A Mechanical Locking System for Sliding Glass Doors
Slider Lock is a mechanical and electrical DIY project I started with my son. It began with a simple idea: replace the clunky broomstick that keeps our sliding glass door locked with something smarter, cleaner, and automated.
The idea was to mount a small locking pole inside the door track that could be raised or lowered by a wall-mounted button. We sketched the schematics, breadboarded a control circuit, and figured out the mechanics. Eventually, we added a gearbox to a low-RPM motor, giving it enough torque to lift or drop the locking rod vertically into place.
The system would work with a pivot gear, a spool, and a tensioned cable-lifting the pole vertically to disengage and allowing the door to slide open. Hit the switch, and the gearbox activates, shifting the rod back into the lock position to prevent access.
We built the electronics. The mechanics were close. But the project is currently paused. It still lives on as a memorable hands-on build with my son, and one I hope to finish someday.
