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.

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