How to Install a GlideLok Highlock Without Drilling

Learn how to install a GlideLok highlock on any door without drilling, plus tips on choosing the right child safety lock for your home.

Updated 5 Sep 2026 5 min read 7 sections

The GlideLok highlock is one of the few child safety locks you can install on almost any door without drilling a single hole. Whether you need a temporary fix in a rental or a permanent solution on a bedroom door, the highlock grips the door top and handle using pressure and adhesive padding, not screws or tools. In this guide we walk through the setup, the best products for different door types, and what to watch for so the lock stays secure.

What Makes the GlideLok Highlock Different

GlideLok highlock door lock mounted high on a door out of reach — Highlock$27.97Image from the merchant

Most child safety locks either stick to the door surface with adhesive or require a screwdriver. The highlock takes a third approach. It sits on top of the door and uses a sliding mechanism that wraps around the handle. The weight of the door and the tension from the lift-to-lock action keep it in place. No sticky residue, no permanent hardware, and no marks when you remove it.

This design makes it ideal for:

Rental homes where you cannot drill or leave adhesive marks
Interior doors with lever handles that standard baby proof door handle covers cannot secure
Sliding doors or French doors where a child lock needs to bridge two handles
Travel or temporary use in hotel rooms or grandparents homes

How to Install Without Drilling in Under a Minute

Installing a GlideLok highlock without drilling is straightforward.

Open the door fully so you can reach the top edge.
Place the highlock on the top of the door with the handle cup facing downward toward the lever.
Slide the locking mechanism down so the cup fits snugly over the lever handle.
Lift the lock into the engaged position until you hear it click.
Test the door handle to confirm it cannot turn.

The lock uses the doors own weight and the friction of the top pad to stay in place. If you need extra grip, the adhesive backing on the top pad can be peeled and pressed against the door frame. No drilling, no screws, no special tools.

For a better fit on lever handles, the lever handle lock is designed with a deeper cup that accommodates wider levers. If you are working with a round knob, the door lock for handle version offers a different grip angle.

Which Door Types Work Best

Not every door is the same, and the highlock works better on some than others. We have broken down the most common door types and how the lock performs on each.

Door Type	Fit	Notes
Hollow core interior door	Excellent	Light weight still holds the lock securely. Most common install.
Solid wood door	Very good	Heavier doors add more grip. Check that the top edge is flat.
Metal or steel door	Good	Use the included adhesive pad for extra friction.
French doors (double)	Great	One highlock per door or a monkey door lock setup for paired handles.
Sliding or pocket door	Limited	Requires a flat top edge. Some sliding doors have rounded tops that reduce grip.

If you have a door with a rounded top edge or a handle that sits very close to the door surface, consider the childrens door locks set which includes a shim to adjust the fit. For unusually tall handles, the upper door lock sits higher on the door panel for a better angle.

How to Remove and Reinstall Without Damage

One of the best features of the GlideLok highlock is that it leaves zero marks. To remove it, lift the lock slightly to release the tension, slide the handle cup off the lever, and lift the unit off the top of the door. The foam pad on the top may leave a light dust mark on some painted doors, but a dry cloth wipes it away.

If you move the lock to a different door, check the pad for dust or debris before reinstalling. A clean pad grips better. The child lock models include a replacement pad set in the box for long term use.

When to Use the Adhesive Pad vs. No Adhesive

The GlideLok highlock comes with a removable adhesive pad on the top contact surface. Here is when to use it and when to skip it.

Use the adhesive pad when:

The door has a glossy or slick painted surface
The door is very light, like a hollow core bathroom door
You want the lock to stay in place even when the door is slammed

Skip the adhesive pad when:

The door has a matte or textured finish that naturally grips
You plan to move the lock between doors frequently
The door is a rental and you want absolute zero residue

The adhesive is a strong, removable type. It does not leave sticky residue on most finishes, but if you are worried about paint, test a small corner first. You can always grab the code for a discount on a spare set of pads.

Who This Lock Is For

The GlideLok highlock suits parents who want a reliable childproofing solution without drilling holes or sticking foam to every door in the house. It works especially well for:

Parents of toddlers who can reach standard lever handles
Caregivers who travel between homes and need a portable lock
Grandparents who want to childproof guest rooms without permanent changes
Renters who cannot modify the property

The lift to lock mechanism is intuitive enough that adults can use it one handed, but the release requires two opposing motions that younger children struggle to figure out. For a broader view of all compatible products and current pricing, check the latest price on the store page.

Caring for Your Highlock

The highlock requires almost no maintenance. The plastic body wipes clean with a damp cloth. The foam pad should be replaced if it becomes compressed or loses grip. The sliding mechanism does not need lubrication, but if it feels stiff, a quick wipe of the track with a dry cloth usually clears any dust.

GlideLok baby proof door handle safety cover fitted over a doorknob — Baby proof door handle$19.97Image from the merchant

Store the lock in a dry place when not in use. Avoid leaving it on a door in direct sunlight for extended periods, as heat can soften the adhesive pad over time. The simplicity of the design means there is very little to break. If you do need a replacement, the baby proof door handle version uses the same base mechanism with a slightly different handle cup.

That is the full rundown. One highlock, zero drilling, and a lot more peace of mind.

Questions

Will the GlideLok highlock damage my door paint?

The highlock uses a foam pad and pressure, not adhesive or screws. It should not damage paint, but on very fresh or soft paint, test a small area first. The included adhesive pad is removable and leaves no residue on most finishes.

Can I use the highlock on a door with a round knob instead of a lever?

The highlock is designed primarily for lever handles. For round knobs, the door lock for handle version offers a different cup shape that fits round profiles better. Check the product page for compatibility details.

How do I clean the highlock without breaking it?

Wipe the plastic body with a damp cloth. Do not submerge it in water. The foam pad can be patted dry if it gets wet. Let it air dry completely before reinstalling on the door.

Is the highlock safe for use on a childs bedroom door from the inside?

Yes, the highlock can be installed on the inside of a bedroom door to keep a child from leaving the room unsupervised. Make sure an adult can easily disengage the lock from the hallway side in an emergency.

What if the highlock does not fit my door handle thickness?

The highlock handle cup accommodates most standard lever handles up to a certain width. If the lever is unusually thick or wide, the lever handle lock version has a deeper cup designed for larger handles. Measure your lever width before ordering.

How many highlocks do I need for a French door?

French doors require one highlock per door if both handles need to be locked. Alternatively, you can use a single monkey door lock setup that bridges both handles. The number depends on how you want to restrict access.