How to Install an Aluglide Retractable Security Gate

Installing an Aluglide Retractable Security Gate is a practical DIY project if you are comfortable measuring, drilling and cutting aluminium.

Aluglide gates are designed for wider residential openings such as garages, patios and entrances. The aluminium gate folds neatly to one side when not in use, helping maintain everyday access while providing a visible physical security barrier when closed.

The most important parts of the installation are accurate measuring, careful trimming and making sure the gate is completely level before the final fixings are secured.

Before You Start

Before drilling or cutting anything, check the installation area carefully.

• Allow at least 50 mm between the existing door and the Aluglide gate.
• Make sure the gate will not interfere with handles, keys, skirting or other protruding objects.
• Decide whether the gate will open and lock from the left or right.
• Confirm that the mounting surface is suitable for secure fixing.
• Measure the opening carefully before cutting the gate or tracks.

Avoid drilling too close to the edge of brick, masonry or plaster, as the surface may break away. Where necessary, the drill can be angled slightly further into the reveal to achieve a stronger fixing point.

 

Tools You Will Need

• Hammer drill
• 6 mm masonry drill bit
• 8 mm masonry drill bit
• Hacksaw with a 24-tooth blade
• Jigsaw or circular saw with a suitable aluminium-cutting blade, if preferred
• 10 mm socket and ratchet or 10 mm spanner
• Phillips / Pozi screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Spirit level
• Pencil
• Flat file
• Square
• Hammer
• Safety glasses
• Safety gloves

If you are using a power saw or jigsaw, always use suitable eye protection and a blade designed for cutting aluminium.

1. Measure the Opening Height

Start by measuring the height of the opening in at least three places: left, centre and right. Use the lowest measurement for your calculations. Openings are not always perfectly level, so relying on only one measurement can result in the gate being cut too tall.

How to Calculate the Gate Height

Subtract 70 mm from the lowest opening height. This allows for the Aluglide track and guide system.

Then compare that result with the supplied gate panel height.

• If the measurements are the same, no trimming is required.
• If the calculated height is smaller, trim the difference from the bottom of the gate.
• If the calculated height is larger than the supplied gate height, contact DIY Xpanda before installation.

You can also use the calculation table supplied with the Aluglide instruction sheet.

Example A

Lowest opening height: 2085 mm
2085 − 70 = 2015 mm

Supplied gate height: 2080 mm
2080 − 2015 = 65 mm

Therefore, 65 mm should be trimmed from the bottom of the gate.

Example B

Opening height: 2150 mm
2150 − 70 = 2080 mm

If the supplied gate height is 2080 mm, no trimming is required.

 

 

2. Measure the Opening Width

Measure the opening width at both the top and bottom.

Use the top measurement for the top track and the bottom measurement for the bottom track.

The tracks are pre-drilled. If trimming is required, consider removing material from both ends where practical so that the existing fixing holes remain suitably positioned.

3. Trim the Gate and Tracks

Place the Aluglide securely on a suitable workbench or table before cutting.

1. Remove the bottom plastic guides.
2. Measure and mark the amount that needs to be removed.
3. Use a square to mark a straight cutting line.
4. Cut carefully using a hacksaw, jigsaw or suitable power saw.
5. File the cut edges smooth.
6. Reinsert the bottom plastic guides.

Removing burrs and rough edges is important because the bottom guides need to move freely inside the track.

Trim the top and bottom tracks separately according to the measurements taken earlier.

 

4. Position the Top Track

Before drilling, place the top track into position and make sure:

• The gate fits correctly within the opening.
• There is enough clearance from handles, locks and other obstructions.
• There is at least 50 mm of suitable reveal available for mounting.

Mark the fixing positions through the pre-drilled holes.

Remove the track and drill the fixing holes using an 8 mm masonry drill bit in hammer mode, then insert suitable 8 mm wall plugs.

Tip: Holding a vacuum cleaner close to the drill point can help reduce dust and mess.

   

 

5. Hang the Aluglide Gate

Decide which direction the gate will open before lifting it into position.

Slide both the top and bottom tracks onto the gate.

With another person helping where possible, manoeuvre the complete gate and track assembly into the opening and secure the top track using the coach bolts.

Move the gate from side to side where necessary so you can access the remaining fixing points.

One important thing to remember is that the Aluglide hangs from the top track. The bottom track mainly acts as a guide, so correct positioning and secure fixing of the top track are especially important.

6. Make Sure the Gate Is Level

Extend the gate across the opening and place a spirit level against the vertical section of the gate.

Make sure the gate is hanging completely plumb before fixing the bottom track.

1. Mark the bottom-track fixing positions.
2. Move the track aside.
3. Drill using a 6 mm masonry drill bit.
4. Insert suitable wall plugs.
5. Reposition the bottom track.
6. Secure it using the appropriate screws.

Check the gate at both ends before completing all of the bottom-track fixings.

7. Secure Both Sides of the Gate

Start with the non-locking side.

Mark the fixing positions through the pre-drilled holes, then drill using an 8 mm masonry drill bit, insert the wall plugs and secure the gate using the coach bolts.

Fit the plastic caps over the bolt heads once everything is secure.

Repeat the process on the locking side.

Before fixing the locking side, insert the key cylinder into the lock and unlock it to release the locking post. Position the post correctly before marking and drilling the fixing points.

 

8. Install the Handles and Lock

Position the handles on both sides of the gate and tighten them together.

Then secure the lock cylinder using the threaded screw. Do not fully tighten the cylinder until the handles are correctly positioned.

Install the lock keep and check that the gate closes and locks correctly.

 

9. Test the Gate

Once installation is complete, open and close the Aluglide several times.

Check that:

• The gate opens and retracts smoothly.
• The gate hangs vertically.
• The bottom guides remain inside the bottom track.
• The top and bottom tracks remain aligned.
• The gate closes correctly into the locking post.
• The lock and key operate correctly.
• All fixings are secure.

Correct alignment is important for smooth everyday operation, so it is worth checking everything carefully before considering the installation complete.

 

Quick Installation Overview

1. Measure the opening height in three places.
2. Calculate whether the gate needs trimming.
3. Measure the top and bottom opening widths.
4. Cut the gate and tracks to size.
5. Position the top track and mark the fixing holes.
6. Hang the gate and secure the top track.
7. Check that the gate is plumb.
8. Secure the bottom track.
9. Fix the non-locking and locking sides.
10. Install the handles and lock.
11. Check smooth operation and locking.

Need Help Installing Your Aluglide?

If you are unsure about your measurements, cutting requirements, lock direction or installation position, please contact DIY Xpanda before cutting or drilling.

Taking a little extra time to measure and align everything correctly will make installation easier and help your Aluglide Retractable Security Gate operate smoothly over time.

Watch the installation video below for a visual walkthrough.