Locks for sliding wardrobe doors?

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Kol12

370 posts

Ultimate Geek

#240268 29-Aug-2018 20:18

Could anybody help me find a suitable lock for some sliding wardrobe doors? There are three doors and they slide open in a track.

I found this image which is a pin type of lock but I don't know what they're called and whether there might be a better solution...

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3885 posts

Uber Geek

#2081090 29-Aug-2018 20:28

There are a variety of bolt locks like in your picture at any hardware store. You can by packs that are keyed alike. It would certainly be a simple and cost effective option.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

Kol12

370 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2081093 29-Aug-2018 20:39

scuwp: There are a variety of bolt locks like in your picture at any hardware store. You can by packs that are keyed alike. It would certainly be a simple and cost effective option.

Right, probably best to visit the hardware store, see what's around and use my imagination.

Kol12

370 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2081094 29-Aug-2018 20:45

Unfortunately there is no framework around the top of the doors in which a bolt lock could go into. I could send them into the floor but I'm not sure.

kiwijunglist

2981 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#2081097 29-Aug-2018 20:47

try looking for sliding window locks.

eg.

https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/carbine-mini-push-bolt-window-security-lock-w-25-5mm-x-l-75mm-x-d-30mm-white/p/299461

https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/safety-security/home-security/window-security/c/RF5154

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

Kol12

370 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2081113 29-Aug-2018 21:32

kiwijunglist:

try looking for sliding window locks.

eg.

https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/carbine-mini-push-bolt-window-security-lock-w-25-5mm-x-l-75mm-x-d-30mm-white/p/299461

https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/safety-security/home-security/window-security/c/RF5154

These are probably the sort of thing that will work. Might be best to go and look at how they work though. Cheers.

MikeAqua

7779 posts

Uber Geek

#2081207 30-Aug-2018 09:23

Those sliding doors typically lift off a track at the top, so the sliding bolt type locks may not be very effective.

The doors themselves may not be that robust (e.g. laminate or similar). Easy to pry the whole lock off.

Kid proof only. But perhaps that's what you want.

Mike

mclean

581 posts

Ultimate Geek

Subscriber

#2081247 30-Aug-2018 10:30

The one in the first picture is pretty similar to a Yale or Assa Abloy MC81 Presslock. For the pin hole, keep in mind that the framing on hollow core sliding doors can be VERY narrow. Maybe drill a small test hole from the back first to make sure you'll be going into sold timber.

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kiwijunglist

2981 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#2081282 30-Aug-2018 11:13

drill a hole in one side for the pin, then full up the hollow in the door with some wood filler / putty or similar, then drill it again.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

phrozenpenguin

840 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3104821 16-Jul-2023 17:11

Around 5 years later, what is the best way to answer this question in 2023? Any input appreciated.

MadEngineer

4274 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#3104854 16-Jul-2023 20:12

We have sliding cupboard doors in all our rooms and from what I can tell they’re basically four aluminium extrusions make the top, bottom and sides then two thin sheets of board plus rollers for the tracks and that’s it. I’d have to take them apart and mount in some solid wood to install a lock on the door but then they do just lift up and pop out.

Not going to happen for ours at least. Instead, build a lockable storage facility into the space behind the doors

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

neb

11294 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3104866 16-Jul-2023 21:33

MikeAqua:
Those sliding doors typically lift off a track at the top, so the sliding bolt type locks may not be very effective.

The doors themselves may not be that robust (e.g. laminate or similar). Easy to pry the whole lock off.

Kid proof only. But perhaps that's what you want.

Was going to ask that too, what are you trying to keep out? If it's anything more serious than young children then you're probably not going to do it with wardrobe doors.

cddt

1551 posts

Uber Geek

#3104940 17-Jul-2023 09:57

I'm curious too, as to what purpose locks on wardrobe doors would serve.

phrozenpenguin

840 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3104987 17-Jul-2023 11:37

We appreciate the doors are not very strong / a lock would only be a mild deterrent for kids at best. But that is all we want really - something to stop kids (or nosy guests) opening big sliding wardrobe doors in the hallway. These are used for general storage, not day to day clothes.

Also with ours, if they are adjusted properly, you can't lift them off the track without loosening the tensioning system behind the door. So you can't just lift up and pop them out.

MadEngineer

4274 posts

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Trusted

#3105032 17-Jul-2023 12:44

1x Piece of metal extrusion, cut to a 2inch section.
Drill two holes into the sides
Thread tap the holes
Screw in hex head grub screws
Slip over the door rails and tighten with Allen keys to lock.

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

phrozenpenguin

840 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3105053 17-Jul-2023 13:37

MadEngineer: 1x Piece of metal extrusion, cut to a 2inch section.
Drill two holes into the sides
Thread tap the holes
Screw in hex head grub screws
Slip over the door rails and tighten with Allen keys to lock.

Have you done this? If so any chance of a picture to illustrate?

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