Do you have a sliding barn door in your home and are looking for a way to secure it from the outside? Or perhaps you’re wanting extra peace of mind, knowing that even when you’re away from home your valuable items remain safe. If this is the case, then look no further than our guide on how to lock a sliding barn door from the outside!
Whether you live in an urban apartment or rural countryside, this easy DIY project will provide much-needed security and peace of mind – all without breaking the bank. Stay tuned for more details on how to accurately install locks onto your sliding doors and make sure any valuables stay locked up tight!
Can You Lock a Sliding Door from the Outside?
Yes, it is possible to lock a sliding barn door from the outside. This can be done through the use of locking hardware that can be attached to the track and door frame. Most locks are designed for either left or right-handed doors, so make sure you choose one that fits your door’s orientation.
To install a lock on a sliding barn door from the outside, start by attaching the locking mechanism to the track above where the door will pass when closed. Once installed, slide the trolley along with the chain into place and connect it to both sides of the doors using lag screws and washers. Make sure all connections are secure before testing out your new lock!
For additional security, consider adding a door handle to the inside of the barn door that can be used to lock it from the outside. Simply install a door knob or lever on both sides of your sliding barn door, then attach it to the locking mechanism with a latch or padlock. This will ensure that no one is able to access your barn without you knowing.
With these simple steps and some basic tools, you can easily secure any sliding barn door from the outside. Whether you’re looking for added security or just want peace of mind, this method is sure to keep your property safe!
7 Methods on How to Lock a Sliding Barn Door from the Outside
1. Use a Padlock
One of the simplest ways to lock a sliding barn door from the outside is to use a padlock. Padlocks come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. You will need to make sure that the padlock you choose is big enough to fit through the hasp on the door.
To use the padlock, loop it through the hasp and close it securely. If you want to make sure that the door is extra-secure, you can add an additional padlock for added security. However, this may not be necessary, depending on the type of door you have.
2. Use a Hasp
A hasp is a metal plate with a hole in it that is used to secure a padlock. Hasps can be purchased at most hardware stores. To install a hasp, simply screw it into the doorframe next to the barn door. Then, insert the shackle of the padlock through the hole in the hasp and close the padlock.
This will provide added security against intruders and ensure the barn door remains locked from the outside. Be sure to use a heavy-duty padlock for maximum protection. If you want to add even more security, you can also install two hasps on the doorframe for extra protection.
3. Use a Bolt Lock
Another option for locking a barn door from the outside is to use a bolt lock. Bolt locks are similar to padlocks, but they have a longer shackle that can be inserted through the hasp on the door. Bolt locks are more secure than padlocks, but they can be more difficult to remove if you need to open the door in an emergency.
To install a bolt lock, you’ll need to attach the hasp to the barn door frame, then insert the shackle of the lock into it.
Make sure that you choose a strong, high-quality lock to ensure maximum security. You may also want to consider using additional locks or security devices, such as chains or cables, for extra protection. With the right security measures in place, your barn door will be secure from intruders.
4. Use a Chain Lock
A chain lock is another option for locking a barn door from the outside. Chain locks work by attaching one end of the chain to the door handle and then looping the other end around a post or other object. This type of lock is not as secure as a padlock or bolt lock, but it can be helpful if you need to quickly secure the door in an emergency situation.
Make sure the chain is made of a durable material like steel, so it won’t easily be cut or broken. Additionally, if you are using a chain lock, make sure to use a padlock or another type of locking device as well to ensure the door stays securely closed.
5. Install A Bar Lock
If you want an extra level of security, you can install a bar lock on your barn door. Bar locks work by fitting into brackets that are mounted on either side of the doorframe. Once installed, bar locks make it impossible to open the door without first unlocking them. This type of lock is very difficult to pick, making it ideal for securing valuable items inside your barn.
For added security, you can also install a deadbolt lock along with your bar lock. This will prevent anyone from being able to access the barn even if they manage to pick the bar lock. Installing a bar lock is an easy DIY job and can be done with just a few tools.
6. Use A Deadbolt Lock
Deadbolt locks are another option for locking barn doors from the outside. Deadbolt locks are similar to padlocks, but they have a longer shackle that goes through both sides of the doorframe instead of just one side. This makes them much more difficult to pick and provides an extra level of security. To install a deadbolt lock, simply drill two holes in the doorframe and insert the bolts.
Then attach the lock to both sides of the door with the screws provided. Make sure to use a heavy-duty lock that is resistant to tampering and weather damage. Deadbolt locks are an excellent option for locking barn doors from the outside, but they do require a bit of installation effort. For an easier solution that still provides a decent level of security, you can use a combination lock.
7. Install A Sliding Bolt Lock
Sliding bolt locks are another great option for locking barn doors from the outside. Sliding bolt locks work by fitting into brackets that are mounted on either side of your doorframe and then sliding into place to secure the door shut. This type of lock is very difficult to pick and provides an extra level of security against forced entry.
When installing sliding bolt locks, it is important to make sure that the brackets are installed properly so the bolts can slide into place securely. Additionally, you may want to consider using locking screws to secure the brackets in place and prevent anyone from tampering with them.
Finally, if your sliding door frame is of lightweight material (such as wood or aluminum), you may also want to use lag screws to secure the brackets even further.
Things to Consider When Locking a Sliding Barn Door from the Outside
1. Consider the Type of Lock
Different types of locks have their own advantages and disadvantages when locking a sliding barn door from the outside. There are usually padlocks, keyed locks, and deadbolts that can be used for this purpose. Depending on your preferences, each of these might work better than the other.
2. Know the Dimensions of the Door and Lock
Different types of locks are designed for specific door dimensions, so you need to make sure that the lock you choose is compatible with your sliding barn door’s size. Measure the length and width of the door before deciding on a lock to ensure proper fitment.
3. Install a Safety Latch
Installing a safety latch is a great way to prevent someone from entering the barn without your permission. The safety latch will add an extra layer of security by making it difficult for anyone to gain access to the door without having the key or code.
Conclusion
In summary, locking a sliding barn door from the outside is both easy and convenient. Installing surface-mounted locks or through-bolt locks, depending on your needs, will allow for a better experience. No matter which option you choose, just make sure that the lock fits snugly in order to maximize effectiveness and security.
All in all, everyone should know how to lock a sliding barn door from the outside with relative ease. There are several ways to do it, but with a bit of research and preparation, you can surely find the right solution for your particular situation. Good luck!