What is the best privacy lock for a Suffolk latch?

Traditional options include locking staples, hand forged door bolts and turn and release locks. The most suitable choice depends on how your door opens and whether emergency access is required.

Can you fit a locking staple to any Suffolk latch?

Locking staples can only be fitted to the latch-bar side of the door, which is the side that opens towards you.

Are door bolts suitable for bathroom doors?

Yes. Door bolts provide a simple privacy solution but can only be operated from inside the room.

Why choose a turn and release lock?

A turn and release lock includes an emergency release on the outside of the door, making it ideal for family bathrooms.

How to Lock Your Suffolk Latch

Locking Pins, Door Bolts & Privacy Locks for Suffolk Latches

Many period properties and traditional homes have ledge and brace doors fitted with Suffolk latches. If you're looking for fitting advice, read our step-by-step guide to fitting a Suffolk latch.

Because this style of door is not suitable for mortice locks, you may be wondering how to add privacy to a bathroom or bedroom door. Fortunately, there are several traditional options available, each with its own advantages.

Locking staples with pins
Door bolts
Turn and release locks

Traditional Suffolk latch fitted to a bathroom door

Locking Staples

Locking staples are the traditional companion to a Suffolk latch and provide a discreet way to secure an internal door. They fit to the latch-bar side of the door and prevent the latch bar from being lifted.

There are two styles available, both supplied with a removable locking pin attached to a leather thong.

Screw-On Locking Staples are simple to install and are available in designs to complement Suffolk, Gothic and Fine Handle latches. They are available in both Black Beeswax and Pewter finishes.
Knock-In Locking Staples provide a more traditional appearance but require accurate fitting. They can be used with any Suffolk latch and are also available in Black Beeswax and Pewter finishes.

Please note that locking staples can only be fitted to the latch-bar side of the door—the side that opens towards you. They cannot be fitted to the thumb-latch side. If your bathroom or bedroom door opens into the room, a locking staple may not be the most suitable option.

Penny End Locking Staple, Black Beeswax

Knock-In Locking Staple, Pewter

Door Bolts

Door bolts offer a flexible solution and can be installed almost anywhere on the door, either above or below the latch. Hand-forged bolts complement the traditional appearance of Suffolk latches and are available in classic Shepherd's Crook and Fishtail designs, finished in Black Beeswax or Pewter.

The main disadvantage is that a door bolt can only be operated from inside the room. If you have young children, fitting the bolt higher up the door can help reduce the risk of accidental lock-ins.

Shepherds Crook Door Bolts, Black Beeswax

Fishtail Door Bolts, Pewter

Traditional hand forged bathroom door bolt

Turn and Release Locks

Turn and release locks are commonly used on bathroom doors. Although they are less common on ledge and brace doors, they can often be fitted by trimming the mortice bar to suit the installation.

One of the biggest advantages of a turn and release lock is that it includes an emergency release on the outside of the door, allowing access if required. This makes it a practical option for family bathrooms or homes with young children or elderly relatives.

Cast Iron Turn & Release, Black

Cast Iron Turn & Release, Pewter

Traditional bedroom door fitted with a Suffolk latch

Comments

2 comments

Suffolk Latch Company on Jun 17, 2019

Hi Steve, Thanks for reading and thanks for your question. We don’t have locking pins with chains, unfortunately. You could perhaps remove the leather thong and replace with a chain?
Steve on Jun 17, 2019

Hi, I don’t suppose you do an option for locking pins attached with a short length of black chain rather than leather strap? I’ve seen them elsewhere but not a hand forged version. As we want to use these to lock bathrooms and cloakrooms we don’t want to use leather on hygiene and longer term aesthetic grounds. Any suggestions would be appreciated.