Specialist Door Bolts

Types of Specialist Door Bolt

Different door arrangements require different styles of bolt. The principal options in this collection include:

• Flush bolts, which are recessed into the door so that most of the mechanism sits level with the timber.
• Rack bolts, which are morticed into the door and operated using a compatible thumbturn.
• French door bolts, designed to hold the secondary or passive door leaf securely in position.
• Surface-mounted flat bolts, which screw directly to the face of the door for straightforward operation.

Flush Bolts for Double and French Doors

A flush bolt is commonly fitted to the passive leaf of double or French doors. When engaged, the bolt extends into a suitable receiver in the frame, floor or head of the opening, holding that door leaf in place while the main door remains available for everyday use.

Options include lever-action flush bolts, classic 8-inch flush bolts and a longer 12-inch flush bolt.

Flush bolts require a recess to be cut accurately into the door. Check that the door is thick enough to accept the body of the bolt without weakening the surrounding timber.

Rack Bolts and Thumbturns

Rack bolts are concealed security bolts for timber doors. They are commonly fitted at the top or bottom of a door and can provide useful secondary locking for double doors, French doors and suitable entrance doors.

The rack bolt must be used with a compatible rack bolt thumbturn to operate it. The current rack bolt is available individually or as a set, so check which option you have selected before ordering.

Rack bolts should be treated as additional security rather than a replacement for the correctly specified primary lock on an external door.

French Door Bolts

A French door bolt is designed specifically for paired doors. It secures the secondary leaf so that the main leaf can open and close against it correctly.

Some French door installations use one bolt at the top and another at the bottom. The correct arrangement will depend on the door construction, frame and required level of restraint.

Surface-Mounted Flat Bolts

The 6-inch flat bolt is a surface-mounted option suitable for privacy on internal doors or as additional locking on the inside of a suitable entrance door.

It is supplied with different keeper styles to accommodate several door and frame arrangements. Because it is fitted to the surface, it may be easier to install than a morticed flush or rack bolt.

What to Check Before Ordering

Measure the door and frame carefully before choosing a bolt. Important considerations include:

• The overall length, width and depth of the bolt
• The depth of any recess required in the door
• The available door thickness
• The bolt throw when fully extended
• The position and type of keeper or receiver
• Whether the bolt will enter the frame, head or floor
• Whether one bolt or a top-and-bottom pair is required
• Whether a separate thumbturn or operating component is needed

Refer to the dimension drawing on the individual product page before cutting the door or ordering replacement hardware.

Choosing the Right Finish

Selected specialist bolts are available in finishes including aged brass, satin brass, matt bronze, polished chrome, satin nickel, black and pewter. Availability varies by design.

For a coordinated result, choose a finish that complements your existing door handles, door knobs and other door furniture.

Internal and External Suitability

Not every finish in this collection is suitable for outdoor use or exposed external doors. Interior finishes can deteriorate when subjected to rain, condensation, salt air or repeated changes in temperature.

If the bolt will be used externally, check the individual product description for material, coating and maintenance information. A specialist bolt should normally complement, rather than replace, the primary security lock required for an external door.

Fixing Specialist Door Bolts

Surface-mounted bolts can usually be screwed directly to suitable timber. Flush and rack bolts require accurate morticing, with the bolt and receiver aligned so that the mechanism operates without binding.

If you are unsure whether the door has enough material for a recessed bolt, or whether the bolt meets your security requirements, consult an experienced joiner or locksmith before installation.

For more general styles, browse our complete Door Bolts Collection.