Guide to Bathroom Door Locks
At T.H. Wiggans Ironmongery Ltd, based in Kendal, Cumbria, we pride ourselves on being the leading supplier of Architectural Ironmongery, doors, hardware, and fixings in the North West of England. With over 1000 door handles on display and a wide range of internal doors, we offer an unparalleled selection to meet all your architectural ironmongery needs. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the different types of bathroom door locks, how to choose the right one, and provide you with step-by-step instructions for fitting them.
Introduction
Importance of Bathroom Door Locks
Types of Bathroom Door Locks
Sliding Door Bolt
The sliding door bolt is a simple and traditional option for bathroom doors. Here’s why it might be the right choice for you:
Design and Functionality: This lock consists of a metal body with a lever or handle that slides the bolt across the door into a receiver on the frame. It's available in various designs to match your decor.
Accessibility: Typically, it can only be operated from the inside, which can pose a challenge if someone inside cannot unlock it. However, some models include an external mechanism for emergency access.
Commercial Use: Sliding door bolts with vacant/engaged indicators are common in commercial settings, providing a clear indication of bathroom occupancy.
The sliding door bolt is a classic choice for bathroom doors due to its simplicity and reliability. It consists of a metal body with a knob or lever that slides the bolt into a receiver on the door frame. This type of lock is highly customizable, with various designs available to match different decor styles. While it is generally operated from the inside, making it secure, there are models with external mechanisms for emergency access. Sliding door bolts are particularly popular in commercial settings where clear occupancy indicators are beneficial.
Bathroom Privacy Lock Handles
There is a difference between Privacy Handles and Bathroom Lock Handles. Both have a locking snib below the handle and provide the same result—locking the bathroom door to some degree—but they do it in two different ways. Here’s how to tell the difference:
- Naming: One is called Privacy, and the other is called Bathroom Lock.
- Backplate Size: Privacy Handles are usually on a shorter backplate.
- Snib Placement: The turn snib on Privacy Handles is closer to the handle.
Privacy Handles look very similar to bathroom lock handles but are usually on a shorter backplate and do not use a bathroom lock. Here’s why they might be the right choice for you:
Integrated Design: For privacy handles, all you need is a tubular latch in the door. A snib under the lever restricts the lever from being pushed down, eliminating the need for a bathroom lock or deadbolt.
Ease of Installation: Privacy handles are simple to fit to a door that already has a mortice tubular latch. They are straightforward to install, making them a convenient option for quick upgrades.
Design Limitations: Privacy handles are only available with backplates and offer limited style choices. Most manufacturers are moving away from this style due to potential mechanical issues, such as the steel plate behind the handle breaking if the lever is forced.
Privacy handles are a streamlined option for bathroom doors, offering ease of installation and a simple mechanism. These handles do not require a bathroom lock or deadbolt; instead, they use a tubular latch with a snib that restricts the lever's movement. However, they come with some design limitations, as they are only available with backplates and in a limited range of styles. Despite this, privacy handles can be a practical choice for those looking for a quick and straightforward solution.
Mortice Bathroom Lock
The industry standard for bathroom locks, the mortice bathroom lock is:
Comprehensive: It includes both a latch and a door bolt within a single lock case, operated by door handles and a thumb-turn.
Standard Measurements: The UK standard 57mm centre measurement ensures compatibility with most bathroom fittings.
Aesthetic Appeal: While it can be used with door handles on roses, it’s typically preferred with backplate handles for a seamless look.
Mortice bathroom locks are widely regarded as the industry standard for bathroom security. They feature a comprehensive lock mechanism that includes both a latch and a door bolt, all contained within a single lock case. This lock is operated by door handles and a thumb-turn, offering a seamless and secure solution. With standard measurements ensuring compatibility with most fittings, mortice locks are an excellent choice for both functionality and aesthetics, particularly when paired with backplate handles.
DIN Bathroom Locks
Common in commercial settings and some European homes, DIN bathroom locks are:
Larger Size: These locks are significantly larger with different centre measurements (78mm standard) compared to UK bathroom locks.
Quality and Design: There is limited choice for door handles on backplates There are some bathroom lock handles on backplates available for these locks, but they are generally commercial in design, usually made from stainless steel or aluminium. They are ideal for high-traffic areas due to their durability.
DIN bathroom locks, more prevalent in commercial settings and European homes, are known for their robust design and larger size. These locks have different centre measurements, typically 78mm, making them distinct from standard UK bathroom locks. They are often used with stainless steel or aluminium handles, providing a durable solution for high-traffic areas. When using bathroom DIN locks, many prefer door handles on roses, which allows for spacing the handles to the required measurements and access to a wide variety of door handle options, while still giving a commercial high-quality feel.
Mortice Dead Bolt
A versatile and popular choice when using door handles on a rose, the mortice deadbolt offers:
Simpler Mechanism: It separates the locking function from the latch, allowing for customizable installation.
Design Flexibility: Available in various sizes, it can accommodate different handle and knob designs, particularly useful for door knobs which require a longer backset.
Customization: You would usually use a tubular deadbolt when fitting a separate bathroom turn and release below either door handles on a rose or mortice knobs. This lets you choose your space between the handles and the bathroom turn.
The mortice deadbolt is a versatile and popular choice for bathroom doors, known for its simplicity and flexibility. Unlike other locks that combine the latch and bolt in one mechanism, the mortice deadbolt separates these functions, allowing for more customizable installation. This lock is available in various sizes, making it suitable for different handle and knob designs, particularly those requiring a longer backset.
When fitting a tubular deadbolt, it’s ideal for matching its length with that of the tubular latch, ensuring the handles and the turn align vertically in a pleasing manner. Most tubular deadbolts have bolt holes so that bolt fixings, often included with door handles on a rose, can pass through the bolt body, securing the handles onto the door. This feature enhances both the aesthetic appeal and functional reliability of the installation.
Disabled Facility Handles
Disabled Facility Handles are generally used in commercial settings for disabled toilets, such as in cafes, hotels, or any other facilities that may require easy access. These handles do not require anything to be morticed into the door.
Design and Functionality: Disabled Facility Handles are retrofit face-fix locking mechanisms that include a front plate for the outside of the door, often with a small pull. They also feature a red or green indicator showing if the bathroom or toilet cubicle is occupied. On the inside, you will usually find a long lever that can be moved freely with your hand or elbow to lock the door. To exit, you simply lift the lever. These handles are designed for ease of operation.
Emergency Access: If there is a problem with someone locking themselves in, there is a coin slot on the outside to unlock the door, ensuring safety.
Material and Durability: Because they are often used in commercial settings, these handles are usually made from aluminium or stainless steel, providing durability and strength.
Common Issues: A common problem with these handles is that the lever can become loose over time. This often occurs because people use the lever to pull the door open. To prevent this issue, it is advisable to fit a DDA-approved pull handle in addition to the Disabled Facility Handles.
Accessibility: Ensure your bathroom is easy to access with a disabled toilet handle, ideal for those with limited mobility. The disabled toilet facility indicator door handle offers easy access with a simple lever operation and a coloured occupancy indicator, making it perfect for use on the disabled toilet and bathroom doors.
Choosing the Right Bathroom Door Lock
Selecting the right lock depends on several factors, including the level of privacy required, ease of installation, aesthetic preference, and budget. Consider the following when making your choice:
- Functionality: Determine whether the lock will be used in a high-traffic area or a private residence.
- Design Compatibility: Ensure the lock matches the existing decor and door hardware.
- Safety Features: Look for locks with emergency release mechanisms for added safety.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fitting a Bathroom Door Lock
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Gather Your Tools:
- Screwdriver
- Drill and drill bits
- Chisel
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
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Mark the Position:
- Measure and mark the position on the door where the lock will be fitted. Ensure it’s at a comfortable height.
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Drill the Holes:
- Drill the necessary holes for the lock mechanism and handle. Use the manufacturer’s template for accurate placement.
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Mortice the Door:
- Chisel out the mortice so the lock body fits snugly into the door edge.
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Fit the Lock:
- Insert the lock into the mortice and secure it with screws. Ensure the latch and bolt align correctly with the strike plate on the door frame.
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Attach the Handles:
- Fit the handles or thumb-turn mechanism to the door, ensuring they operate the lock smoothly.
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Test the Lock:
- Open and close the door to check the lock’s functionality. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure it operates correctly.
Conclusion
Choosing and fitting the right bathroom door lock can significantly enhance privacy and security in your home. At T.H. Wiggans Ironmongery Ltd in Kendal, we offer a wide range of high-quality bathroom locks to suit all your needs. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, our expert team is here to provide guidance and support. Visit us at Unit 10, Lake District Business Park, or call us at 01539 727188 for more information.
FAQs
What is the best type of lock for a bathroom door?
It does depend on the situation. It's recommended not to use a slide bolt for safety reasons. The two most popular choices are bathroom locks if you are using handles on a backplate, and a tubular dead bolt if you are using door handles or mortice knobs on a rose. However, if you are ordering these items for a professional joiner to install, we recommend asking how they prefer to do things as everybody has their own personal opinion.
How do I choose the right size lock for my bathroom door?
Measure the distance from the edge of the door to where you want the handle or knob to sit. Choose a lock with a backset that matches this measurement.
Can I install a bathroom lock myself?
Yes, with the right tools and instructions, fitting a bathroom lock can be a DIY project. However, professional installation is recommended for optimal security.
What safety features should I look for in a bathroom lock?
Look for locks with an emergency release mechanism that allows access from the outside in case of an emergency.
Why are DIN locks less common in UK homes?
DIN locks are larger and typically used in commercial settings. They offer robust quality but may not always fit standard UK doors without modifications.
