Sliding & Pocket Door Locks

How Does a Sliding Door Privacy Lock Work?

A sliding door closes sideways, so it cannot use a conventional latch in exactly the same way as a hinged door. Many sliding-door locks use a hook-shaped bolt that engages with a striker fitted to the door frame.

The lock is operated by a recessed thumbturn fitted to one face of the door. A corresponding release fitting is normally positioned on the opposite face, allowing the door to be unlocked externally in an emergency where the product provides this function.

These locks provide privacy for internal rooms. They should not be relied upon as security locks for external doors or other areas requiring certified protection.

Types of Sliding and Pocket Door Locks

The collection includes several fitting arrangements:

• Round privacy lock sets use circular turn-and-release fittings for a simple, understated appearance.
• Square privacy lock sets provide the same general function with clean geometric faceplates.
• Rectangular flush-pull lock sets combine a larger recessed pull with an integrated privacy control.
• Hook locks use a hook-shaped locking bolt designed to engage with a suitable frame-mounted striker.
• Tubular privacy locks provide an alternative compact lock arrangement. Their compatibility and operating method differ from the hook-lock sets.

Product contents and installation requirements vary, so compare the individual technical drawings before choosing a system.

Complete Pocket Door Privacy Sets

Selected round and square privacy sets contain the main components required to add internal privacy to a timber pocket door. These sets may include:

• A sash hook lock
• A frame-mounted striker plate
• A flush thumbturn and external release
• A finger pull ring for the closing edge of the door
• The required product fixings

The finger pull is used to retrieve a door that has been pushed fully into its wall pocket. It is fitted into the door edge rather than integrated into the face-mounted privacy turn.

Not every product includes all these parts. Check the component list for the selected lock, particularly when purchasing a lock mechanism or privacy control separately.

Round, Square or Rectangular Privacy Turns

The choice between round, square and rectangular hardware is primarily visual, but the fitting dimensions also differ:

• Round fittings provide a compact appearance that suits traditional and contemporary interiors.
• Square fittings complement modern handles, switches and other geometric hardware.
• Rectangular fittings can provide a larger gripping area by combining the privacy control with a recessed pull.

If coordinating with existing hardware, compare the exact finish rather than relying on a general colour description. Satin brass, aged brass and matt bronze can differ noticeably between manufacturers and product ranges.

What to Measure Before Ordering

Sliding-door privacy locks are not universally interchangeable. Before ordering, check:

• Door thickness: the privacy controls and through-fixings must accommodate the door.
• Lock backset: the distance from the door edge to the centre of the turn mechanism.
• Lock-case dimensions: the door must have sufficient solid material to accept the morticed lock case.
• Flush-pull dimensions: check the overall size, cut-out dimensions and fitting depth.
• Edge-pull dimensions: confirm that the pull fits the door edge without interfering with the lock case.
• Striker position: the hook bolt and striker must align when the door closes.
• Pocket clearance: no fitted component should project far enough to catch inside the wall cavity.

Current round and square hook-lock sets are available with 40mm or 50mm backsets and are designed for doors between 35mm and 52mm thick. Do not apply these measurements to every lock in the collection; use the drawing for the specific product.

Choosing a Lock for a Bathroom or En-Suite

For a bathroom or en-suite, choose a set with an internal thumbturn and an external emergency release. Confirm that the release can be accessed easily and that the door can be retrieved from its pocket if assistance is required.

The privacy function should be tested after installation with the door open. Check that the hook engages and releases smoothly before closing and locking the door during normal use.

Materials and Finishes

Visible pulls, rings and privacy controls may be made from solid brass or contain a combination of brass, zinc alloy and other components. The internal lock mechanism is commonly manufactured from steel.

Available finishes include:

• Aged brass
• Matt bronze
• Polished chrome
• Satin brass
• Satin nickel

Refer to each listing for its exact material construction, supplied fixings and care requirements.

Installation Considerations

Installing a pocket door lock requires accurate recesses for the lock case, privacy controls, flush pulls and edge fitting. These cut-outs should be planned before the door is hung and, ideally, before the wall pocket is permanently closed.

Check that the lock does not conflict with the hanging system, bottom guide or door construction. A competent joiner or installer should fit the lock where accurate morticing is required.

If the sliding door is part of a fire-rated assembly, use only hardware and installation methods approved for that specific doorset.

Complete Your Sliding Door

Privacy locks form only part of a complete sliding-door installation. You may also require face-mounted flush pulls, an edge pull, a suitable track or pocket-door cassette, hangers, guides, stops and compatible soft-close components.

Explore the wider sliding and pocket door hardware collection for coordinating handles, pulls, locks and hanging systems.

Before ordering, refer to the individual listing for exact dimensions, door compatibility, supplied components and installation instructions.