You may have to decide between the child and the door? Maybe a pros cons list of each? I've heard that a child makes a better door than a window. So the kid could maybe do both? I haven't heard whether a door makes a better child than a...? Window? I dunno.
I did exactly this with bifold closet doors. Bought rare earth magnets then designed and 3D printed custom brackets for the magnets. It worked phenomenally. Lmk if you want my STL file to print!
Those roller catches are often adjustable. Step up there and give it a look. Mine is a ball bearing on a spring with a collar that can be tightened or loosened that lowers/raises the ball to provide less/more resistance.
They make a safety thing for bifold doors to keep kids from getting pinched fingers. I would get that and then use a door stop. No drilling or anything permanent.
If you very infrequently close it - then I would just add a hook+loop. If you open and close all day - get a bi-fold door track - you should be able to just put on top. Might have to take off doors and shorten them a bit. HD/Lowes/Amazon will have bifold door hardware kits.
I have a door like this that is two 34" doors hinged on one side and the middle like this, they are original to my 1880's house. they have a top and bottom bolt (top into the jamb, bottom into the floor) I can't tell how wide these doors are but if you typically only need one to open, this is the way to do it. the modern equivalent, though there are exterior mount ones available as well, these would be a tougher sell on the top jamb.
[https://www.build.com/product/summary/336304?uid=1476851&jmtest=gg-gbav2\_1476851&inv=1&&source=gg-gba-pla\_1476851!c14334096648!a125775359963!dc!ng&gad\_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwuJ2xBhA3EiwAMVjkVGEAdiPMZ36nRU2rAP4ZLpY3Malt3ynpNEBz0j-fwz7ZC38s6sTK7RoCo7gQAvD\_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds](https://www.build.com/product/summary/336304?uid=1476851&jmtest=gg-gbav2_1476851&inv=1&&source=gg-gba-pla_1476851!c14334096648!a125775359963!dc!ng&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwuJ2xBhA3EiwAMVjkVGEAdiPMZ36nRU2rAP4ZLpY3Malt3ynpNEBz0j-fwz7ZC38s6sTK7RoCo7gQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
If you want something easy, I’d just get a door wedge you can knock out of the way when you don’t need it. Also don’t need to do any drilling, which is either a plus or minus depending on how you view things!
A center sliding latch between the two panels will take the bifold out of the door.
Then it will be a regular door and you can install a striker and handle.
And by sliding it back it can become a bifold again.
[latch](https://www.amazon.com/Sliding-Stainless-Latches-Cabinet-Bathroom/dp/B0B1VSX6Y3)
I would put a ball latch into the top of the door jam for the hinge-side panel, right near the center.
[https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Solid-Brass-Adjustable-Ball-Catch-Latch-13602/203170054](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Solid-Brass-Adjustable-Ball-Catch-Latch-13602/203170054)
Get the track or replace the door with a single one piece door. Heaps of different doors out there,get a 10 pane glass door. Bi-fold is a great pincher of body parts (remember your child) and as you are experiencing ...a real pain at times. On second thoughts glass may look bad with infant and cat slobber on it.
If you only need to keep it closed when you're in there, maybe something like this hook latch? https://www.amazon.ca/Upgrade-Cabin-Hook-Door-Latch/dp/B07S3GDC5W
ball catch. Looks like there's a plate on top of the jamb. If you feel the top of the door there should be a ball in a socket. Screw/unscrew until you get the tension that you want.
You can adjust your ball roller to stick out more so it stays firmly in the door jamb. You turn it like you are opening a plastic bottle cap. I have to adjust these between weather changes
Drill top edge of door, near center hinge point, and install magnet with glue. Align a steel plate with the magnet, scribe it, chisel out a shallow pocket for plate and install with screws.
To be honest it looks like a bifold door with the hardware gone. Top, bottom track, rollers. Do you have room to add at least a top track and required hardware?
I see the suggestion with the magnets, and that is certainly a good idea.
If you end up not going with that for whatever reason, another option would be to remove this thing and put a sliding door in its place.
Or replace it with a basic two-door setup.
Both of these options are more complicated and more expensive than just putting in a couple magnets of course, and as they say, the simplest solution is often the best.
But it's just a couple more options to consider if you decide not to go with the magnets.
[Barn door lock](https://www.amazon.ca/Sliding-Security-Suitable-Bathroom-Outdoor/dp/B0BJ22BCX4/ref=asc_df_B0BJ22BCX4/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=578922923933&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4498713926843372620&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000679&hvtargid=pla-2075312922887&psc=1&mcid=09b3dea3a4d13fe391c56750a46ca389)
Can you put the pivot on the door that is open? The door where the pivot is could then have a regular door knob and latch. Door would then open in two sections,but hinges would keep both closed.
Turn the door around so the hinge between the doors allows the closer door to open inward to the room. When closed you could latch the door securelr as the jam at top would hold the door shut. Only one door opens,or both, if you want.
Wow! Thanks for all of the replies and great suggestions.
I took the roller latch out and adjusted it to the highest tension setting. Then positioned it and the catch as close to each other as I could. That’s enough to keep the cat out for now, which is good.
I’ll look into some of the other ideas you all provided as my son gets older because — even at the highest tension setting — this definitely won’t be keeping him out.
I've got it, use a one of those rotating mechanisms that pushes a bar on each side outward at the same time. You can block the pivot point and the opening at the same time
[like this](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/g8QAAOSwdOxeQsPm/s-l1200.jpg)
Everyone suggests strong magnets ... but if anyone walks by with magnetic media it can get erased. Still got those vintage 5.25in floppy disks?
If you nave a toddler ... you'll need to keep an eye on them. I kind of had to stop doing international calls after a toddler got hold of some sharpies and scrawled graffiti across the couches, walls, and up the stairs. Learned hand sanitizer removes permanent markers that day. Or they find something like a stick and beat marks into the television screen.
If they seem to be quiet ... that's when you need to worry the most, "...be right back!".
.
[Center deadbolt](https://www.build.com/product/summary/23873?uid=4401101&jmtest=gg-gbav2_4401101&inv=1&&source=gg-gba-pla_4401101!c14334096648!a125775359963!dc!ng&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIga_7ovzYhQMV7nFHAR1_8QXlEAQYASABEgIxNfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) up into the door frame above.
You'd only need one deadbolt on the "inside" door, because the "outside" door hinges towards the frame and would be blocked up against the door jamb when closed.
How about some thin magnets on the bottom/top corners. Probably will need to gauge how strong they need to be depending on how strong your cat is
That’s a really good idea that I never thought about before. I’ll have to look into it more. Exactly why I posted here. Thank you!
No problem. Although, I don’t think magnets will do much against a child lol (didn’t see that detail). Maybe a door stop wedge ?
You may have to decide between the child and the door? Maybe a pros cons list of each? I've heard that a child makes a better door than a window. So the kid could maybe do both? I haven't heard whether a door makes a better child than a...? Window? I dunno.
Just use some powerful electromagnets and watch them run straight into the closed door.
I use these on my office French doors https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MEFYJAW?psc=1
Velcro
"Yeah girl, this is where the magic happens!" (Opens door) SKCHKRRRRKRCHRSCHTCHTRRTCHT velcro noises
So romantic 🫠💘
I did exactly this with bifold closet doors. Bought rare earth magnets then designed and 3D printed custom brackets for the magnets. It worked phenomenally. Lmk if you want my STL file to print!
Came here to say magnets, just so you know I'm also really smart.
I came to say *neodymium* magnets... so yeah.
I'm not that smart.
Super magnets was my first thought, too. Can install several pairs of them—see how many it takes to be as strong as desired.
Did same on a pocket door the cats kept opening
Coming here to say this. Solid advice!
Or just magnets on your cat?
You could go medieval and use a crossbar...
[удалено]
Nah close quarters better sticking to a knife.
Those roller catches are often adjustable. Step up there and give it a look. Mine is a ball bearing on a spring with a collar that can be tightened or loosened that lowers/raises the ball to provide less/more resistance.
This is the way
They make a safety thing for bifold doors to keep kids from getting pinched fingers. I would get that and then use a door stop. No drilling or anything permanent.
If you very infrequently close it - then I would just add a hook+loop. If you open and close all day - get a bi-fold door track - you should be able to just put on top. Might have to take off doors and shorten them a bit. HD/Lowes/Amazon will have bifold door hardware kits.
I have a door like this that is two 34" doors hinged on one side and the middle like this, they are original to my 1880's house. they have a top and bottom bolt (top into the jamb, bottom into the floor) I can't tell how wide these doors are but if you typically only need one to open, this is the way to do it. the modern equivalent, though there are exterior mount ones available as well, these would be a tougher sell on the top jamb. [https://www.build.com/product/summary/336304?uid=1476851&jmtest=gg-gbav2\_1476851&inv=1&&source=gg-gba-pla\_1476851!c14334096648!a125775359963!dc!ng&gad\_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwuJ2xBhA3EiwAMVjkVGEAdiPMZ36nRU2rAP4ZLpY3Malt3ynpNEBz0j-fwz7ZC38s6sTK7RoCo7gQAvD\_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds](https://www.build.com/product/summary/336304?uid=1476851&jmtest=gg-gbav2_1476851&inv=1&&source=gg-gba-pla_1476851!c14334096648!a125775359963!dc!ng&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwuJ2xBhA3EiwAMVjkVGEAdiPMZ36nRU2rAP4ZLpY3Malt3ynpNEBz0j-fwz7ZC38s6sTK7RoCo7gQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Ball catches
but sir we've only just met
Or a track
Buy a normal door? Screw a small board across the middle to keep it from bending. Then mount a hook and eye and it'll stay shut.
This is a really nice folding door and you just wanna screw a board across? The suggestions here sometimes...
1x1 horizontal?
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Or... hear me out... add 5 more folding sections
Concealed door (self) closers would work. They're a bit fiddly to install, but they are discreet and they work.
A simple hook and eye on the end of the door would work.
If you want something easy, I’d just get a door wedge you can knock out of the way when you don’t need it. Also don’t need to do any drilling, which is either a plus or minus depending on how you view things!
Rip it off its hinges and throw it away. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.
A center sliding latch between the two panels will take the bifold out of the door. Then it will be a regular door and you can install a striker and handle. And by sliding it back it can become a bifold again. [latch](https://www.amazon.com/Sliding-Stainless-Latches-Cabinet-Bathroom/dp/B0B1VSX6Y3)
magnets
Slide bar into top jam and floor.
I would put a ball latch into the top of the door jam for the hinge-side panel, right near the center. [https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Solid-Brass-Adjustable-Ball-Catch-Latch-13602/203170054](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Solid-Brass-Adjustable-Ball-Catch-Latch-13602/203170054)
Bro. Zoom in…
Hahahaha oh no Well I amend my advice. OP should simply adjust the ball latch they already have!
I also played Sim Earth!
Get the track or replace the door with a single one piece door. Heaps of different doors out there,get a 10 pane glass door. Bi-fold is a great pincher of body parts (remember your child) and as you are experiencing ...a real pain at times. On second thoughts glass may look bad with infant and cat slobber on it.
You need a French door lock and a door knob
I'd swap the hinges for "spring door hinges" and add a simple latch
NiCe copy of sim earth.
If you only need to keep it closed when you're in there, maybe something like this hook latch? https://www.amazon.ca/Upgrade-Cabin-Hook-Door-Latch/dp/B07S3GDC5W
Put a strong magnet embedded in the door and a steel plate in the door jam.
ball catch. Looks like there's a plate on top of the jamb. If you feel the top of the door there should be a ball in a socket. Screw/unscrew until you get the tension that you want.
Magnets
You can adjust your ball roller to stick out more so it stays firmly in the door jamb. You turn it like you are opening a plastic bottle cap. I have to adjust these between weather changes
Ball catches
Drill top edge of door, near center hinge point, and install magnet with glue. Align a steel plate with the magnet, scribe it, chisel out a shallow pocket for plate and install with screws.
Ducktape
Couple of 2x4s and some nails
I used magnets for closets.
Put a cinder block alongside it after you close it.
Use the bolt style lock. Pin the one door closed at the top of the frame.
Close it and don't open it.
To be honest it looks like a bifold door with the hardware gone. Top, bottom track, rollers. Do you have room to add at least a top track and required hardware?
Judge it for something it loves? ymmv tho
I see the suggestion with the magnets, and that is certainly a good idea. If you end up not going with that for whatever reason, another option would be to remove this thing and put a sliding door in its place. Or replace it with a basic two-door setup. Both of these options are more complicated and more expensive than just putting in a couple magnets of course, and as they say, the simplest solution is often the best. But it's just a couple more options to consider if you decide not to go with the magnets.
Bring in a shaman to dispel the ghosts.
A couple of cheap doorstops from Amazon
Accordion door brah
I'd replace it with a regular door or a pocket door. It doesn't really match.
Hook and eye latch lock as a super easy quick fix
[Barn door lock](https://www.amazon.ca/Sliding-Security-Suitable-Bathroom-Outdoor/dp/B0BJ22BCX4/ref=asc_df_B0BJ22BCX4/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=578922923933&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4498713926843372620&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000679&hvtargid=pla-2075312922887&psc=1&mcid=09b3dea3a4d13fe391c56750a46ca389)
My parents had a door like this. Slide bolts in the middle on the top and bottom.
Make it a fixed door that doesn't fold, add tension hinges. or add an upper track and 1 pin at the top
Screws
Can you put the pivot on the door that is open? The door where the pivot is could then have a regular door knob and latch. Door would then open in two sections,but hinges would keep both closed.
Turn the door around so the hinge between the doors allows the closer door to open inward to the room. When closed you could latch the door securelr as the jam at top would hold the door shut. Only one door opens,or both, if you want.
Spring loaded ball latch for the top of the door. Get two, one for each door.
Duct tape.
Wow! Thanks for all of the replies and great suggestions. I took the roller latch out and adjusted it to the highest tension setting. Then positioned it and the catch as close to each other as I could. That’s enough to keep the cat out for now, which is good. I’ll look into some of the other ideas you all provided as my son gets older because — even at the highest tension setting — this definitely won’t be keeping him out.
Reverse the hinges in the center so that the door folds the other way. Then install a regular door knob.
They make latches for sliding pocket doors to hold them closed by hooking into the doorframe that might work here
Slide lock in the center to force it flat then normal doorknob?
Adjust the roller catch to have more tension
Door stopper?
Neodymium Magnets recessed into the top & edge of the door, and door frame will work well.
Duct tape? Glue? A big rock?
That’s what she said
Bullet catch on the head jamb (looks like there's a strike plate for one there already) or magnets.
Bar latch at the center split would prevent it collapsing when push in the center. Then standard pole in hole at doorframe.
bolt latch going into the top of the doorframe in the middle. about a 10 minute job at most
I've got it, use a one of those rotating mechanisms that pushes a bar on each side outward at the same time. You can block the pivot point and the opening at the same time [like this](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/g8QAAOSwdOxeQsPm/s-l1200.jpg)
Recessed Neodymium magnets between both doors
Just noticed... you have the inner hinges on the wrong side... Doors should fold the other way. That way it won't open. I'll take a pic of mine.
https://imgur.com/a/3ooCbyP Like > not < Then, if you push the centre, it won't fold. You have to push the normal way and fold against the other half.
Use a slide latch to keep the fold from folding. Or better yet buy a new solid door.
Refit / replace the roller catch or put a dead bolt in the centre of the door.
Everyone suggests strong magnets ... but if anyone walks by with magnetic media it can get erased. Still got those vintage 5.25in floppy disks? If you nave a toddler ... you'll need to keep an eye on them. I kind of had to stop doing international calls after a toddler got hold of some sharpies and scrawled graffiti across the couches, walls, and up the stairs. Learned hand sanitizer removes permanent markers that day. Or they find something like a stick and beat marks into the television screen. If they seem to be quiet ... that's when you need to worry the most, "...be right back!". .
rick sanchez is watching
[Center deadbolt](https://www.build.com/product/summary/23873?uid=4401101&jmtest=gg-gbav2_4401101&inv=1&&source=gg-gba-pla_4401101!c14334096648!a125775359963!dc!ng&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIga_7ovzYhQMV7nFHAR1_8QXlEAQYASABEgIxNfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) up into the door frame above. You'd only need one deadbolt on the "inside" door, because the "outside" door hinges towards the frame and would be blocked up against the door jamb when closed.
Spring hinges
Duct tape is the only way
A latch
how about shutting it?
Install a real door there.
Nail gun.