Toilet pocket door - flat head screw?

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nakedmolerat

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Topic # 157694 10-Dec-2014 01:54

Ok guys, our pocket door (bathroom) can be locked from inside but not outside. It however has this 'flat-head' screw type which you can use to unlock/lock the door from the outside.

Is there any attachment i can put it there so that I can lock it from outside easily? (other than leaving a screwdriver with a string hanging off the door?)

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Reply # 1192500 10-Dec-2014 02:08

Why do you want to lock people in the bathroom?

You could glue on a plastic attachment or change the handle.

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nakedmolerat

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Reply # 1192502 10-Dec-2014 02:14

timmmay: Why do you want to lock people in the bathroom?

Really? If you care enough to read the post, this door can be opened from inside!

You could glue on a plastic attachment or change the handle.

I am well aware of these - no need to point this out.

I am looking for something to fit there perfectly.

MikeB4

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Reply # 1192538 10-Dec-2014 05:42

Being a cavity slider any other raised fitting will strike the cavity joinery and damage the wood and for fitting in a very short time.
Our grandson has managed to lock himself in a few times I find nearly anything will open it, I have used my medic alert and a key ring.

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nakedmolerat

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Reply # 1192542 10-Dec-2014 06:09

As you can see on the picture, this is recessed.

MikeB4

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Reply # 1192543 10-Dec-2014 06:13

Yes I know my point was any thing attached to or fully replacing will be raised, it looks the same as ours and the tolerances are very small.

Mike
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Bung

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Reply # 1192546 10-Dec-2014 06:37

nakedmolerat: As you can see on the picture, this is recessed.

Your picture of the "outside" looks low profile rather than recessed as the inside would be. Is the bit looking like a screw metal or plastic? Is it possible to use a 2nd inside handle on the outside?

scuwp

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Reply # 1192578 10-Dec-2014 07:46

I am still mystified why anyone would want to lock this door from the outside? The external mechanism is designed to be able to unlock the door in the case of an emergency. As puzzled as I am, I would suggest taking the whole thing out and going to visit a reputable door hardware/locksmith shop. I have not seen a design like that shown in your picture before.

The flip side is if you can lock or unlock it at anytime from inside or outside, whats then point of having a lock?

Yours sincerely,

confused and probably ultimately unhelpful

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blackjack17

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Reply # 1192580 10-Dec-2014 07:57

scuwp: I am still mystified why anyone would want to lock this door from the outside? The external mechanism is designed to be able to unlock the door in the case of an emergency. As puzzled as I am, I would suggest taking the whole thing out and going to visit a reputable door hardware/locksmith shop. I have not seen a design like that shown in your picture before.

The flip side is if you can lock or unlock it at anytime from inside or outside, whats then point of having a lock?

Yours sincerely,

confused and probably ultimately unhelpful

My guess is to stop little toddlers from getting in to the bathroom

To the op I can only suggest carrying a small coin with you

nakedmolerat

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Reply # 1192644 10-Dec-2014 09:24

scuwp: The flip side is if you can lock or unlock it at anytime from inside or outside, whats then point of having a lock?

you can already lock from outside now, you just need coin/screwdriver etc.

when you have a lil crawler that goes everywhere, you may understand the need.

MikeB4

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Reply # 1192662 10-Dec-2014 09:31

you could zap into Mitre 10 see if they have a screw the same size and thread but with a head that has knurling on it to make it a bit more grippy

eg http://www.chintamaniindustries.com/knurling-screw.htm

Mike
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Disrespective

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Reply # 1192726 10-Dec-2014 10:15

One person supports this post

You'll need to buy a new cavity privacy latch.

http://www.windsorbrass.co.nz/view,shop,250.html

This is a double turn cavity privacy latch similar to the one you showed.

scuwp

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Reply # 1192728 10-Dec-2014 10:18

nakedmolerat:
scuwp: The flip side is if you can lock or unlock it at anytime from inside or outside, whats then point of having a lock?

you can already lock from outside now, you just need coin/screwdriver etc.

when you have a lil crawler that goes everywhere, you may understand the need.

Ahh, an important detail omitted, now I am with you. How about a small pad bolt installed a bit higher, or I am sure there would be a kiddie lock that could be temp installed.

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blackjack17

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Reply # 1192730 10-Dec-2014 10:22

nakedmolerat: Ok guys, our pocket door (bathroom) can be locked from inside but not outside. It however has this 'flat-head' screw type which you can use to unlock/lock the door from the outside.

Is there any attachment i can put it there so that I can lock it from outside easily? (other than leaving a screwdriver with a string hanging off the door?)

As you have painted doors could you put a hook type lock at the top and when it is no longer needed just fill, sand and paint the holes?

or a recessed magnet lock that they use for wardrobes, should be strong enough to prevent crawlers/toddlers but not to powerful for adults

http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fhangingdoorhardware.com%2Fpocketdoors%2Fmagnetic_door_holder%2Fsliding_door_magnet.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fhangingdoorhardware.com%2Fpocketdoors%2Fsliding_door_holder.html&h=425&w=400&tbnid=hiGzBsLhwtw0GM%3A&zoom=1&q=recessed%20wardrobe%20magnet&docid=F_4meyTJOBYsWM&ei=ImeHVLGLNoG1mwX8-oKIBw&tbm=isch&ved=0CB4QMygCMAI&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=1720&page=1&start=0&ndsp=47&biw=1920&bih=979

you can get them at bunnings

Bung

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Reply # 1193776 10-Dec-2014 11:38

I think Disrespective has the answer. A magnet may stop kids but 10:1 most adults will undo the latch and panic if the door doesn't just slide. Additional catches will sooner or later trap somebody.

Sideface

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Reply # 1194881 10-Dec-2014 14:01

nakedmolerat: Ok guys, our pocket door (bathroom) can be locked from inside but not outside. It however has this 'flat-head' screw type which you can use to unlock/lock the door from the outside.

Is there any attachment i can put it there so that I can lock it from outside easily? (other than leaving a screwdriver with a string hanging off the door?)

Use a 50 cent coin - very little force is required if the latch installed correctly.

Sideface

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