Types of Sliding Door Locks: A Short Guide

Sliding door handles, and the locks they contain, sure get a lot of abuse. At the breaking point (excuse the pun) you’ll periodically have to replace them. 

If you’re here for a sliding door handle with a lock, you’re in just the right place. All the same, you might be wondering what other types of locks there are (from the one your door handle contains). These are some of the most popular types of sliding door locks out there. 

Mortise Locks

A mortise lock is probably the most common type of sliding door lock. It is a separate component from the handle. This is the piece that locks onto the keeper mounted on the jamb to secure the door in the locked position. A mortise lock requires a pocket, the “mortise,” to be cut into the door frame; a hook or latch usually extends from the door into this pocket. Mortise locks are operated with a lever or thumbturn. Mortise locks are sold with square drive or flat drive. The drive is the metal bar on the back of the thumblever. So keep that in mind when shopping for a replacement.

Thumb Turn Locks

Thumb turn locks are functionally very similar to mortise locks, in that there is a pocket cut into the door frame and a hook that is extended and retracted via the action of a thumb turn screw/lever. Like mortise locks they are fairly common and also relatively strong. A thumbturn is usually what activates the mortise lock.

Double Bolt Locks

Double bolt locks, like thumb turn and mortise locks, are fairly common on sliding doors. They consist of two sliding bolts that lock into place when operated. They are easy to operate, fairly strong, and offer a security advantage over the first two types of locks mentioned here: this lock style makes it difficult (or impossible) to remove the door from the sliding track. 

Latch Locks (Or Loop Locks)

Loop locks are usually an aftermarket option and can only be operated from the inside of the door. They’re often mounted at the top of the door and consist of a loop that receives a separate bent bolt or bar that can be lifted and dropped into or removed from the loop. They are strong and can easily be installed or removed. They’re also not integral to the sliding door handle so if you’re looking for a replacement with a lock, it won’t have this type. 

Door Pin Locks

Door pin locks, like latch locks, are usually not integrated with the design of the handle. They can also be very strong and when engaged do not allow the door to be lifted off the track. Basically, a pin lock works by passing a steel pin (or bar) through a corresponding receptacle in the door frame. As a result, they can only be engaged manually and don’t rely on keys or levers. This option is usually used as a secondary locking system. Also known as a foot lock or secondary lock.

Security Bars

We’re including security bars here or a.k.a. Charley Bars, even though they’re not technically locks (though they may be lockable) and are not part of the door itself, simply because they are relatively popular. A security bar is basically a locking, adjustable bar of steel (usually consisting of two pieces) that is locked at a certain length and wedged into the door track behind the sliding door, preventing the door from being opened when the bar is in place. These can serve as temporary fixes if your door lock is inoperable, or as a backup to the lock. 

Additional Sliding Door Lock Questions

- Are All Sliding Door Handles with Locks the Same?
- No, not all sliding door handles with locks are the same. You may need the same lock design and type to replace the handle, and on top of that you need to make sure the handle itself is compatible with and can be installed on your door. 

- Can I Use Liquid Lubricant in a Sliding Door Lock?
- Yes, but you need to be very careful on what you use. Top of our list is PTFE lubricants. Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, is a Teflon-based lubricant that dries inside the lock to leave behind a non-stick, water-repellent film on all the surfaces. Since it's dry, it doesn't attract dust or dirt. 

Shop Sliding Door Handle and Lock Replacements Here

Here for a sliding door handle and replacement lock? We carry them, in lots of different configurations and sizes. Shop our collection here and get in touch with us if you have any questions.