Add a Latch to a Bathroom Door
After showering, I like to leave the bathroom door open to clear the water moisture in the air, and adding a latch to the bathroom door was just the thing.
24/02/2019
Many bathrooms have a problem with condensation, especially a bathroom that only has a small window. Leaving the door open after showering or bathing helps air out the room and prevents build-up of moisture and the possibility of fungal growth.
Until recently, I used a door jamb to keep the door open, but I noticed that the jamb was damaging the bottom of the door. Installing the door latch will prevent more damage and also keep the door open when there is a draught blowing through the windows.
The door latch (cabin hook) used for this project was purchased from Gelmar, and they offer a couple of different sizes. The pack didn't include wall plugs or screws, but it's always better to use nylon wall plugs for installation. We used Fischer 6mm diameter wall plugs and 45mm length screws.
HERE'S HOW:
1. Determine the approximate location where to mount the door latch and place a piece of masking tape on the wall. This will prevent the drill bit from slipping around as you drill.
2. Place the latch against the wall and mark the mounting holes with a sharp pencil.
3. Use a digital detector to check the wall before drilling. It was a good job that we did use the digital detector to check the wall before drilling. As we started to drill the holes, I realised there was a plug socket in the adjacent room - in the exact same location. Luckily the detector had indicated that the conduit didn't go up the wall, but rather in a level line around the room to another plug outlet.
4. Since we are fitting 6mm diameter walls plugs and using screws 45mm long, we drilled 6mm diameter holes to a depth of 50mm. This will ensure that the wall plugs open properly to hold the latch fittings securely in place.
5. Clean out the holes of any debris and push in the wall plugs.
GOOD TO KNOW: Use a hammer to lightly tap the wall plugs into the hole.
6. Secure the main latch onto the wall with screws.
7. Place the hook on the back of the door and position the latch where you want it to be mounted. Use a sharp pencil to mark the hole locations.
8. Secure the hook onto the door with coarse-thread 16mm screws.
As easy as that! Now I can safely leave the bathroom door open to air out the room.