Side bolt

A side bolt is a sliding bolt fitted to the edge or the side of a grille, a gate or a door which, when slid across, engages in the frame, in the other leaf or in a recess in the wall.

It is used mainly to secure the leaf that is not normally opened on double grilles and gates, or as an extra lock on hinged grilles. Some are operated by hand from the inside and others have a key.

To be of any use, the bolt has to go fully into its housing and, if it is operated by hand, it must not be within reach from the outside.

On the coast, salt air easily seizes these bolts. Work them now and then and clean them so they do not get stuck. If yours does not engage or has been eaten away by rust, our security grilles page explains how we check it.