Installing Sliding Door Bolt Locks – All About Doors and Windows  A Necessary Part of Your Door & Window Repairs!» Door and Window Parts » Doors and Their Hardware » How to Install Sliding Door Bolt Locks How to Install Sliding Door Bolt Locks:

 To install your security slide bolt lock, you must first determine whether your door is inside sliding or outside sliding.

An outside sliding is a door in which the moving door is on the outside of the house, whereas an inside sliding places the moving door on the inside of the house and the fixed one on the outside. The lock is always placed on the inside of the door.

On an outside sliding, the lock should be affixed to a non-moving surface: either the edge of the fixed (non-moving) door, the sill (bottom rail), or in the header (top rail). On an inside sliding, the lock should be installed on the edge of the movable door.

You should keep in mind that the glass on a sliding door or window typically extends ½” farther than you can see. So allow yourself at least that much clearance when drilling holes anywhere in your door or window.

To affix sliding bolt lock to bottom rail on outside sliding doors:

Close moving door completely, place lock on the sill flush against the non-moving door. The bolt should project towards and hit the moving door. Mark the mounting screw holes in this position and the spot where the bolt hits the moving door. Open the door 5” and mark again where the projecting bolt hits the moving door. For mounting screw holes, drill 5/32” holes. For bolt holes, drill 11/32” holes. Install the lock.

To affix sliding bolt lock to fixed door on outside sliding doors:

Place the lock on the edge of the non-moving door which butts up against the moving door. This can be placed at the top of door or the bottom. Make sure you have at least ½” of clearance from the window, however, to avoid drilling through glass. Lock should not stick out from the door at all. (Screws will be inserted perpendicular to rails of the door.) Mark where the mounting screws should be placed as well as where the bolt hits the door. Open the door 5” and again mark where the bolt hits the moving door. For mounting screw holes, drill 5/32” holes. For bolt holes, drill 11/32” holes. Install the lock.

To affix sliding bolt lock to header (top rail) on outside sliding doors:

Place the lock on the sill butting up against the edge of the non-moving door so the bolt hits the moving door and the lock is parallel to the ground. Mark where the mounting screws should be placed as well as where the bolt hits the door. Open the door 5” and again mark where the bolt hits the moving door. For mounting screw holes, drill 5/32” holes. For bolt holes, drill 11/32” holes. Install the lock. This is a good place for families with small children to install their sliding bolt lock, as it places the lock in a spot children cannot reach and maneuver themselves.

To affix sliding bolt lock to moving door on inside sliding doors:

Place the lock along the edge of the moving door, perpendicular to the ground. It can be placed either on the bottom edge of the door or the top. Just make sure you have ½” of clearance so you don’t drill through glass. Mark where the mounting screws should be placed as well as where the bolt hits the door. Open the door 5” and again mark where the bolt hits the moving door. For mounting screw holes, drill 5/32” holes. For bolt holes, drill 11/32” holes. Install the lock.

The staff at All About Doors & Windows spends a considerable amount of time creating articles and providing quality parts and hardware. We know you can find many of these products elsewhere and we appreciate your business. We thank you for your time and hope you will continue being a satisfied customer.



Click below to download your own printable guide from All About Doors & Windows to help you install your sliding door locks.

Installing Sliding Door Bolt Locks

Products related to this article:
44036
Security Slide Bolt Lock Door or Window – A… Parts Manufacturers Please SelectAcmeAndersen Window..ArcadiaAtriumBaldwinCoxFercoFuhrG-UGenericHoppeKellerLarsonMarksMilgardPadoPapaizPeachtreePellaRotoSchlegelTruth HardwareWartian Parts Categories Atrium Door & Window Hardware Basement Replacement Windows Andersen Window & Door Parts Peachtree Window and Door Parts Pella Window & Door Parts Hinged Door Parts & Builder Hardware Window Parts & Hardware Closet Door Hardware & Parts Sliding Glass Door Hardware Storm / Security Door Hardware Shower Door & Tub Parts Sliding Screen Door Hardware Multipoint Lock Handleset Trim Multipoint Locks Garage Door Hardware & Parts Commercial Door Hardware Locks, Deadbolts, & Handlesets Weatherstripping, Door & Window Drawer and Cabinet Hardware Glass Inserts, Entry Door RV and Mobile Home Hardware Custom Window Sashes Clearance, Overstock, Liquidation and Blemished Items Information

More Info
Shipping & ReturnsPrivacy NoticeConditions of UseContact UsLinksKansas City Links Installation Help

Having trouble installing your parts? Are you a window or door expert that wouldn’t mind some free promotion?