In most cases for your bathroom, you want a privacy, or Bed & Bath, lock. “What does this mean?” you ask. A privacy lock lets you lock the door from one side using either a push-lock mechanism or a thumbturn.
A full bathroom mortice lock is a larger mechanism with a latch bolt at the top and a dead bolt further down (a rectangular shaped metal component). You will see a much longer metal plate (face plate) on the edge of the door. If you have a tubular mortice latch in the door, then you have a 'privacy' handle.
By definition, privacy locks are locksets that can be locked by a button or a turn piece on the inside with no key function. There are 3 types of privacy locks: turn button, privacy pushpin/button lock, and privacy bolt with a lever or knob.
The privacy lock has a button or tab that people can push in order to lock the door once they are inside the room with the door closed. When the door handle is turned from the inside, the door unlocks automatically.
Privacy door handles are a one piece backplate handle with a thumbturn knob (not shown) and spindle that turns a special lever inside the handle, which in turn holds the lever in a locked rigid position. There is no special lock needed inside the door as the handle lever locks when the thumbturn is turned.
Difference between bathroom locks and privacy locks
A privacy lock will have a tubular notice latch, while a bathroom lock will have what is called is full bathroom mortice, which is a larger and more complex locking system.
Privacy door knobs have a twist or button lock that works from only one side. Some privacy door knobs with button locks have a pin hole on the outside knob and a generic key that opens the lock.
To unlock a button-type privacy lock, take your tool (small screwdriver, paperclip, or other thin objects) and insert it into the hold as far as you can. Next, apply force by pushing the tool further into the keyway. With enough force, you should feel the locking mechanism click. That's it, the door is now unlocked!
Privacy Push Pin/Button Lock
Push pin or button privacy locks have a push pin/button on the rosette of the door knob or lever. To lock, just push the pin or button in and it will lock it in place.
Privacy door knobs are designed for interior doors. They can be locked and unlocked by an emergency key on the outside, and a push-button or turn button from the inside. This type of knob is designed for privacy instead of security.
Privacy knobs have a locking system but do not require keys. If you want to unlock the door, you can use a privacy emergency key instead. For passage knobs, you cannot lock them. The knob is purely for easy access to another room.
While a privacy lock is appropriate for most bathrooms, you may find that, depending on your living situation (small children, individuals needing special care, etc.), you would prefer to have access to the bathroom at all times. When that's the case, a passage, or Hall & closet, lock is the desired function.
Hold the latch plate with the padlock of your choice. There are other types of locks that you can install on a bedroom door. The ones mentioned here are the most common and easiest to install. But there are electronic locks, smart locks, cylindrical lever locks, portable door locks, and key locks.
Thumbturn locks offer a quick locking solution, often found in bathrooms. Thumbturns are very simple to operate, they provide instant privacy without compromising safety. The thumbturn locks from the inside but can be opened from the outside in an emergency.
1) Entrance Door Knobs - Entrance knobs have keyed cylinders and are generally used on exterior doors. 2) Privacy Door Knobs - Privacy Door Knobs are generally used on bedrooms and baths. They are lockable but do not have a keyed cylinder. They can be unlocked with a generic tool that is provided.
*To give a longer and more technical explanation: A 'Dummy Handle' is one handle or a pair of handles with no latching or locking function that are also a non-turning door lever or door knob. In other words Dummy Handles & Knobs do not turn to open but rather are used to push or pull a door open or shut.
Butter knife
Believe it or not, a butter knife can be an efficient way on how to open a locked bathroom door, especially if you have a push-button bathroom lock. Put it into the keyhole and twist it to release the lock. Then, turn the doorknob and open your door. Avoid using sharper knives to prevent cutting your hand.
PASSAGE SETS are used where doors do not need to lock. There is no key cylinder and no means to lock a passage set. PRIVACY SETS are often used for single-occupant restrooms or dressing rooms.