The 10 Best Pocket Door Locks In 2023

Over decades sliding doors have been popular because of their practical design, ease of handling, and lightweight. The best places to install one are bedrooms, closets, and bathrooms. But you might have a headache to keep them locked.

Install a pocket door as a gadget to secure your doors. The primary purpose is offering protection, security, and privacy. The mechanism within this solid metal case puts pressure on the latch to block the door.

You must use a key or a thumb turn for locking or unlocking the door. We have reviewed some of the best pocket door locks and compared them with regards to design, safety, and other important parameters to help you select the perfect option as per your needs. 

Best Pocket Door Locks

1. Keyed Pocket Sliding Door Lock

The elegant, modern, and innovative design is aesthetically pleasing, making it appear classy. It takes care of the privacy aspect, and the roundish design helps in adapting to different kinds of drilled doors with a thickness of 54mm. Ideally, it is the perfect addition for any security solution and blends well with the home décor.

It comes integrated with a unique lockable solution that offers a key locking and turns functionality to protect the secondary external application that interconnects with the cavity of the sliding door. 

Key Features 

• Fits on standard 54mm doors 
• The fitted flush on the panel of a sliding door offers full recess inside the door cavity 
• Lock and unlock using a key from outside, use a turn-plate from inside
• The innovative retractable door pull is highly appealing 
• Attractive Satin Pearl Finish – Color Matte Silver 

Pros 

• Innovative Retractable door and modern design makes your door appealing
• Easy to fit on a standard 54mm door having a 60mm backset 
• Perfect for interior doors 
• Lasts for 30,000 and more turn cycles 
• Withstands 3kN pull force 

Cons 

• Can be difficult to install on all door sizes 
• Rough handling can damage the functionality 

2. Citiloc Round Privacy Pocket Door

Compatible with different kinds of perforated doors, the oil bronze finish makes Citiloc appealing. It offers additional resistance from various agents. Merely turning the thumb turn from inside locks and unlocks the door. 

Besides being light in weight, compact in design, and easy to install, the dark finish complements dark wooden doors perfectly. If you wish to add a touch of luxury, Citiloc Round Bed is a good pocket door lock. 

Key Features 

• Privacy pocket door latch easily fits with standard bore using a 2-3/8″ Backset
• The roundish design doesn’t require cutting any new notches on the door
•  Oil Rubbed finish US11P (Bronze color)

Pros 

• Light & Compact Design 
• Durable & resistant 
• Blends well with dark wooden doors 
• Adapts well with different door types 
• Sturdy enough to secure & maintain the privacy 

Cons

• Latch might fail in 1^st use if used inappropriately 
• Not easy to install on all door sizes 

3. Stone Harbor

This functional lock not only secures your gate but looks gorgeous. A simple push of the finger opens the latch face and converts into a pull for the door. The company has integrated style knobs and levers to secure the interior of your house. The inside turn button locks and unlocks the hardware. You can unlock it from outside by rotating its exterior privacy mechanism if required. 

This pocket door lock is recommended for master bedrooms, office cabins, bathrooms, and other areas that require privacy. 

Key features 

• 2 3/8 inch & 2 ¾ inch backset options available 
• The face of the latch opens with a simple push of the finger & converts into a pull to close the door 
• Stylish locks & levers 

Pros 

• Easy to open knobs & simple to operate locks 
• Made from high-grade materials
• Aesthetically appealing 
• Works well with multiple door types 

Cons 

• Installation is not easy 
• The mechanism may wear out with the use 

4. Prime-Line N 7367

This uniquely designed pocket door lock has a reversible lock that works well with both left and right-hand uses. The lock adapts perfectly with different kinds of perforated doors between 1.38 to 1.75-inch thickness. It is built from superior solid brass that ensures it lasts for years. A simple turning the thumb turn from inside locks the door. It also comes with step-by-step installation instructions to mount it using a screwdriver. 

Key Features 

• Installs well on doors having 1.38 to the 1.75-inch thickness
• Deluxe pocket door privacy lock with pull
• Solid brass construction 
• Reversible Mortise lock for both right and left-hand operation 

Pros 

• Easy-grip design facilitating simple yet quick-locking & unlocking 
• Easily replace old or broken locks 
• Comes with a detailed installation booklet 
• Adjust well on both 1-3/8 inch and 1-3/4 inch thick doors 
• Supports mortise installation 
• Solid brass construction ensures durability & superior look 

Cons 

• Thumbturn could have been of a better quality 
• Defective lock rings were found in some models 

5. Kwikset 335

Kwikset 335 bestows a modern and elegant feel that makes it an ideal option for your bedroom or bathroom doors. Ensuring privacy, the rustic design adapts well to standard drilled doors that are about 2.3 inches thick. The door lock is very easy to install, and a simple drill would do the job.

The satin nickel finish gives a great looking appearance to the decorative lock on your doors. If aesthetics and compatibility of different designs with your interior matters to you, this is the product to go for.

Key features 

• Important premium grade technology & design 
• Roundish design 
• The adjustable latch that blends well with different door preparations 
• 2 2/8 inch latch backset 
• ½ inch latch throw 
• An easy locking mechanism that works with simple turn piece inside the lock 

Pros 

• Modern & elegant design 
• Adjustable latch 
• The roundish design doesn’t require cutting new notch 
• Easy to install & operate 

Cons 

• Average durability 
• The mechanism may fail within months if not properly cared 

6. Ives by Schlage

Schlage is a known brand, and the 42B15 pocked sliding door lock is another sturdy product offered by the company. It is very easy to use and keeps your doors secured. We love the spring-activated feature, which facilitates locking and unlocking with a simple push. The USP of this product is the two-way locking feature that can be used from either side of the door. This feature is highly recommended for shared bathrooms between a bedroom and the guest room. 

Key Features 

• Unique Ives design that facilitates the emergency release of the bolt from the outside 
• Spring activated design 
• Brass grommet installed on the cap release hole protects the finishing of the doors 

Pros 

• Easy to operate
• Includes emergency release of the bolt 
• Offers feather touch action 
• Locks from both sides 
• Aesthetically appealing 

Cons 

• No instructions to install included 
• Challenging to install 

7. SCHLAGE LOCK CO

This pocket door lock with key is your choice if you are looking for an affordable option. Offered by Schlage, the build quality of this lock is commendable. It comes pre-assembled and is very easy to install using screws. The mechanism locks the door easily, and installing it does not take much time. 

Made from solid brass construction, it fits well indoors that are 1 3/8″ to 1 1/2″ thick. It comes with reversible plates that facilitate opening from both left and right directions. Although it does not have the high-end features as some other locks would offer, the quality and features are a very good offering at its price. 

Key Features 

• Solid brass construction 
• Reversible plates 
• Satin Nickel Plated 
• Measures 1-1/2″ D x 2-1/4″ H

Pros 

• Simple design 
• Durable 
• Privacy features allow locking the door from inside 
• Affordable 

Cons

• Difficult to turn at times 
• Average build quality 

8. Kwikset 335

Kwikset is a reputed brand that has been operating for the past five decades. The 335 Round pocket door lock with key looks exceptionally premium thanks to the satin nickel finish. These locks are perfect for your bedroom or bathrooms. 

Designed for 2-1/8″ drilled doors, it takes some time to install. A professional carpenter can install it in a few minutes. You only need a drill and cut a portion for the latch to install. Being easy to use, the lock can last for months or even years, even in tough conditions. 

 Key Features 

• Roundish design 
• Includes an adjustable latch that fits standard door preparations 
• Comes with a two 3/9-inch latch backset 
• ½ inch latch throw 
• The locking mechanism works by simple turn piece inside the lock 

Pros 

• Easy to use & lasts for years 
• Nickel finish makes it corrosion resistant 
• Affordable pricing when compared to different door locks 

Cons 

• Opens on a single side 

9. Dynasty Hardware Pocket Door Latch

Offering great privacy, comfort, and style, the dynasty hardware round bed/bath pocket door lock with key adapts with any perforated doors. The roundish design refrains from the need for drilling a new notch on your door. The lock comes with a satin nickel finish that looks striking and bright. It is certainly a great addition to your interiors. The integral blend of classic and modern decorations suits all door types and colors. 

Key Features 

• The door latch fits standard doors with a thickness of 2-3/8″ Backset 
• Roundish Design 
• Suits interior door locks that require privacy 
• Locks by turning inside thumb turn 
• Has emergency unlock option outside 
• Rusting oil rubbed bronze finish 

Pros 

• Modern, durable & resistant design 
• Satin nickel finish gives a premium look 
• The small yet discreet design offers the required security guarantee for privacy & comfort 
• The premium look blends well with all door types & colors 

Cons 

• Not easy to install
• Mechanism tends to wear out with time 

10. Deltana

Backed by superior service and quality by Deltana, the SDLA325U15 is made from premium grade materials. The door lock looks premium and is meant to last for years. The satin nickel finish bestows a sturdy look while the metal plates make this product much thicker as compared to other models. It also ticks all the right areas when it comes to privacy and safety for your rooms. 

Locking and unlocking require turning the thumb turn from inside. Fitting on most perforated doors, it comes with an installation kit too. A couple of drills and a screwdriver is all that you need to easily install it on your preferred door, be it the bathroom or your bedroom. 

Key Features 

• Three ¼” x 2 1/4:” measurement 
• Suited for 1 3/8″ to 1 ¾” thickness 
• Includes privacy function & integrated with mounting hardware 
• Multiple fine finish options also available 

Pros 

• Premium quality finishing
• Easy to install
• Lasts long 
• Rectangular shaped 
• Includes fasteners 

Cons

• May break with rough handling 
• The latch can get stuck while turning the thumb turn 

Few Things To Consider When Buying a Pocket Door Lock

Now that you have gone through the reviews for the best pocket door locks, you might be confused about some terms and features. To help you understand the things that you should always consider before buying a pocket door lock, we present information regarding some of them. 

Thickness

Check out the thickness of your door and select a lock accordingly. On average, the thickness of a door is usually between 2.13 to 1.38 inches. 

New or old door

If installing the lock on a new door, it is more likely that it is not perforated. Hence, drill a hole according to the screw size using a drilling machine. If it is an old door, check if the holes are in the right condition or need to be repaired before installing the lock. 

Materials 

The market has various options. A door lock could be made of stainless steel, brass, bronze, or iron. Gold and silver are also an option but can be highly expensive. When selecting a product, make sure you select the one that can withstand strong impacts and regular usage. The lifespan of sturdy materials is relatively more than average quality materials. 

Affordability 

Most of us would like to buy a product that is affordable and offers value for money. However, expensive models are indeed meant to last for a considerably longer period. But considering a model that is made from sturdy materials and comes at competitive pricing can be the right way forward. 

We recommend that you never compromise on quality as the locks are meant to be used several times a day. While steel is regarded as a strong material, titanium door locks are much stronger. However, the latter would be expensive and settling for a stainless steel variant when affordability is a matter should be an intelligent decision. 

Design

The design does matter as a door lock can complement the interiors of your house. Select color and material based on the door color and the ambiance of the room. 

Closing Mechanism 

Although most pocket doors work in the same manner, you get to choose from two types of pocket door locks. The thumb turn locks come with a metal arm and the key locks look like the universal locks we have been using. 

Latch Types 

Observing latches of the pocket doors closely will make you understand that they are different from the conventional latches used for the swinging doors. The conventional latches are characterized by the curved bevel on its edges. The latches for the pocket doors have beveled edges and are usually symmetrically integrated with a straight metal piece. They also do not retract when coming in contact with the surface. There is a thumb turn or a key that lets you lock and unlock the door. 

Some pocket doors come with adjustable latches. The latch gets thicker on each turn of the key or the thumb turn. Some locks have multiple latches installed within. The more the number of latches, the more secured and resistant the lock is. Hence, depending on the level of security needed, you should select the latch type for your sliding doors. 

FAQ’s 

Conclusion

SCHLAGE LOCK CO SC991B-619 Sliding DR Lock tops the chart for being the most affordable and stable option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a premium product that not only looks great but lasts for years, then the Citiloc Round Bed/Bath Privacy lock is the one to buy.

However, it does not mean the other products are not worth purchasing. We recommend reading the reviews closely and understanding the offerings. After all, each requirement of a customer is unique, and there is an option that serves the need of almost every type of requirement.