Best Sliding Glass Door Locks Guide & Reviews of 2021

Lots of people love the look of sliding doors, but they might not realize the risks involved. Sure, they add a beautiful touch to a kitchen, balcony, or living room. On the other hand, they provide a glaringly stark view of a family and all of their belongings. In other words, they’re a huge invitation to burglars and intruders. To stay protected, consider this list of the best sliding glass door locks.

Steven Lewis - Editorial Staff

Updated: July 22, 2020

What We Did to Find the Best

To figure out which options were the best sliding glass door locks, we enlisted the help of home improvement experts, researchers, and writers. They found the top metrics that consumers look for in sliding glass door locks, such as accessibility, ease of use, affordability, and of course, security. Below are the five factors they analyzed in each provider.

  • Features

    0-10

    monitoring period, 24/7 alerts, disaster protection etc.

  • Support

    0-10

    telephone, email, chat, and other channels

  • Price

    0-10

    monthly fee, money-back, trial period

  • Ease of Use

    0-10

    installation, maintenance, service support

  • Trust Score

    0-10

    BBB.org and Trustpilot (positive, negative reviews)

The experts gave each category a grade between zero and 10. Then, they totaled the average values for each sliding glass door locks brand and summarized the results in this list. Consumers rarely have the time to consider each product and its competitiveness against others in the market. Our team did the hard work so families can enjoy a beautiful- and secure- home sooner rather than later.

1. Defender Security U9846: Strong Against the Toughest Foes

Total Score 9.7/10

Defender Main
Defender Sliding Door Lock
Defender Sliding Size
  • Features9.5/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$12.99

Visit Website
BBB Rating A
Best for Heavy-Duty

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

30 days

Defender’s hardware makes for the best sliding glass door mechanisms that keep things safe and secure. An impressive stat right off the bat is that it can withstand up to 800 pounds. That means that even the bulkiest burglar or intruder won’t be getting through. The spring-loaded design also makes the device tamper-proof, so clever teens or criminals can’t pick or pry it open. Installation requires just a screwdriver so clients can put in the three-inch screws. A drill could also be necessary, but this isn’t something to worry about or prevent individuals from purchasing. As the reviews suggest, this is a worthy option to consider.

Pros:

  • Amazon's Choice pick
  • Child-safe
  • Doesn't clash with the property's design
  • Four colors to choose from
  • Great price
  • Hard to tamper with
  • Withstands up to 800 pounds

Cons:

  • Can be hard to fit onto some frames
  • More difficult installation
  • Opening/closing it is tricky

Defender’s design and the choice of four colors means that customers can pick and choose which hues match their sliding glass doors. This concealed look adds more cohesion to the whole thing. In other words, the handle doesn’t look so obvious and doesn’t clash with the rest of the property. The downside of this is that criminals won’t see the bolt until they get up close and personal. It’s not a clear, visible deterrent, which is what some folks may be looking for.


2. Ideal Security SK110 Patio Door Security Bar: Trusted, Dedicated Care

Total Score 9.6/10

Ideal Main
Ideal Size
Ideal How it Works
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment10/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$21.99

Visit Website
BBB Rating A+
Best For Decks / Balconies

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

30 days

This sliding glass door lock from Ideal is perfect for balconies or decks. It screws in and sits in the middle of the doorframe to deter thieves and better protect the family. It also sits at a comfortable height, about waist-high, so that’s it easy to use for just about anyone in the house. For those who are worried about their young kids, they can rest assured that the device is child-proof. That, and it is also properly tamper-resistant to keep burglars away. The mounted design and the adjustable width make it an easy-to-install option, one that will support various households and family members.

Pros:

  • Adjustable width
  • Affordable price
  • Child-proof
  • Sits at a comfortable height
  • Trusted supplier
  • Visual deterrent
  • Warranty & refund policies

Cons:

  • Not usable on windows
  • Only comes in one color
  • Won't support extra small/large frames

This device is designed to fit doors 25.5 to 47.5 inches wide, thanks to its adjustable size. It’s only made for sliding designs, so clients should not try to use it on windows. For those who are interested, Ideal has specialty equipment for windows, too. Like many of the other competitors on this list, Ideal’s equipment is mounted for added protection and assurance. Customers can try it out for free for 30 days, too. Ideal calls itself a “trusted and progressive” supplier, and its 2021 range of home and commercial monitoring services, fasteners, and doorframe devices is proof of that.


3. Cal-Lock Smart Bolt: Comes With a Buyer Guarantee

Total Score 9.5/10

Callock Main
Callock Child
Callock Crime
  • Features9.5/10
  • Equipment10/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$28.99

Visit Website
Best For Concealment

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

30 days

CAL’s sliding glass door lock is child-safe and can withstand up to 1,000 pounds of forced pressure. It also has an anti-lift design to prevent anyone from trying to pry it open or pull it apart. The sleek look makes it a great choice for those who want a more concealed device. Plus, the low-profile look allows greater access so it can fit into crevices that others can’t get into. That said, it does not provide a universal fit, and set-up can be quite difficult. That that means is that individuals may need to pull out the toolkit and spend some extra time to set things up. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, though.

Pros:

  • Anti-lift feature
  • Reasonable price
  • Great customer reviews
  • Multi-pack
  • Optional additional plates (for a better fit)
  • Services satisfaction guarantee
  • Withstands up to 1,000 pounds

Cons:

  • May not fit larger frames
  • Not a universal fit
  • Set-up is difficult

Fortunately, this CAL device comes with a buyer guarantee. If the customer reviews are any indication, it’s worth checking out this nifty equipment. The heavy-duty handle and pin-locking design ensure greater protection and a snug fit. Plus, there is the option to add more plates to the order to achieve a better fit. CAL’s locks also come in packs of three to suit a wider variety of frames and properties. The price is right, the strength is phenomenal, and money-back guarantee ensures that there is nothing to lose.


4. Toledo Sliding Glass Door Patio Lock: Keep Kids, Teens & Thugs Away

Total Score 9.4/10

Toledo Main
Toledo How it Work
Toledo Equipment
  • Features10/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$35.95

Visit Website
BBB Rating A+
Best for Tamper-Proof

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

Toledo regularly makes the list of the best sliding glass door locks. That’s because it’s made of hardened steel that’s 1 3/4-inches thick. This creates a tight bolt that not even the slickest burglars can get through. Another useful feature is the concealed screws and hardware, which stay out of sight so savvy criminals can’t finagle their ways in. All of this reinforcement does mean that the home installation is a bit more intense, but it will be well worth it. This is an option that would work well on larger windows, too. It’s not too much work and should be relatively easy for someone with a bit of DIY experience. Unfortunately, it’s not clear what the refund policy is.

Pros:

  • Accessible with key only
  • Anti-theft design
  • Concealed screws
  • Reasonable price
  • Hacksaw-resistant
  • Tamper-proof
  • Top-performing brand

Cons:

  • Contains a flimsy plastic part
  • Installation can be tricky
  • Refund policy depends on the distributor

For those who are worried about teenagers sneaking out of the home late at night, Toledo sliding glass door locks can only be unlocked with the included set of keys. This should ease parents’ worries. The latch is also tamper-proof and should keep naughty neighborhood kids and determined burglars at bay. The stainless steel is also resistant to hacksaws and bolt cutters, which makes this one of the greatest anti-theft options on the market.


5. OKEFAN Baby Safety: Keep Little Ones Safe

Total Score 9.3/10

Okefan Main
Okefan Detail
  • Features9.5/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

12.95

Visit Website
Best For Babies

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

Anyone who has ever had a little one crawling around the home knows that it’s hard to keep a baby from getting into things. OKEFAN offers one of the best sliding glass door locks for those frazzled parents. Those large panes of glass that look over a patio or balcony are mighty interesting to a toddler, so try this product on for size. It keeps the outside off-limits to them but allows access to mom and dad to slip by nice and easy. OKEFAN is a leader in baby-safe products, so this is a top pick for parents who are tired of stressing about their little ones getting out.

Pros:

  • Adds peace of mind for parents
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Durable design
  • Ideal for windows and cabinets, too
  • Simple installation
  • Strong adhesive
  • The price is right

Cons:

  • Does not prevent burglaries
  • Plastic parts are a bit flimsy
  • Purely for baby-proofing the home

The OKEFAN sliding glass door locks feature a peel-and-stick surface. This makes it ideal for windows and cabinets, too. To set it up, customers can stick it to a clean glass panel. From there, they press in the two buttons to activate the locking mechanism. This seals the device so babies can’t meddle inside. When parents want to get into a cabinet or open a window, they press down the cover to release the device. This simple design is best for sliding glass doors in that it’s convenient. However, it’s much too flimsy to prevent burglary.


6. Supply Guru Keyed Lock: Extra Protection For the Outdoors

Total Score 9.3/10

Supply Guru Main
Supply Guru Equipment
Supply Guru Detail
  • Features9.5/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$19.99

Best For Outdoors

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

Supply Guru has tons of household improvement devices, but today the focus is on how it protects sliding glass doors. This keyed lock has a surface mounted design that individuals can place on sheds, decks, and utility doors. The key locking feature will appeal to those who want extra reinforcements to keep their belongings safe. To open it up, simply slide the key into the handle and turn it 180 degrees. This prevents criminals from trying to jiggle it or pry it open.

Pros:

  • Available at different retailers
  • Could work on windows, too
  • Requires a half-turn to open
  • Sleek design
  • Small enough to stay hidden
  • The keyed entry adds some assurance
  • Works indoors & outdoors

Cons:

  • Could be bad if the user loses the keys
  • Not rated with BBB
  • Warranty/refund depends on the distributor

Users should mount it high on the slider to keep it out of the way, given that the device is quite small, it doesn’t interfere with the rest of the design flow of the property. This is good considering it comes in black or stainless steel. That said, it is on the smaller side, so it won’t inhibit daily activities or look like an eyesore. The key is a great addition, but if customers lose it, then they’re out of luck. Plus, if multiple people are going into the house at different times, things could get tricky. This could cause some buyers to bypass this option. However, with a bit of care, they can manage to find a system that works for everyone in the household.


7. Lion Lock: A Prime Choice for Renters

Total Score 9.2/10

LionLock Main
LionLock Pack of 10
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$14.88

Best For Renters

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

If the name is any indication, then this product from Lion is one the best sliding glass door locks out there. Compared to Toledo, this one is much easier to install. All of the hardware is included, of which there are just the main latch and the two attached screws. Because of this, it’s a great choice for renters or those who don’t own their homes. This product is also an Amazon’s Choice for window security bars. Those who look to client reviews before making a purchase will be impressed with what past customers have to say. A quick visit to Amazon will reveal mostly excellent feedback. The price is right, and it’s something that individuals could use in an apartment or rented property without causing further damage.

Pros:

  • Available at popular retailers
  • Comes in multi-packs
  • Easy installation
  • Highly affordable
  • No tools required
  • Rubber grip
  • Works on windows

Cons:

  • Doesn't work on heavy frames
  • Not good for thru traffic
  • Teens/kids can tamper with it

How it works is clients slide their sliding glass door locks into the doorframe. The interior rubber grip keeps it in place. From there, they use the two attached thumbscrews to tighten the latch. It’s so easy and takes just minutes, making it a good stowaway for trips to the beach house or a hotel. The only pitfall is that once it’s secured, it’s inaccessible to thru traffic. Therefore, it may not be ideal for patios or balconies where people are constantly going in and out.


Pricing & Key Features Comparison Table

For those who are still on the fence about which sliding glass door lock they want, check out this convenient comparison chart. It will highlight the 2021 prices and top features, making it easier to spot which device suits their specific needs.

Provider Total Score Price BBB Rating DIY instal Trial Period Warranty Camera Included Concealed Hardware Keys Included Money-Back Guarantee Tamper-Resistant Works on Windows
1. Defender 9.7 $12.99 A Yes 30 days 1 year No Yes No 30 days Yes Yes
2. Ideal 9.6 $21.99 A+ Yes 30 days 1 year No No No 30 days Yes No
3. Cal-Lock 9.5 $28.99 Yes 30 days No Yes No 30 days Yes Yes
4. Toledo 9.4 $35.95 A+ Yes No Lifetime No Yes Yes Yes Yes
5. OKEFAN 9.3 $12.95 Yes No No Yes No Yes Yes
6. Supply Guru 9.3 $19.99 Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes
7. Lion 9.2 $14.88 Yes No No No No No Yes

Pros & Cons of Sliding Glass Door Locks

As with most equipment, there are advantages and downfalls to having a sliding door security lock. Before jumping into an impulse purchase, check out these tips and insights.

Pros

1. Deters Criminals Lurking on the Street

A sliding door security lock that is visible from the street or sidewalk can come in handy. As a visual deterrent, burglars will think twice before targeting that specific household.

2. Adds Greater Peace of Mind

No matter the type of sliding door lock a person buys, they can be sure that it will provide greater assurance and peace of mind. Even in 2021, the risk of burglaries and intrusions are all too common. So, make a small investment and flip the script for the best sliding glass doors!

3. They're Child-Proof, Too

Sliding doors can be lots of fun for babies and toddlers. However, when the laughter and games are over, those wide panes of glass pose a danger to little ones. It’s a good thing many locking mechanisms are kid-proof.

4. Ease of Use

The vast majority of equipment is easy to use, and individuals can install it in minutes. With that kind of user-friendliness, it doesn’t make sense to bypass the opportunity.

5. They're More Affordable Than Ever

Along with being simple to use and set up, a sliding door security lock is also budget-friendly. There is an option for every household out there. Plus, the added protection for loved ones is well worth the price tag.

6. Technology is Improving

Many of today’s models are capable of withstanding hundreds of pounds of forced pressure. Plus, added reinforcements like anti-lift and spring-loaded designs are getting more advanced by the day.

Cons

1. Keyless Entry Isn't Always Better

A sliding door security lock usually involves a latching mechanism rather than a key. Because of this, it is more susceptible to clever criminals who know how to pick these kinds of locks.

2. They Could Slip Off the Tracks

A sliding door lock usually sits along the lined grooves or tracks, just like the panes of glass. Not only can this be irritating for homeowners to take care of, but it puts their safety at risk.

3. Cheap Materials

Consumers must be careful when they’re shopping around for this kind of equipment. Keyless entry sounds amazing, but if the device is made of shoddy plastic parts, then there’s really no point

4. Exposed Parts & Pieces

Most people prefer equipment that has concealed parts. This isn’t just because it looks cleaner and sleeker on their properties. Keeping the pieces hidden means that savvy intruders can’t finagle their way in.

5 Ways to Protect Your Sliding Door

Analyzing the pros and cons of this type of equipment can be overwhelming. To help with the buying decision, check out these additional tips and tricks for securing these kinds of doorways.

1. Add a Reinforcement Film

Those large, sweeping panes of glass sure are beautiful, but they also expose a big portion of the house to intruders. It takes minimal effort to throw a brick through there and get inside. To combat this threat, consider a safety film that makes the glass shatter-proof.

2. Invest in Contact Sensors

Another facet of securing the property is to invest in some additional safety equipment. This may be in the form of contact or glass-break sensors and alarms. They fit conveniently onto different parts of the house and will trigger a loud siren whenever a stranger approaches or shatters the panes.

3. Go the Old-School Route

Something that people have been doing for years is placing a metal or wooden rod in the tracks of the doorframe. This prevents forced entry and adds that bit of reinforcement against outsiders. That said, it’s not a replacement for more protective equipment.

4. Upgrade the Locking System

Most of these types of doorframes don’t come with a sliding door lock. So, it’s up to homeowners to supply themselves with an upgraded system. Any mechanism from this list will add the extra reinforcements they need to stay safe.

5. Consider a Deadbolt

To go the extra mile, some people opt for this kind of sliding glass door lock. It keeps the glass panes from coming off of the tracks; it’s a visible deterrent, easy to install, and available from many retailers. The locking pins ensure a tight, foolproof fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Do You Fix a Sliding Glass Door Lock?

    Technically, it depends on what kind of equipment a person has. It could be as simple as buying a replacement latch. Another quick fix is taking off the handle and replacing the screws so that everything fits together much more securely. In some cases, an entirely new locking system is required. So, to recap:

    • Remove the latch or handle
    • Replace the screws and readjust the fit
    • If necessary, buy a replacement

  • What is the Best Lock For a Sliding Glass Door?

    Individuals will have their specific preferences, which is great. Below are some examples.

    • A patio door lock might look like a deadbolt or a barred entry that users lift from the inside
    • Other people may opt for a key-accessible device that can only be opened by the key-holder
    • Others may want something that fits into the lined grooves or doorframe tracks and inhibits entry

  • How Do I Protect My Sliding Glass Door From Burglars?

    These types of entryways are often seen as a goldmine for burglars, but there are ways to stay safe, assured, and protected.

    • Install a safety film onto the glass so that it prevents shattering and/or collects broken shards
    • Add a bolted bar for extra protection at night
    • Place a wooden dowel or metal rod in the tracks of the frame
    • Try any of the equipment included in this list

  • Is it Easy to Break Into a Sliding Glass Door?

    If it lacks proper reinforcement, yes, it can be extremely easy to break through the glass and into the house. That said, it’s not as if people are leaving their properties prone to that kind of situation. There are so many different locking mechanisms available to consumers today. Moreover, shatter-proof film, contact sensors, and glass-break alarms bump up the safety factor.

Invest in Reinforcements & Put Worries at Ease

It’s easy to get riled up about burglars and potential break-ins. However, when consumers are proactive and do their research, they feel better informed and prepared for anything. This list is a great place to start when deciding to purchase a locking system for glass sliders and doorframes. Remember that these kinds of mechanisms are just part of the solution. It may be well worth it to invest in some protective window film or entryway sensors, too.


Editorial Staff

Steven Lewis combined his writing talent and home security knowledge and became a journalist researching the topic. He holds a Degree in Criminal Law and has spent a significant part of his career studying security issues backed up with his legal knowledge.


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