EMTEK Tubular Pocket Door Lock - Square Passage

The EMTEK Tubular Pocket Door Lock (Model 2134) is a solid brass passage lock with an integrated spring-loaded pop-out edge pull that fits standard 2-1/8” bore holes with a 2-3/8” backset. Worth it for contractors retrofitting older homes or dealing with space-constrained framing where traditional mortise locks won’t work. The tubular design offers easier installation compared to mortise-style pocket door locks which require deep carving into the door edge.

Skip it if you need multiple backset options. This lock comes in 2-3/8” backset only — no flexibility there. Limited backset options (2-3/8” only) shows up as the main complaint in reviews.

The 2-3/8” Backset Advantage

That 2-3/8” backset dimension makes this lock work where others can’t. Most pocket door hardware runs 2-3/4” or deeper. When you’re retrofitting an older Montana home with non-standard framing or dealing with a door pocket that’s already too shallow, that extra 3/8” matters. The difference between making it work and tearing out the wall.

The lock fits standard 2-1/8” diameter bore holes (tubular prep) and handles doors from 1-3/8” to 1-3/4” thick. No special prep required. Same hole size as every other tubular lock you’ve installed.

Specification	Value
Backset	2-3/8” only
Door prep	Standard 2-1/8” diameter bore hole
Door thickness	1-3/8” to 1-3/4”
Trim dimensions	2-1/2” W x 2-1/2” H (Square trim faceplate)
Handing	Non-handed (Universal)

Built-In Edge Pull Changes the Game

The spring-loaded pop-out edge pull integrated into the 2-in-1 latch mechanism eliminates separate hardware. One less thing to order, stock, install, and warranty. The passage strike plate comes with raised detail to retract edge pull — the whole system works together.

Construction uses solid brass trim with all-metal housing and cast-nose bolt. Not pot metal. Not plastic internals. The kind of hardware that survives rental properties and teenagers.

Standard tubular door prep means no deep mortising required. Drill your 2-1/8” hole, install the latch, mount the trim. The tubular design preserves more door structure than mortise locks that require routing out a 6” pocket.

Why Dust Box Inclusion Matters

EMTEK includes a dust box for jamb protection. Montana’s dry climate means construction dust gets everywhere. That dust box keeps debris out of the latch mechanism — the difference between smooth operation for years versus binding up after the first drywall job.

The kit includes everything: 2-3/8” backset latch with square corner faceplate, square trim plates (2), passage strike plate with raised detail to retract edge pull, dust box, and finish-matching screws. No hunting for matching screws at the hardware store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this lock be keyed? No. This is a passage lock designed for non-locking doors such as closets, utility rooms, or room dividers. If you need a locking pocket door, you’ll need EMTEK’s privacy or keyed versions.

Will it work with converging pocket doors? Yes. It’s compatible with converging door setups but requires 2 units — one for each door.

Does the 2-3/8” backset limit door thickness options? No. The lock handles standard door thicknesses from 1-3/8” to 1-3/4” regardless of the backset.

What about the finish warranty on unlacquered brass? EMTEK offers a 5-year finish warranty on most finishes, but no finish warranty on unlacquered brass (US3NL). Unlacquered brass is meant to patina over time — that’s the point.

Is special door prep required? No. The lock uses standard tubular door prep with a 2-1/8” bore hole — the same prep as any standard cylindrical lock.

The Bottom Line

EMTEK’s tubular pocket door lock earns its “high quality material” and “ease of installation” praise by solving real installation problems. The 2-3/8” backset fills a gap most manufacturers ignore. The integrated edge pull eliminates extra hardware. The dust box shows they understand jobsite realities.

At its core, this lock trades flexibility for simplicity. Limited lifetime mechanical warranty backs the construction. Just know what you’re buying — a passage lock with one backset option that does its specific job exceptionally well.