Screen Door Locks

Choosing the right screen door lock

Screen door locks are the hardware that secures a flyscreen or security screen door, letting you latch, lock or lock off the door separately from your main entry door. This range covers a variety of lock types and styles suited to different screen door frames, so you can match hardware to the door you already have rather than replacing the whole door.

Types of screen doors and why the lock matters

Not all screen doors are the same, and the lock needs to suit the door it is going on. A lightweight aluminium flyscreen door generally uses a simpler latch designed mainly to keep the door closed against wind and pests, while a heavier security screen door is built to also resist forced entry and typically pairs with a more substantial keyed lock. Knowing which category your door falls into narrows down the right hardware quickly.

Keyed versus non-keyed options

Some screen door locks are keyed, meaning the door can be locked and unlocked with a key from outside, which suits doors used as a secondary entry point where you want proper security. Others are non-keyed, offering a simple privacy latch or push button lock that stops the door swinging open but is not intended to secure the property. Think about how the door is actually used day to day, whether it is the main way people enter and exit, or a secondary door to a laundry, side entrance or patio, before deciding which type you need.

Common installation types

Screen door hardware generally comes in a few common configurations: surface mounted locks that sit on the face of the door and frame, mortice style locks that are recessed into the door edge, and sliding door specific locks and latches for tracked screen doors rather than hinged ones. Sliding screen doors need hardware designed for that sliding action, since a hinged door lock will not fit or function correctly on a track mounted door. Check your existing door type, whether it is hinged or sliding, and the current hole spacing or cutout before ordering a replacement, so the new lock lines up without needing to modify the door itself.

Matching your existing hardware

If you are replacing a worn or broken lock rather than fitting a new door, the easiest path is to match the backset and spindle spacing of what is already there. Bringing the old lock's measurements, or a photo of it in place, helps confirm you are ordering a compatible replacement rather than one that needs the door redrilled.

Finish considerations

Screen door locks are exposed to the weather more than most internal door hardware, so a finish that resists corrosion is worth considering if the door faces direct sun, rain or a coastal environment. Common finishes include satin chrome, white and black, which can be chosen to blend with or contrast against your door and frame colour.

When to call a locksmith or installer

Straightforward like-for-like replacements are a manageable DIY job for most households. If you are changing lock type, for example moving from a non-keyed latch to a keyed security lock, or dealing with a door that needs new cutouts, it is worth getting a locksmith or installer to fit it, particularly on security screen doors where correct installation affects how well the lock actually performs.

Frequently Asked Questions