the track.

If your glass door does not have a lock yet, this is an easy way to add.

Depending on the model you buy, the cheap plastic parts may break down after a year.

But, their ease of use and the replacement cost is cheap.

LockIt! has two parts.

The smaller piece connects to the door jamb and receives the bolt.

The larger piece connects to your door.

Mortise lock

Locks for Sliding Glass Doors This lock is probably the most popular lock for glass sliding doors.

The majority of the sliding doors have mortise locks.

This lock is inside the door, so it is not conspicuous from afar.

One of the best sliding door locks is the Prime-Line C 1225.

Moving the latch down will unlock the door and up to lock it.

The style will complement any patio door.

It fits inside the door panel of your sliding door.

The lock hook operates by the thumb latch is independent of the handle.

The only disadvantage is it only locks from the inside.

So, if you are outside, you have to find a different door to go inside the house.

Keyed lock

Choose a keyed lock for doors that locks on both sides.

You may want the Prime-Line C 1033.

It is mounted in the pre-built knockout hole.

The lock is durable because it is made from die-cast iron.

A keyed lock is the sought-after option of homeowners for replacing hook-style locks.

This lock allows you to operate from the outside and inside.

They also come in various styles, like the mortise set or the thumb set.

You must check which type suits your door best.

Loop lock

Loop locks are more of a generic lock for sliding doors.

These are inside the uppermost part of the door.

It is affixed to the door and the framing.

You must raise it and glide the coil and pull it out.

Defender Security U 9847 is the style you should consider.

It has a die-cast aluminum base, chrome-plated, and sturdy finish with added child-safe security features.

It comes with various reach capabilities which is an advantage.

Offset thumb turn lock

An offset thumb turn lock is identical to mortise locks and hooks-style because it connects to a hook integrated into the door framing.

The one dissimilarity is the latch attached to the door’s handle.

The main upside is it is easier to reach when you lock the door.

Prime-Line C 1016 is the best option for this lock.

The two-way universal glass door handle is made of diecast metal with a wooden handle.

Like the mortise lock, it works from the inside.

It has an inside pull with a steel hook and a thumb turn, and there is no key from the outside.

Keyed versions are also available if you want to open it from the outside with a key.

BEST CHOICE
OKEFAN 4 Pack Baby Safety Slide Window Locks
OKEFAN 4 Pack Baby Safety Slide Window Locks
Check Latest Price
PREMIUM PICK
Toledo Locks' Best TDP-02S
Toledo Locks' Best TDP-02S
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BEST VALUE
Cardinal Gates Patio Door Guardian Lock
Cardinal Gates Patio Door Guardian Lock
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1

OKEFAN 4 Pack Baby Safety Slide Window Locks

OKEFAN 4 Pack Baby Safety Slide Window Locks
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The OKEFAN lock has a smart design and sturdy body.

Therefore, it is an excellent security level for your sliding glass door.

I like that the lock is child-proof and ensures that your young ones remain safe behind glass doors.

The lock is also easy to install and doesn’t require drilling or the use of heavy tools for installment.

Pros

  • Secure
  • Simple installation
  • Child-proof
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • The plastic will deteriorate after a while
Tom's TakeTom's Take

The lock is made from ABS plastic, which makes it quite durable.

You can install it quickly because it comes with 3m adhesive tape.

>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<

Check Price on Amazon

2

Toledo Locks' Best TDP-02S

Toledo Locks' Best TDP-02S
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The Toledo lock has hardened steel construction, which makes it resistant to different attacks.

Therefore, it holds up excellent against hacksaws, bolt cutter, hammering, etc.

Conveniently, the lock gives an option for ventilation without compromising the security.

The screws are deeply concealed and hard to notice, so the burglars will have a hard time deciding how to approach this lock.

Pros

  • Durable heavy-duty steel lock body
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Weatherproof
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Pricey
Tom's TakeTom's Take

If you are looking for a quality and durable lock for sliding glass doors, maybe this Toledo model will meet all your standards.

The Toledo look is stylish, too.

>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<

Check Price on Amazon

3

Cardinal Gates Patio Door Guardian Lock

Cardinal Gates Patio Door Guardian Lock
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The Cardinal Gates door lock has a smart, child-proof design that allows ventilation as well.

You can mount it easily on doors made from aluminum, vinyl, glass, wood, or other materials.

The lock is compact and offers medium security.

The design might look intimidating to potential burglars.

Pros

  • Universal use
  • Easy to install
  • Affordable
  • Allows ventilation

Cons

  • Not suitable for exterior use
Tom's TakeTom's Take

The versatile Cardinal Gates lock offers great value for the money.

It also works seamlessly on both left-handed and right-handed doors.

>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<

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4

Lion Locks Aluminum Sliding Door and Window Lock

Lion Locks Aluminum Sliding Door and Window Lock
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If you have more sliding doors in your property, I recommend this Lion Locks because of the quality, price tag, and available pack of ten locks.

Individual locks are quite resilient and can withstand different physical attacks.

The simple, yet effective design of the Lion Lock for sliding doors keeps the doors secured and doesn’t change the look of the door.

The lock keeps the shape for long and is versatile, so you can use it on doors of different sizes.

Pros

  • High-grade aluminum construction
  • You don’t need to install the locks
  • Great value for the money
  • Durable

Cons

  • Some doors are too wide for the locks
Tom's TakeTom's Take

The Lion Locks come in a pack of ten quality locks, which fit different doors.

Even if you don’t need all ten of them, it is good to have a spare lock when you need it.

>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<

Check Price on Amazon

5

Ideal Security SK110W SK110 Patio Door Security Bar Child-Proof Lock

Ideal Security SK110W SK110 Patio Door Security Bar Child-Proof Lock
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The Ideal Security lock features an intuitive and somewhat innovative design.

It mounts on the middle of the door height, and not on the bottom as it is more common.

Therefore, it is much easier to unlock and lock the glass sliding door with an Ideal Security lock.

The bar needs to be screwed into the door, which provides more security as opposed to pressures mounted similar lock bars.

Pros

  • Equipped with a 1-year warranty
  • Stylish
  • Secure
  • Easy to install and use
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Bulky
Tom's TakeTom's Take

This Ideal Security lock is easy to adjust to fit different door sizes.

It is also quite easy to use and secure.

>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<

Check Price on Amazon

Top 5 Locks for Sliding Glass Doors Buying Guide

If you are one of the people who think having a sliding glass door lock is pointless, let me explain some things to you.

A burglar can indeed break the glass and enter your home even if there is a lock.

But, having a door lock on the glass door might act as a visual repellent for the burglars.

Additionally, burglars prefer to work in quiet, and picking a lock or breaking a glass, might help them decide against breaking into your property.

Things to Consider when Buying a Lock for Sliding Glass Doors

Before you give your money and buy a door lock, make sure to understand essential aspects of door locks suitable for sliding doors.

Here are things to consider.

Mounting Mechanism

Sliding glass doors have different construction, and therefore, different locks can be mounted onto them.

Some locks require drilling to be mounted, while others can be mounted with tape or by pressure.

Make sure to get the lock that can be easily, and securely mounted on your doors.

Purpose

Some locks are designed to prevent burglars from breaking in.

Others are designed to be child-proof and prevent children from opening the doors on their own.

Determine your needs and find the lock that fulfills them.

Style

How visible you want the lock to be?

Do you want the lock to be unnoticeable or highly visible to repeal burglars?

Consider also whether the lock is a match for your door style, to prevent it from making the doors look hideous.

Installation of the Lock on the Sliding Glass Door

The first thing to do is clean the doors with warm water and soap.

Before you move on with the installation, make sure that the door is completely dry.

Find the part of the door frame without the glass and mart the area.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting the door lock.

Maybe you’ll have to drill holes to screw the lock into the place.

How to Lock the Sliding Glass Door from Outside?

It makes more sense to install the door lock on the inside.

However, if you want to lock the door from the outside, pick the lock with a keyhole and mechanical key mechanisms.

Maintenance of the Sliding Door Locks

Locks for sliding glass doors don’t require a lot of maintenance.

All you have to do is lubricate the lock from time to time with a WD-40 or similar versatile lock lubrication.

Inspect the lock every several months and reapply lubricant if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sliding Glass Door Locks

Do you have questions about sliding glass door locks?

Check the answers!

What could be the reason for the glass door lock to malfunction?

One of the reasons might be the rigid mechanism.

It can cause the lock to become jammed.

You can fix it with a lock lubricant.

Spray the lubricant and check if the lock has been fixed.

If your newly installed lock isn’t working, you might have installed it wrong.

Check the manual to see if you installed it correctly.

How to tell if the sliding glass door is secure?

Test the door by yourself.

Lock the door and see how easy is to open it from outside.

If the security isn’t adequate, find the alternative lock or install shatter-proof glass.

How does a lock for sliding glass doors work?

The answer depends on the lock model.

The majority of sliding glass doors are mortise locks.

These feature a bolt that goes into the mortise/pocket on the door frame.

Other locks lift the track off and prevent the doors from opening.

Are there smart locks for sliding doors?

You can mount a smart lock on sliding glass doors.

Some may have an electric keypad or Bluetooth access.

However, these are quite pricey and not worth the money if you have an easily-breakable glass on the door.

How to improve the security of sliding glass doors?

Install the security lock and install additional glass window film with shatter-proof glass.

An alarm or glass-break sensor is also a great idea.

Should I put a deadbolt on the sliding glass door?

A deadbolt might require more effort to install, but it can significantly improve the security of your sliding glass door.

How easy is it to break through a sliding glass door?

It depends on the door quality.

Cheap glass is easy to break via brick or a heavy tool.

Can you secure the sliding glass door without a lock?

Having a lock is an essential thing to secure your doors.

It is important if you have improved the security of the door itself.

Shatter-proof glass doors with an alarm are basic safety features you should consider alongside a good lock.


Conclusion

With everything being said, hopefully, you appreciate the value of a quality lock for a sliding glass door.

It should be of high priority for you, especially if you live in a high-risk environment.

My favorite sliding glass door lock is by OKEFAN, because it is easy to use, mount, and durable.

But, some other locks from my list might be a better fit for you.

Which one would you choose for you?

Featured Online Program
Penn Foster Request Info Select Program:
  • Locksmith & Home Security Technician
Program Details:
  • Getting a career diploma in as little as 5 months.
  • Gain experience with practical exercises and interactive assignments.
  • Learn how to identify, create, and duplicate keys.
  • Learn to work with several types of locks including safes, valuts, and auto.
  • and more...
Sponsored

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