Great Patio Door Locks

Keyed Knob and Deadbolt – This is the most traditional kind of patio door lock. The keyed knobs have retractable latch bolts with springs and tapering on one side. The latch bolts retract into a hole once they hit the doorjamb or adjacent door, creating a sealed lock. The deadbolts work the same way, but they extend deeper into the frame and are more powerful. Deadbolts, though, are not spring loaded and must be closed and latched with a key or knob to lock the patio door.  

Foot Bolt – Foot bolts are found attached to the bottom part on the inside of a patio door. These locks are generally spring loaded and retractable, making them easy to use. When you trigger a foot bolt with your foot, the bolt goes inside a hole through the doorsill into the wall so the door can’t be opened from outside the house. There are also some DIY foot bolt options like metal or wood pipes, but these models aren’t as convenient as the classic foot bolt.  

Latch – Patio door latches are ideal for keeping your door in place when closed. These locks have a bar in a “J” shape that goes into an adjacent wall and mounted doorplates. The door-mounted plates have a center bulge that creates a small cylinder for the J bolt to pass through. The bolt turns upside-down when it goes through the cylinder to hold the patio door in place. Similar to a foot bolt, you can only open a latch from inside the house.  

Chain Lock – This kind of patio door lock also works with almost any other kind of door. These locks have a chain that attaches to the adjacent wall or door by a disk that fits into a grooved plate. The most basic kinds of chain locks are done by hand from the inside, but there are more modern models that can lock and release with a keypad or button from outside the door.