How to Lock a Pocket Door: Simple Security Options

If you live in a tiny apartment, you might like pocket doors. They slide into the wall, saving space and making rooms feel more open. But how do you lock a pocket door? Is there a hidden lock, or are you just supposed to leave it unsecured? This article shares clever ways to keep your pocket door closed and your space private.

How to Lock a Pocket Door Without a Lock

Pocket doors are great for saving space, but figuring out their security without a built-in pocket door lock can be a bit tricky. If you’re wondering how to lock a pocket door without a lock, it’s time to get a little creative. Here are a few easy ways to secure the door without changing its structure.

Hook-and-Eye Latches

Install a small hook on the door frame and an eye on the edge of the door to create a simple latch. It’s simple and non-invasive — great for keeping pets or little ones out. Just make sure the door is flush when shut, or the latch won’t align.

Visible Sliding Bolt

If you want a bit more hold, a sliding bolt at the top of the door works well. It’s visible and not super discreet, but it gets the job done when you need extra privacy.

Childproof Locks or Safety Strips

Repurpose child safety strips or locks. These stick-on solutions are designed to create barriers without tools and work surprisingly well for temporarily securing a pocket door. Magnetic options are also available and work well on both wood and glass doors.

Wedge Under the Door

A rubber doorstop or wooden wedge placed at the bottom inside edge can keep the door from sliding open. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and totally temporary.

How to Lock Double Pocket Doors

When it comes to how to lock double pocket doors, things can get a bit more complicated since each door slides into a separate wall. Still, there are several effective ways to keep them securely closed.

Double-Sided Privacy Lock

This type of pocket door lock is specially designed for double pocket doors. They are installed into one or both doors and feature mechanisms that latch or bolt into the edge of the other door panel where they meet in the middle, locking both doors together from the inside.

Surface or Flush Bolts

You can install these bolts at the top or bottom of one or both door panels. For example, you might bolt one door to the floor or header and then the second door to the first door panel. Just make sure you can reach the bolts comfortably.

Interlocking Latches

These mechanisms often use magnetic or mechanical interlocking latches that click into place when the doors meet. It’s a simple approach, and in many ways, it’s similar to how to lock a folding door, where lightweight construction and flexible use call for creative locking methods. These aren’t high-security solutions, but they work well for privacy.

Mortise Locks

This is a more professional and secure method. Mortise locks are installed into the door panels themselves, so they may require more work and should be installed by a professional for best results.

Summing Up

Pocket doors might look simple at first glance, but as you’ve probably discovered, locking them isn’t always straightforward. The right choice depends on what you need: a temporary trick to get you through the day or a lasting solution that fits your lifestyle. Either way, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Sometimes, a quick call to a trusted apartment locksmith is all it takes to find the right solution for your space. Our team at Sure Lock & Key is always here and ready to assist. Call us today to find the right locking solution for your space.

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