Are you looking for a way to keep your pet safe without having to worry about them getting out? If so, you may want to consider installing a sliding glass door with a dog door.
Sliding glass doors are great for letting air and light in, but if you have a family pet, then the convenience of these doors can quickly become an issue. Not only is it easy for your furry friend to get outside unsupervised, but they also make getting through the door without a key far too easy.
It doesn’t need to be that way, though! With just some simple tools such as drill bits and bolts, you can easily lock sliding glass doors with dog doors so that everyone in your home – four-legged or otherwise – stays safe at all times. Read on to learn more about how to lock sliding glass door with dog doors.
What Will You Need?
Before you get started, make sure you have the following supplies and tools on hand:
- Drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Bolts (1/4″, 5/16″ or 3/8″)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil or marker
Once you have all of these items, follow the step-by-step instructions to install a lock on your sliding glass door.
10 Easy Steps on How to Lock Sliding Glass Door With Dog Door
Step 1. Measure the Sliding Glass Door
Measure the width and height of your sliding glass door, and mark the measurements with a pencil or marker. This will help you figure out how big the hole for the dog door should be. If you are installing the dog door on a metal track, make sure to leave enough space for the doorknob.
Step 2. Mark Hole for Dog Door
Using your measurements, mark two holes in each side of the sliding glass door where you want to install your dog door. Ensure that these holes are directly opposite to one another so that the dog door can swing freely when opened. Don’t forget to check the measurement from the doorknob in case you are installing it on a metal track.
Step 3. Drill Holes
Grab your drill bit and start drilling along the lines you marked for each hole. When done properly, this should create two rectangular-shaped holes in each side of the sliding glass door frame. Otherwise, start from the top and work your way down.
Step 4. Insert Dog Door
Now it’s time to insert your dog door into the frame. Place the top of the pet door into the holes you drilled, and then swing it open until it is parallel with the sliding glass door frame. The pressure created by the bolt screws will hold it in place.
Step 5. Secure Dog Door
Using screws or bolts, secure each corner of the pet door in place within the sliding glass door frame. Ensure that these are inserted securely so your pet won’t be able to remove them easily. Moreover, the screws should rest in a slightly recessed position within the frame so that they can’t be tampered with from the outside.
Step 6. Install Lock on Sliding Glass Door
Once you have secured the dog door in place, grab a drill bit slightly bigger than the size of your lock and drill a hole through each side of the sliding glass door where your pet door is located. Then insert the lock into each hole and use screws to keep it secure. Be careful not to drill too deep or damage the glass.
Step 7. Test Lock
Once you have installed the lock, check to ensure it is working properly by opening and closing the sliding glass door a few times to ensure that it locks securely. It is also a good idea to test the door handle to ensure it is not interfering with the locking mechanism. Because the door will be a bit heavier than usual, you may need to adjust how tightly it closes.
Step 8. Clean Up
Clean up any mess you make while drilling or screwing, such as sawdust or debris. Also, remove any extra pieces of metal or plastic that may be left over from your installation process. If necessary, check to make sure that there are no sharp edges or points where your pet could be injured.
Step 9. Install Sliding Glass Door Handle
Next, install an appropriate handle on the outside of your sliding glass door. Depending on your preference, this can be a simple handle or a more decorative one. Additionally, it should be securely attached to the door so that it won’t move or come loose.
Step 10. Enjoy Your New Lock
Now that you have successfully installed and tested your new lock, you can enjoy knowing that your pet is safe and secure inside your home! Remember to regularly check the lock and ensure it is still in good working condition. This will help you ensure that your pet stays safe and secure and your sliding glass door stays secure as well.
Locking sliding glass doors with dog doors may seem like an intimidating task at first, but it doesn’t have to be! With just some basic tools and supplies, you can easily install a secure locking system without any hassle. So take some time today to keep everyone in your home safe and sound by following these easy steps to lock sliding glass doors with dog doors.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- You can use a latch-lock, which is an easy and effective way to secure your sliding door. Place the latch inside the sliding door’s track and on the edge of the stationary door.
- You can also use a patio bolt lock that is designed for locking sliding glass doors with dog doors. These bolts are installed in both sliding door frames and provide an extra layer of security.
- If you want to keep your pet inside and not allow it to access the outside area, consider installing a security screen or window guard with a built-in pet flap that is only accessible from within your home. The pet flap has a lockable latch that will ensure your pet cannot roam freely outside while still allowing them unrestricted access indoors.
- To further secure your sliding glass door with a dog door, you can install keyed locks on both sides of the frame. This will provide an extra level of security and keep your pet from being able to open the door from either side.
- If you are worried about how to lock sliding glass doors with a dog door, consider getting a professional to help you install additional security features, such as alarms and sensors that detect when someone is trying to enter your home. These devices will trigger an alarm if anyone attempts to access your home through the sliding glass door with a dog door.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to keep your sliding glass door secure while allowing your pet the freedom it needs indoors! With a little effort, you can ensure your pet and home are safe from intruders.
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Don’t Use a Wooden Stick or Other Objects: Wooden sticks or other objects are not strong enough to hold up against heavy forces that can be applied when your pet is inside the door and trying to push it open.
2. Don’t Rely on Gravity Alone to Keep the Door Closed: While this may work temporarily, it’s best to have an extra locking mechanism in place.
3. Avoid Using Traditional Door Locks: These are designed for normal-sized doors, not ones with dog doors already installed in them.
4. Don’t Leave Your Pet Outside While You’re Away From Home: No matter how secure you think your locks are, they won’t be enough if someone breaks into your house looking for something of value.
5. Never Depend on Just One Type of Lock: It’s always best to have multiple layers of security in place. This may mean a combination of locks, alarms, sensors, and other security measures. By combining all these things together, you can ensure that your sliding glass door with a dog door is as secure as possible.
Keeping your pet safe and your home secure should be top priority when it comes to how to lock sliding glass doors with a dog door. With careful planning and the right tools, you can ensure that both are taken care of!
Conclusion
In the end, you’ll find that locking your sliding glass door with a dog door is a great way to keep your pet safe and secure. Remember that several different kinds of locks are available on the market today, so be sure to select one that offers both safety and convenience for you and your pet.
With some basic tools and a little bit of perseverance, you can easily feel confident in the security of your own home. Plus, having a secure lock on your door means improved peace of mind when it comes to the safety of those around you—whether they have four legs or two.
Hopefully, the article on how to lock sliding glass door with dog door was helpful. Thanks for reading.
