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Sliding Door Security Bars: Locking Down the Patio

Sliding Door Security Bars: Locking Down the Patio | Security WB

Blog #060 • Perimeter Defense

Sliding Door
Security Bars

65% of break-ins occur at the back door. Your glass slider is a giant window that walks. Here is how to lock it down without sacrificing the view.

The Vulnerability

Why Factory Locks Fail

The latch that came with your sliding door is essentially a small hook. A thief with a screwdriver can lift the door off its tracks in under 30 seconds. This is known as the "Lift & Slide" technique.

The Solution: A dedicated security bar (or "Charley Bar") creates a physical bridge between the sliding panel and the frame, making horizontal movement impossible.

The Drop-Down Bar (Charley Bar)

Mounted in the middle of the door frame. It swings down to lock the door shut. Because it is mounted at waist height, it is highly visible to intruders (a good deterrent).

The Track Blocker

A simple bar placed in the bottom track. Cheap, but requires bending down to remove.

Foot Lock

A bolt installed at the bottom of the door. Use your foot to engage/disengage.

Critical Security Feature

Don't Forget Anti-Lift

A security bar stops the door from sliding, but it doesn't stop it from being lifted. You must also install "Pin Locks" or screws in the upper track to reduce the vertical clearance.

If the door can be lifted 1/2 inch, the lock can be bypassed.

View Anti-Lift Kits

Glass Protection Film

Bars stop the door from opening, but they don't stop the glass from breaking. We recommend applying 8-mil security film to slow down smash-and-grab attempts.

Shop Film

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