8 Easy Steps to Install a Key Lock on Your Sliding Glass Door

Installing a key lock on your sliding glass door is a simple way to make your patio door – and therefore your home – more secure. A simple and straightforward DIY project, you can install a key lock by following eight easy steps.

How to Install a Key Lock

Before anything else, make sure you have all the materials and tools you’ll need to successfully install the lock. You should have:

• Key lock kit
• Drill with the correct drill bits
• Metal punch
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Level
• Clean cloth and hot soapy water
• Safety goggles

After confirming you have all of the above, you can get started! Below is our step-by-step guide to installing the key lock.

1. Clean the door frame: Using a clean cloth and warm soapy water, wipe down the interior frame of the door. Remove any dirt, grease, and other debris that could prevent the lock from installing properly. Make sure to dry the frame before continuing.
2. Locate safe installation area: Determine where you can install the lock without damaging the glass. The best way to do this is to gently tap along the door frame. If you hear a solid sound, that means there’s no glass behind that area. Mark that spot as “safe” with your pencil.
3. Position the lock: Hold the lock up to the marked spot on the door frame. Make sure it’s level and sits at an appropriate height, then mark the screw holes and outline where the lock will go on the door frame.
4. Create pilot holes: Using the metal punch and hammer, make small indentations in the door frame. These markings prevent the drill bit from slipping.
5. Drill the holes: Using the correct drill bit size, carefully drill straight into the marked holes on the door frame. Don’t drill too deep as it could break the glass. Be sure to wear your safety goggles while using the drill.
6. Install lock mechanism: Place the lock mechanism in line with the drilled holes and insert the mounting screws. Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws. Don’t tighten too much as you could strip the screws or damage the door frame.
7. Install latch plate: Close the sliding door to see where the lock’s bolt meets the door frame. Mark the location for the latch plate and then repeat steps four and five to create pilot holes. Position and secure the latch plate.
8. Test your new lock: No job is complete without a test run! Lock and unlock the sliding door several times to make sure it works. If the lock doesn’t engage smoothly, try to adjust the alignment. Be sure to also open and close the door to check for any obstructions.

Why Bother Installing a Key Lock?

If the above seems like too much work, consider the benefits of adding a key lock to your sliding glass door. To start, it makes your home much more secure, providing you peace of mind. Intruders may see a sliding glass door as an easy egress into your home. However, with a key lock, you can easily deter potential harm to your family and home.

But more than keeping unwanted people out of your home, installing a key lock helps ensure the safety of young children, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities by preventing them from accidentally wandering outside without supervision.

Let Mr. Rogers Windows and Doors Help

Does your sliding glass door need more than just a key lock? At Mr. Rogers Windows and Doors, we offer a selection of sliding glass doors, available in different colors with a variety of hardware options. Designed with UV protection, weatherstripping, and a reach-out lock system, our high performing sliding glass doors are just what your home needs. Schedule a free, no-obligation, in-home consultation by calling us at 757-512-8860 or filling out our online form.