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Sliding Door Lock and Sliding Window Lock for Security and Child Safety

by Barbara 2. January 2012 10:42

Question about how to install a sliding door lock on my interior closet doors, my exterior slider windows and my patio sliding door.

Q: "I do not want to install window guards on my windows but I do want to get some ventilation during the winter months here in Florida. We are on the Atlantic side and the breezes are great right now (January). I am concerned about security on the patio door. and downstairs windows. For the upstairs windows, I am concerned more about child safety when grandkids visit. What do you suggest? Thanks. Julie."

Answer: The Cardinal Gates Patio Door Lock comes only in white. the Patio Door Guardian allows you to lock the door with a 3" gap for ventilation. Use on right and left handed sliding doors. Recognized as "one of the best new child safety products" by the National Safe Kids Campaign in Washington, D.C., the Patio Door Guardian works double duty as both a security device and as a childproofing lock.  This unit has a 2 position spring loaded lock with a left and right stop. The keeper plates allows for a 3 inch ventilation gap without minimizing security. This fits most sliding doors and most windows that are vinyl, aluminum or wood. The questions and answers below should help you make your decision.


Questions and Answers:

  •  Will the Patio Door Guardian work on all Patio Doors? This lock is designed to work on all inside sliding Patio Doors.
  •  Will the Patio Door Guardian secure my Patio Door from intruders?This lock is designed to keep your patio door closed and though it does have security benefits it does not lock with a key. It will deter intruders as significant force would have to be used to penetrate the door.
  •  When I mount the Patio Door Guardian to my patio door, how do I determine where to put the screws? You must mount the screws away from the edge of the glass on the sliding door, so you do not break the glass. Do not rely only on the location of mounting plate holes provided with your Patio Door Guardian instructions. Hold the lock up to the desired height and mark your mounting holes away from the glass edge of the door.

I would look at other options for sliding closet doors unless your doors are solid and white.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara