Need a new lock for your tiny home sliding glass door? Here, we chat about the differences between a keypad lock vs key lock for sliding glass door entrances, and help you choose the best one for your tiny abode.
Sliding glass doors are an elegant entrance to your tiny home, but unfortunately they are also attractive to burglars who may see the doors as a weak point. We are attracted to them because they give an airy feeling and open up your tiny house or apartment to the outside world. But for this same reason, they are also a security weak-point.
Glass doors are of course breakable, but the greater weakness is the poor stock-standard mortise locks these doors come with, which aren’t very good at keeping thieves out of your space. Therefore, replacing your standard sliding door lock with a better quality keyed lock or keypad lock is a wise idea.
But… should you go with a key lock or a keypad lock for your glass slide door?
In this article, we explain the strengths and weaknesses of a key lock for sliding glass door vs keypad lock for sliding glass door, and what to look for when deciding upon a brand and model.
Key Lock for Sliding Glass Door
Traditional keyed locks still seem to be the most reliable and secure, however they mean the inconvenience of getting keys cut and handed out to whoever needs to use the door.
A key lock for sliding glass door is a durable option if you want to operate the door from both inside and out. They are usually flush mounted and include a hook. Keyed locks are still seen by many as the most reliable form of lock as they are less susceptible to mechanical failure, and have no digital components or batteries that could fail.
This is a traditional and reliable option, but you will need to give keys to whoever uses your residence, which can be a nuisance if you are renting out your tiny home as an Air BnB.
Pros:
- Durable, reliable and secure
- Simple mechanism, everyone knows how to use a key (including your 90 year old grandmother)
- No electronic components that could fail
Cons:
- Needs physical keys, meaning more to carry around (and more stuff to drop or lose)
- Physical keys present difficulties with holiday rentals (eg Air BnB)
- Keys can get worn and misshapen over time
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Key Lock for Sliding Glass Door – Brands
If you don’t trust digital devices or prefer the traditional keyed locks, then here are the best key locks for sliding glass doors. We have to be honest, though, there aren’t many options out there for keyed sliding glass door locks – most are mortise non-keyed locks. One of the options below should serve your needs, however.
Bali NAI Sliding Glass Door Handle and Mortise Key Lock Set
Bali NAI Sliding Glass Door Handle Key Lock Set – Full Specifications & Buy on Amazon
As discussed earlier, glass sliding doors are generally the weakest point of entry in any home. Therefore, choosing to purchase a higher-quality lock set, will contribute greatly towards making your home safer. One of the benefits of the Bali NAI door handle set is that its all-steel locking mortise has been designed to withstand more than 1000 pounds of force. That’s like the equivalent of someone driving a small car or throwing a fully-grown polar bear through your door, and if that’s something you’re concerned about, then you have bigger problems to deal with than a new lock.
The Bali NAI slide door handle and key lock set is easy to install and comes with all of the necessary hardware. This particular unit features both inside and outside handles, which connect to the steel mortise lock through heavy-duty fine-threaded bolts. Both the inner and outer handles can be rotated, allowing this set to be installed on any sliding glass door regardless of the direction of entry. There are a full set of instructions, which makes the installation of the Bali NAI set a breeze.
Of the options available for a key lock for sliding glass door ways, we consider this the best of the options presented here, mainly due to complaints that some customers had with the Prime-Line branded products, such as poor durability and quality, and poor installation instructions. The Bali NAI on the other hand comes with clear instructions and features a very strong lock, so we could not fault it on those points.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant steel key lock for sliding glass door
- Strong, secure
- Full instructions included
Cons
- More expensive than other options
Prime-Line C 1033 Sliding Glass Door Key Lock
Prime Line C1033 Sliding Glass Door Key Lock – Full Specifications & Buy on Amazon
The Prime-Line C 1033 is a good, reliable key lock for sliding glass door ways, suitable for both left- and right-handed patio sliding doors. It is made of high-quality die-cast and coated in black lacquer. This Prime-Line key lock for sliding glass doors fits all standard flush lock punch-outs with 6-5/8 inch hole center spacing. Moreover, this flush-mounted, hook-style handle set is easy to install. The package includes the keyed lock itself, plus two keys and instruction manual, although some customers have complained about the instructions not being clear enough.
Pros
- Easy setup
- Sleek design
- Flush-mount handle
- Solid die-cast construction
Cons
- Some customers complained about the locking latch quality
Prime-Line C 1032 Sliding Glass Door Key Lock
Prime Line C1032 Sliding Glass Door Key Lock – Full Specifications & Buy on Amazon
As mentioned earlier, when it comes to finding a key lock for sliding glass door entrances, unfortunately there are not many options available. Therefore, we’ve selected a second model from Prime-Line to feature here, although compared with the previous two options the durability is a weak point in this C1032 model. In saying that, the PrimeLine C 1032, is an easy-to-install, keyed door handle set which is suitable for any level of DIY enthusiast. All of the fasteners that are needed are included with the set, along with two keys. One great addition to the kit is 4 different hooks, so that it can match just about any sliding glass door offset.
The appearance of this lock is elegant, featuring a wooden handle, black baseplate, and nickel-plated finish. It is also reversible so it can be placed on any sliding glass door, regardless of whether it opens to the left or right. If you’re looking for a nice looking sliding door lock set this is a good choice, but we would be more inclined to go with the above two options instead due to the questionable durability, which presents a security risk if burglars attempt to use physical force to break the lock.
Pros
- Reversible handle (left or right)
- Elegant wooden handle
- 4 different hooks included to fit any sliding glass door
Cons
- Some customers have complained about the durability
Keypad Lock for Sliding Glass Door
If you are getting a sliding door for your tiny home entrance, or need a new lock for your existing glass door, then you might be thinking about getting a keypad lock. Keypad locks are a great choice for holiday rentals, Air BnB’s, or other situations where you would prefer not to bother with the hassle of handing physical keys over to someone.
This lock is becoming a popular alternative to keyed locks for people who don’t want to handle keys. A keypad lock for sliding glass door entries works similarly to your mobile phone pin code. Instead of a physical key, you enter a numerical code on a keypad to lock and unlock the door. You can get sliding glass door keypad locks with varying degrees of sophistication, ranging from very basic to those that sync with a mobile app.
A keypad lock is your best option if you’re renting out your tiny home on a regular basis, you are someone who constantly loses their keys, or you prefer not to carry stuff when you go out.
Pros:
- Using a code means less stuff to carry around (like keys)
- Easy to handle multiple residents or guests
- Easy to change the code if there is a security concern
Cons:
- Some are complicated to use and require familiarity with technology
- Electronic components means more potential for damage, weaknesses and breaking
- Relying on a code is problematic if you suffer from memory loss
Keypad Lock for Sliding Glass Door – Brands
When it comes to keypad locks, there are more options, probably because it is a growing trend for their convenience and technological enhancements. Here are some of the best keypad locks that you can buy for your sliding glass patio door at the time of writing.
Amazon Basics Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Door Lock – Best Keypad Lock for Sliding Glass Door
Amazon Basic Keypad Lock – Full Specifications & Buy on Amazon
Although you might feel apprehensive about the Amazon branding, this Amazon Basics product is actually the best keypad lock for sliding glass doors we’ve come across. This is a good choice in particular if you want to increase your home’s security without compromising on the aesthetics. This model comes in three different variations, so you are sure to find something to match your patio decor.
This Amazon Basics Electronic Lock has a solid, long-lasting design and is relatively simple in design, making it suitable for less tech-savvy users. As such, it doesn’t have a mobile app, but let’s be real, most people don’t really need a mobile app to use a door, unless you’re operating a rental property or routinely need to unlock the door for others (for instance, if you’re a carer).
It is resistant to all weather conditions and requires little maintenance. Moreover, the Amazon Basics Deadbolt Lock has two additional locking options. You can use the thumb deadbolt to operate it from inside your property, while a standard keyhole enables manual locking and unlocking from the outside using a key.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Durable design
- Weather-resistant
- Long-lasting battery life
- Easily replaceable batteries
- The device gives a low battery warning
Cons
- Is not compatible with a mobile app
Kwikset SmartCode 917 Glass Sliding Door Lock
Kwikset SmartCode 917 – Full Specifications & Buy on Amazon
If you’re looking for the most secure glass slide door lock for covered patio areas, then this is the one you want. This model is also one of the best keypad locks for sliding glass doors that offers the best value. However, weather resistance is questionable, so we suggest using this lock in protected areas such as a covered patio, rather than exposed to extremes like harsh sun and snow.
Kwikset is a trusted lock brand that offers various innovations like SmartKey rekeying and SecureScreen touch screen keypads. SmartKey is a system that allows residents to easily rekey the locks without removal, which is handy if you have a sudden security concern.
Kwikset locks guarantee utmost security, and the SmartCode 917 is no exception. The Kwikset SmartCode 917 has three different security modes, is resistant to lock-picking, and its sturdy construction grants makes breaking this lock very difficult. The auto-locking system is one of the most appealing aspects of the Kwikset SmartCode 917. While the device auto-locks after 3 seconds by default, you can modify this time from 2 to 99 seconds.
Pros
- Blend of traditional style and modern technology
- Includes a reversible lever
- Available in left and right-handed variants
- Easy rekeying with SmartKey
- Three years of battery life
Cons
- Not the best for outdoor use
Yale Security Assure Lock
Yale Security Assure Lock – Full Specifications & Buy on Amazon
The Yale Assure Lock is far superior to standard locks in terms of security, design, and added features. This high-quality premium security locking system has a relatively simple design, consisting of a small, plain panel with a touch screen keypad. We tend to prefer the simpler designs because they are more user-friendly, especially when all you want to do is quickly get in the house.
The Yale Assure lock comes with an app, and when connected, it automatically unlocks when it senses your device nearby. Likewise, it locks on its own after a specified time. Plus you can operate the lock from afar through Wi-Fi connectivity! Of course, this only works for people who have a connected device, and not so useful for young kids or others who prefer not to carry a smart phone everywhere. This makes the Yale Assure Lock a fantastic choice for holidays rentals and Air BnB’ers, however, as you can unlock the door remotely and your guests don’t have to wait outside waiting for you. You can also connect it to your smart home devices, including Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple TV if you’re looking for that sort of technological capability from a door lock.
However, you will have to sleep in the car if you forget to replace or recharge the Yale Security Assure lock’s batteries, as it doesn’t offer an alternative locking which we consider to be a HUGE failure of this lock. Despite the cool technological features of this lock, the fact that it doesn’t offer another option for unlocking really drags it down, to the point where I wouldn’t personally risk installing this lock on my home. Hopefully they fix this feature in the future.
Pros
- Sleek, minimalist design
- Automatic lock/unlock
- Smart home device integration
- Comes with an intuitive August app
Cons
- Lacks an alternative opening technology in case the battery runs out
How to Choose: Keypad or Key Lock for Sliding Glass Door?
When buying and replacing sliding door lock hardware, the first thing to do is decide on the type of lock you want – key lock or keypad lock. Things to consider include:
Door usage
Think about how you intend to use the door it is on. For example, is it for a holiday rental or Air BnB where a keypad lock might be easier for guests? Or is it just you at home?
Comfort & ease of use
Questions to ask yourself include:
- Which style of lock are you more comfortable with?
- Do you want the convenience of a keypad lock?
- Or do you distrust technology and feel safer with a traditional keyed style instead?
- Are you fussed about having a complicated keypad lock linked to a mobile app?
Depending on your familiarity with technology, having many electronic features and settings could be considered very cumbersome, or very liberating… depending on how willing you are to embrace it.
Brand reputation and quality
It is worth reminding ourselves that the reason some brands stand out is because they have proven themselves time and time again by providing reliable, quality products.
It is easy to get dazzled by a model from a no-name brand that promises all sorts of bells and whistles, but before you get persuaded into buying one of those, step back and ask: what other products does the brand produce (do they specialize in security products, or not), does it sound too good to be true for the price?
Security
Both keypad and key lock for sliding glass door entrances offer good security, especially compared with standard mortise locks.
In either case, make sure you buy a lock from a reputable brand, not some cheap knock-off that can weaken your door security. Recommended brands and models are listed further down.
Durability & aesthetics
Aesthetics and durability are both important considerations when buying sliding glass door keypad locks and key locks both. Some considerations for both are below.
- Keypad locks with flimsy buttons or ones that jam are a recipe for disaster, and they make your place look cheap. Spending extra on a lock from a reputable brand such as Kwikset will usually give you the durability you need.
- Keyed locks are fairly simple mechanically, especially compared with keypad locks. Usability ultimately comes down to the quality of the lock, and goes hand in hand with durability. If you settle on a flimsy cheap lock, you may end up with a key that gets jammed in the lock and won’t turn whenever you try to use it. Not only is that a security concern, but it also adds unnecessary stress to your day-to-day life. You can generally avoid this scenario by buying a good quality keyed lock for your sliding glass door from a reputable brand such as Prime Line.
Compatibility
Not all locks are compatible with glass slide doors. Before settling on a particular brand/model, make sure it’s compatible with your door.
Easy installation
Nowadays, most sliding door replacement locks have easy installation features that allow you to set them up without professional help. Most are fairly simple contraptions that you can install yourself at home, but it is worth making sure that the one you have settled on comes with clear instructions. So, unless you want to spend your hard-earned cash on getting your lock professionally installed, you should choose a simple-to-install lock option.
Considerations for elderly residents
If you are choosing a keypad lock for elderly people, consider getting one with big buttons so they can confidently see and press the code in without any stress. Don’t make them strain to see tiny buttons or a poorly lit screen.
Elderly residents may feel more familiar with a key lock for sliding glass door entrances, and may have difficulty remembering keypad codes.
Corrosion resistant
Some metal locks may rust, which will prevent a metal key lock for sliding glass door entrances from working properly and look awful. Rusty locks ruin the look of your patio entrance and have a substantial impact on its functionality. You should only buy all-metal door locks if they are guaranteed to be corrosion-resistant, otherwise rust will become your enemy. If buying a metal lock, check to make sure that it is corrosion-resistant, so it doesn’t rust.
Additional features
You must determine which special features you want to include in your new door locking system before getting one. The latest smart technology includes remote features and digitized operations. Some may hook up to a mobile app for added control. These features can help if you have kids at home or want to receive a notification every time someone messes with the lock system. On the other hand, maybe you don’t need anything that fancy, and those added features may simply get in the way.
No-name brands that promise more than they can deliver is always a red flag. By this I’m talking about cheap devices that promise lots of advanced features, but when you try to use them, they don’t operate correctly. They have bug-ridden apps that don’t work properly, made from flimsy parts that don’t feel quite right. Those sorts of products aren’t doing anyone a favor. Be wise, and choose to pay a little more for a reputable brand rather than a cheap knock-off.
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of our guide on keypad vs key lock for sliding glass door entrances. We have covered essential features to look for when buying a key lock for sliding glass door, a keypad lock for sliding glass door, plus a few other tips and recommendations.
Here is a quick recap:
Key lock for sliding glass door entrances are relatively simple mechanisms, so the main things to look out for compatibility with your existing sliding door, and ensuring that any metal parts are corrosion-resistant so they don’t rust. These are a good choice for people who aren’t confident with new technologies, such as your elderly parents or grandparents. They are also more durable, making them potentially more suitable for extreme conditions, such as harsh sun, ice and snow.
Keypad lock for sliding glass doors are more complicated and often have more technological features, such as mobile apps. They are the best choice for holiday rentals by far, as you can issue codes and control locking/unlocking remotely. A keypad may also be easier for younger children to use than a key, with no risk of losing physical keys.
Once you’ve got your lock, don’t forget to check our step-by-step guide to replacing a lock on your glass sliding door.
Happy DIY’ing!
NOTE: This article was originally written on 16 November 2022, and updated on 19 November 2024, to improve accuracy and readability.
