Aluglide Retractable Security Gate 2200mm Wide x 2150mm High (B) - Commercial, Doors, Gates, Residential, Retractable Security Gate - White DIY XPANDA

Aluglide Retractable Security Gate Installation Guide

How to Install an Aluglide Retractable Security Gate

The Aluglide Retractable Security Gate is a lightweight aluminium security gate designed for wider residential openings such as garages, patios and entrances.
It folds neatly to one side when not in use, helping maintain everyday access while providing a visible physical security barrier when closed.
Correct measuring, cutting and alignment are important for smooth operation. The Aluglide hangs from the top track, while the bottom track acts mainly as a guide.

Before You Start

Before installation, check that:

  • There is at least 50mm between the existing door and the Aluglide gate.
  • The gate will not interfere with door handles, keys, skirting or other protruding objects.
  • You have decided whether the gate will open and lock from the left or right.
  • The mounting surface is suitable for secure fixing.
  • You have measured the opening carefully before cutting anything.

Avoid drilling too close to the edge of brick, masonry or plaster, as this may cause the surface to break away. Where necessary, angle the drill slightly further into the reveal to achieve a more secure fixing point.

Tools Required

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

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

Step 1: Measure the Opening Height

  • Calculate Whether Trimming Is Required

    Subtract 70mm from the lowest opening height. This 70mm allows for the Aluglide track and guide system. Then compare the 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 included with the instruction sheet.

  • Example A

    1. Lowest opening height: 2085mm
    2. 2085 − 70 = 2015mm
    3. Supplied gate height: 2080mm
    4. 2080 − 2015 = 65mm
    5. Trim 65mm from the bottom of the gate.

  • Example B

    1. Opening height: 2150mm
    2. 2150 − 70 = 2080mm
    3. If the supplied gate height is 2080mm, no trimming is required.

Step 2: Measure the Opening Width

  • Measure the opening width at both the top and bottom. Use:

    • The top measurement for the top track
    • 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 the existing fixing holes remain suitably positioned.

Step 3: Cut the Aluglide and Tracks

Place the gate securely on a suitable workbench or table.

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

Removing burrs and rough edges helps the bottom guides move correctly.

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

Step 4: Mark and Drill the Top Fixings

Before drilling, place the top track into position and confirm that:

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

Mark the fixing points through the pre-drilled holes using a pencil.
Remove the track and drill the holes using an 8mm masonry drill bit.
Insert suitable 8mm wall plugs.
Tip: Hold a vacuum cleaner close to the drill point while drilling to reduce dust and mess.

Step 5: Position and Hang the Gate

Decide which direction the gate will open before positioning it.
Slide both the top and bottom tracks onto the Aluglide gate.
With another person helping where possible, manoeuvre the complete gate and track assembly into the opening.
Secure the top track using the coach bolts.
Move the gate to the opposite side where necessary to access the remaining fixing points.
The Aluglide is supported by the top track. The bottom track primarily guides the gate as it opens and closes.

Step 6: Level the Gate and Fix the Bottom Track

  • Extend the gate across the opening. Use a spirit level against the vertical section of the gate and make sure it is hanging completely plumb. Once correctly aligned:

    1. Mark the bottom-track fixing positions.
    2. Move the bottom track aside to expose the marks.
    3. Drill the holes using a 6mm 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.

Step 7: Secure Both Sides

Start with the non-locking side.

  1. Mark the fixing positions through the pre-drilled holes.
  2. Drill using an 8mm masonry drill bit.
  3. Insert the wall plugs.
  4. Secure the side of the gate using the coach bolts.
  5. Fit the plastic caps over the bolt heads.

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.

Step 8: Fit the Handles and Lock

  • Place the handles into position on both sides of the gate and tighten them together.
    Secure the lock cylinder using the threaded screw.
    Do not fully tighten the cylinder until the handles are correctly positioned.
    Secure the lock keep and check that the gate closes and locks correctly.

Step 9: Check the Gate Operation

  • 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 correctly 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.

  • Final Installation Check

    Before using the gate regularly, confirm that:

    • The opening was measured correctly.
    • The gate has been trimmed to the correct height where required.
    • The top track is securely fixed.
    • The gate hangs vertically.
    • The bottom track is correctly aligned.
    • Both side posts are securely fixed.
    • The gate extends and retracts smoothly.
    • The bottom guides remain in the track.
    • The locking post is correctly positioned.
    • The handles and lock operate correctly.
    • All fixings are secure.

  • Simple Installation Overview

    1. Measure the opening height in three places.
    2. Calculate how much must be trimmed from the gate.
    3. Measure the top and bottom opening widths.
    4. Cut the gate and tracks to size.
    5. Position the top track and drill the fixing holes.
    6. Hang the gate and secure the top track.
    7. Make sure the gate is plumb.
    8. Drill and 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 Installation Help?

    If you are unsure about your measurements, cutting requirements, lock direction or installation position, please contact DIY Xpanda before cutting or drilling. It would be useful for customers to send:

    • A clear photo of the opening
    • Opening width
    • Opening height
    • Photos of the top, bottom and side fixing surfaces
    • Details of whether the fixing surfaces are timber, concrete, brick or another material
    • Information about nearby doors, handles, skirting or other obstacles

    This follows the same practical “send us your measurements and photos” approach already used on your expandable barrier installation pages.

Installation Video

Aluglide Security Gates

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