Pocket doors are practical, elegant and discreet. They combine with classic and modern decorations. In addition, they’re easy to open and close and provide privacy and comfort in the spaces where you decide to install them.
These types of doors don’t work with regular locking systems. Therefore, there are pocket door locks. In the market, you can find them in many different sizes and designs. Some safer than others.
Interestingly, not many people know well how to install these locks. However, the procedure is quite simple and doesn’t take too long if you have the right tools at hand.
If you want to learn how to install a pocket door lock by yourself, you’re in the right place. Today you’ll learn in simple steps how to do it like a professional. Pay close attention.
What is Pocket Door Locks?
A pocket door lock is a device that blocks access through a pocket door. They basically consist of a mechanism that pushes a latch inside a hole in the door frame. When this happens, the door locks.
To unlock, the user must activate the mechanism to retract the latch to its original position. The most common ways to operate the locking mechanism is using a thumbturn or a key.
With a thumbturn, you just have to turn a small metal lever to lock or unlock. Using a key, you just need to insert it in the keyway and turn, as you would with a regular door lock.
Depending on the model, pocket door locks allow locking the door from one or both sides. In case of an emergency, some pocket door locks allow unlocking from the outside, without requiring a key. You just need to remove a screw and manipulate the mechanism to do so.
The most common materials for pocket door locks are brass, stainless steel and bronze. Depending on the quality of the materials, it can vary the durability of the product. Above all, stainless steel is the best for these cases.
Certainly, steel better resists high impacts and wear, which ensures a long lifespan. Brass models are also good, but tend to fail in the first months of use.
Step by Step Guide to Pocket Door Lock Installation
Installing pocket door locks isn’t exactly the most difficult task in the world. However, it’s always convenient to know some basic tips before starting the installation.
First of all, try to have the necessary tools at hand to get the job done. In most cases, to install a pocket door lock you only need to have the following:
- Drill
- Drill tips
- Screwdriver
- Reciprocating saw (optional)
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Ruler or triangle ruler
Before doing any work, be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment, including gloves, glasses and face mask.
Once you have all the necessary tools at hand and the safety conditions are a guarantee, it is time to start working. Just follow these steps:
- With a measuring tape, locate the midpoint of the door. Then, using a pencil and a ruler, make a mark at that point.
- Then place the pocket door lock on the midpoint of the door, in the place reserved for installation. Using a pencil, mark the contour of the lock on the door.
- After that, make a hole in the door following the contour of the lock. In the case of round locks, you’ll need to use a drill with a hole saw cutter tip. In the case of square locks, you’ll need a reciprocating saw.
- Once you have the hole done, it’s time to install the lock. In this step, it’s convenient to follow the recommendations in the instruction manual. In some cases, the procedure is quite simple and it’s only necessary to install some screws.
If the lock and pull are separate pieces, install the pull on its corresponding place, applying the same procedure in this guide.
Conclusion
As you can see, installing a pocket door lock is a quick and simple procedure. If you have the right tools, you can finish the job faster than you think.
During installation, try to be careful and use the required safety equipment. In the process you’ll need to use some power tools that could be dangerous when used properly.
Also remember that depending on the shape and installation mode of the pocket door lock, it may change the list of required tools. First of all, be sure to take a look at the recommendations in the user manual.
If the instructions don’t come with the product, this installation guide can help you in the process. You can also watch some video tutorials on the Internet if you wish.
Following the advice in this article, you’ll be able to make your first installation like a pro.
In case you need to adjust or remove a pocket door you will need to have some specific tools to do that task by yourself.