Types of Sliding Glass Door Locks: Selection Guide

When it is time to buy new sliding glass door locks, there are two things you should know. One is the type or brand of door lock that needs to be replaced. The other is the available lock features that you can upgrade to.

The three-point selection of patio door locks

1. As mentioned above, identify the brand or type of lock. On the upper body of the lock, see if the slotted hole is enclosed or open. To open a lock with an enclosed slotted hole, you only need to turn the keyway to a 45 degree angle.
2. Next, with the latch hook in the locked position, see if the keyway position is vertical, at an angle of 45 degrees, or at an angle of 22-1/2 degrees. The replacement lock's keyway should match that of the original lock.
   

1. Finally – and this is something you would have already noticed – check if the face of the latch is square or round at the top and bottom. Again, your replacement lock needs to be compatible with the shape and cut of the latch face.
   

Two additional points to keep in mind

Though the hole dimensions of locks center-to-center mounting may look similar, but they differ. It is important to get the accurate measurement down so a new lock with the same dimensions can be chosen. If you ignore this aspect, it won't be possible to install a new lock with dissimilar dimensions.

You may also want to check if the patio door lock has an adjustable hook projection. The advantage of this feature is that it allows the hook to be easily adjusted by turning the slotted screw located above the lock face. This adjustment comes in handy when you want to create a tight door seal.

Some interesting patio door lock features

The CR Laurence sliding door hardware range is extensive. Anyone shopping for glass door locks can select from a variety of features and options. They include pre-attached mounting plates, Mortise locks for flush handle sets, round end face automatic Mortise locks, and square end face Mortise locks with adjustable hook projection.

Best sellers include the E2009 wide round end face plate Mortise lock for Adam Rite doors, and the E2198 1-3/8'' cylinder lock for Kwikset. The former has a ½'' wide steel housing with center-to-center screw holes. The latter has a breakaway tailpiece with a 45 degree swivel, and comes with two keys.