How to Install a Pocket Door Lock on Sliding Door
Do you have a rusty and old door pocket lock that you want to replace with a new one? If yes then you have landed in the right place because, in this article, I will teach you how to replace pocket door locks and hardware yourself.
After reading this article, you will be able to remove your old door pocket lock and replace it with a new one, and that too without calling a professional.
Before, you this process, make sure you have the following tools to finish it without break.
Tools You’ll Need for This DIY Project
Now that we have these tools, let’s get started
Step 1: Remove the Old Pocket Lock from the Door
First of all, you will need to remove the old pocket lock from the door. You can do this with a help of a screwdriver or a drill driver depending upon what is available at the moment.
In order to remove the old pocket lock, you need to hold the door firmly to arrest its motion. This will help you remove the lock easily by applying appropriate pressure for opening the screws.
Make sure you execute this step by removing the side of the locking mechanism first. Once you have removed the side of the mechanism, it will let you remove the two screws right on the opposite side of the door pocket lock.
After removing all the screws using a Philips screwdriver or a drill driver you can remove the old lock easily from the door.
Step 2: Remove the Locking Plate
After removing the pocket lock from the door, the next step is to remove the locking plate that is installed right in front of the lock on the wall or a door frame. This step is simple but sometimes, it can turn into a disaster if the screws are rusted.
I highly recommend executing every step with extra care otherwise you can easily damage the door frame which will look ugly later. There are only two screws on the locking plate and if you use a drill driver, you can easily pry them open.
Step 3: Open the New Door Pocket Lock from the Box
After completely removing the old door pocket lock and all of its hardware you are clear to install your new unit.
Inside the box you’ll find all the necessary hardware along with the locking mechanism therefore, you don’t need to buy anything extra.
However, in some cases, your door lock may not fit properly due to the size difference for which you need to take some extra measures.
Using your Philip screwdriver, unscrew the screws on both sides of the new lock.
Step 4: Installing new Lock & hardware onto the door and the Frame
Take your new door pocket lock and try to slide it into the place of your old lock system. Keep in mind that in some cases your new lock may not fit properly due to size differences. You don’t need to worry about anything at all because it is completely normal.
If your new lock is a bit bigger than the previous one, take your razor blade and remove small chunks from the sides equally from both sides.
Make sure to be very careful while cutting the extra wood because you can easily make the slot bigger which will not be able to hold the new lock properly.
Once you slide the door lock into the slot, mount all the screws one by one carefully.
Next, install the lock plate carefully back to the place from where you’ve removed the old piece.
Bonus Tip
It is possible that your new door lock may not fit perfectly. In the case of the slot size, I’ve already told you a perfect solution. However, if you are facing problems with the screw pocket, you can use your drill driver or a sharp pointy knife to make the hole a bit bigger.
Once the hole is a bit bigger, the screw pocket on the lock can easily sink into it and your door lock will fit perfectly into its place.
Final Words
Replacing your old door pocket lock may seem a bit difficult and even impossible to some people. However, it is very easy and you can easily do it yourself without carrying any professional woodworker or craftsman.
I have mentioned the exact method of replacing the old door pocket lock with a new one that will help you in the process.
However, if following a text guide is difficult for you, you might find my video on “How To Replace Pocket Door Lock And Hardware” helpful.
Read my article on How to replace an AC Service Port Schrader Valve on a car A/C line.