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.