How to Make a Wood Bolt Latch

Lay two 12-inch boards flat, parallel and 1½ inches apart. Set two 4½-inch boards on top of the 12-inch boards at a right angle. Space them 9 inches apart so they are flush with the ends of the 12-inch boards. Screw through the 4½-inch boards and into the 12-inch boards, using two 3-inch screws for each board.

Screw the pair of 12-inch boards to the door that needs the latch. The 12-inch boards must be parallel with the floor and one pair of ends should be parallel with the door's edge. The height of the latch is up to you. However, you should keep it within 4 inches of the door handle.

Hold the two 1½-inch boards against the wall next to the door. When the door is closed, these pieces should be against the ends of the 12-inch boards and flush with them. Screw a 4½-inch board to these boards so the edges are flush. Use two 4½-inch screws. The bolt will enter this piece to keep the door closed.

Lay the 15-inch board flat and position the last 4½-inch board against it at a right angle so it is 4½ inches away from the end. Screw one of the 3-inch screws through the 15-inch board and into the 4½-inch board. This is the bolt to the bolt latch.

Slide the bolt latch between the 12-inch boards so the 15-inch board is underneath two 4½-inch boards and so the 4½-inch board that is screwed to the 15-inch board is perpendicular to the door and against the 4½-inch board that is farthest from the door's edge. Move the bolt over so it is latched and screw the last 4½-inch board to the 12-inch boards so it is against the 4½-inch board on the bolt. This will keep the latch bolt from coming out.