HOMOTEK 1 Pack Privacy Sliding Door Lock with Pull - Replace Old Or Damaged Pocket Door Locks Hardware Quickly and Easily, 2-3/4”x2-1/2”, for 1-3/8” Thickness Door,Brushed Brass

Why I tried this pocket door lock

My upstairs bathroom has a pocket door, and the original latch had grown balky—sometimes it wouldn’t stay latched, and the recessed pull felt rough. I wanted a straightforward replacement that would drop into the existing mortise without chiseling a new cavity. The HOMOTEK pocket door lock, in a brushed brass finish, fit the bill on paper: a 2-3/4 x 2-1/2 faceplate sized for a 1-3/8-inch-thick door, with a reversible latch and an integrated pull. I installed it on a standard, older pocket door and lived with it for a few weeks to see how it compares to the typical hardware-store options.

Design and build quality

At a glance, the lock has clean, squared edges and a finish that passes the “does this look like part of the house?” test. The brushed brass I used leans warm without being shiny, and the finish is even. HOMOTEK offers multiple finishes (including brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, black, brass, and antique brass), which is helpful if you’re trying to match hinges or faucet trim.

The faceplate footprint is the common 2-3/4 x 2-1/2 size you’ll find on many pocket doors, and the unit is intended for 1-3/8-inch doors only. The design is non-handed, so the latch can be flipped for left- or right-sliding doors. Inside the assembly, you’ll find a mix of brass and stamped-steel parts. The exterior plates feel solid and reassuring, while the internal mechanism is more utilitarian than premium. That’s typical at this price point; it’s not boutique-grade hardware, but it doesn’t feel flimsy once installed.

The integrated recessed pull has a wide opening and a comfortable edge radius. If you have family members who struggle with narrow pocket pulls, this is noticeably easier to grip.

Installation experience

I installed this as a replacement rather than a first-time cut-in, and that makes a difference. With the existing mortise already sized correctly, the body slid into place with no drama. The screw holes on my door lined up, and the strike plate fit the existing jamb recess with a little finessing.

A few notes from the process:

• Reversing the latch: Because my door slides the opposite direction from the default orientation, I had to switch the latch side. The mechanism allows this, but it’s a bit fiddly—small parts and a spring that wants to get away. If you’ve never re-handed a pocket latch before, take a photo before you start and work over a tray so nothing goes missing. Once flipped, everything reassembled cleanly.

• Hardware and instructions: The kit includes the screws and a strike plate. The instructions are more diagram than tutorial. They get the job done, but if you’re new to pocket hardware, don’t expect a step-by-step walkthrough.

• Leave the pull plate screws loose: During installation, I found it easier to leave the screws on the pull plate slightly loose until the unit was in the door. It gives you a little wiggle room to align everything, then you can tighten it down flush.

• Strike plate positioning and door reveal: The latch throw on pocket door hardware is generally short, and this lock is no exception. If the gap between your door edge and jamb is too generous, the hook can miss or barely catch. My door had a slightly proud reveal from a previous adjustment. Shimming the strike plate out by a hair brought the strike surface within the latch’s sweet spot, and engagement became consistent. If you’re installing from scratch, mortise the strike plate carefully and test the latch engagement before committing to screw placement.

If you’re a first-time installer who needs to cut the door mortise and jamb recess, plan on extra time with a sharp chisel and marking gauge. The lock wants a true, square pocket; any twist or out-of-square mortise will show up as binding in the action or a faceplate that doesn’t sit flush. For replacements, assuming your door was cut for the common footprint, it’s essentially a drop-in fit.

Day-to-day performance

Once adjusted, the lock operates smoothly. The thumbturn has a light but positive action; you can feel when the hook is engaged, and it doesn’t feel scratchy or gritty. The hook withdraws fully, so it doesn’t drag on the strike when opening. The recessed pull is the highlight here—generous and easy to grasp, even with damp hands. The face sits flush and doesn’t snag clothing or knock knuckles on the way by.

Noise is minimal. Pocket doors can rattle if hardware is sloppy, but this assembly stays quiet, with no buzz or clicking as the door moves. Privacy latches are not security devices, and this one is no different—think bathroom or bedroom where you want a simple “occupied” lock, not keyed entry. It does its job reliably and resets cleanly when unlocked.

Durability and maintenance

In use, the lock feels sturdy, with no play in the thumbturn or faceplate. I wouldn’t subject it to heavy commercial traffic, but for residential duty it inspires confidence. Like most pocket hardware, a tiny dab of dry lubricant on the moving contact points makes it feel even better and reduces long-term wear. If you ever need to reverse the latch again—say you swap the door orientation during a remodel—keep the included mini-screws organized. The mechanism will tolerate re-handling, but take your time.

Fit and compatibility notes

• Door thickness: It’s designed for 1-3/8-inch doors. If you have 1-3/4-inch slabs (common on some newer builds or custom doors), you’ll need different hardware.

• Strike alignment: This latch rewards a tight, well-aligned door. If your pocket door has a pronounced gap or warped travel, plan on shimming or adjusting the strike to get consistent engagement.

• Privacy function only: It’s a bathroom/bedroom privacy solution, not a keyed lock.

• ADA/ergonomics: The recessed pull is wider than many budget units, which helps usability. If you need a protruding handle for accessibility, look for a pocket door edge pull paired with a pocket lock designed for that use case.

Where it shines

• Replacement projects where the existing mortise matches the 2-3/4 x 2-1/2 footprint.
• Quick aesthetic upgrades—matching finishes across door hardware goes a long way in bathrooms and hallways.
• Budget-conscious refreshes where you still want a solid feel and smooth action.

Where it’s less ideal

• First-time installs if you’re not comfortable mortising and finicky alignment work.
• Doors with large reveals or out-of-plumb jambs that can’t easily be shimmed.
• Situations requiring keyed security or heavy-duty commercial use.

Tips for a smoother install

• Test-fit the body in the mortise and check latch engagement before installing the face screws.
• If you must reverse the latch, take reference photos as you disassemble.
• Shim or re-mortise the strike if the latch barely catches—don’t “make do” with a weak engagement.
• Use painter’s tape around the faceplate area to protect finished surfaces while you work.
• Snug screws incrementally and check for bind; overtightening can distort the pocket and cause drag.

Pros

• Clean, modern look with multiple finish options
• True drop-in fit for standard 1-3/8-inch pocket doors
• Reversible, non-handed latch
• Comfortable, wide recessed pull
• Quiet, smooth action when properly aligned
• Good value for the quality

Cons

• Reversing the latch can be fiddly for first-timers
• Instructions are sparse
• Short latch throw demands a well-aligned strike
• Not suitable for thicker doors or keyed applications

Recommendation

I recommend the HOMOTEK pocket door lock for homeowners replacing tired hardware on standard 1-3/8-inch pocket doors or anyone looking to modernize the look of a bathroom or bedroom with a straightforward, budget-friendly upgrade. It’s a genuine drop-in for the common mortise size, the action is smooth when properly set up, and the recessed pull is more comfortable than many competitors. The main caveats are the finicky nature of reversing the latch and the need for a well-aligned strike; both are manageable with a bit of patience and the willingness to shim or adjust. If you need keyed security or have misaligned pocket doors you can’t correct, look elsewhere. Otherwise, this lock strikes a smart balance of fit, finish, and function.