How to Lock a Folding Door

Childproof Lock

• 1

  Think about installing a top mounting childproof lock for bi-folding doors as a temporary solution to keep children from harm. Use this type of lock for both single and multiple bi-folding doors. Select a model that fits over the doors and has a hanging handle for ease of use and for those who are shorter.

• 2

  Check the folding door at the top to ensure that you have at least a one-eighth inch clearance to install the lock. Adjust the door if needed by turning the nut on the lower edge of each door. Turn the nut a little at a time until you have adequate space. Ensure that the folding doors do not fall off their track while turning the nut.

• 3

  Open the folding doors. Slip the plastic childproof top lock near the top of one side of the door. Gently close the door. Slide the lock so it covers the hinge in the folding doors, thus locking the doors. Unlock the doors by sliding the lock back over uncovering the hinge in the folding doors.

Folding Door Lock with Key

• 4

  Consider a folding door lock with a key for a permanent locking solution on both single and double folding doors. Read the instruction for the folding door lock. Notice these locks fit doors with a thickness ranging between 3/4 inch to 1 3/8 inch. Close the folding door to install the door lock.

• 5

  Measure a 3/4-inch hole in the left door panel that faces the room about 36 inches from the floor and 5/8 inch from the inner edge of the door panel. Mark with the pencil. Start drilling a 3/4-inch hole in the left door panel that faces the room. Stop drilling halfway through. Finish drilling the hole from the backside of the panel to avoid splintering.

• 6

  Insert the lock through the 3/4-inch hole. Mount the door lock plate on the backside of the left door panel. Attach the door lock plate with two screws. Insert the key into the lock. Hold the strike to the backside of the right door panel. Keep a space of only 1/16-inch between the lock hook and the strike. Mark the horizontal screw hole only for the strike with a pencil.

• 7

  Drill the horizontal screw hole for the strike. Mount the strike on the backside of the right door panel. Adjust the strike until the clearance is only 1/16-inch between the lock hook and the strike. Tighten the horizontal screw. Drill two vertical screw holes for the strike. Insert the two screws and secure the strike to the backside of the right door panel. Test the folding door lock.