But they also keep out unwanted guests. Also, check out our complete guide on how you can secure outswing doors here. Install motion lights. Yes, it really works! Loop the rope back up to your heavy weight and tie it with a. This works well with doors that open outward. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Unfortunately, not all doors are meant to be locked. You could also buy a basic barricade device. These doorstops have a U-shaped gap that slips around the thick side of the door. This works if your lock is damaged as long as the closing mechanism still functions. DailyHomeSafety may earn money when you buy through links on our site. Use an object which users can place at the bottom of the door and the floor. We founded DailyHomeSafety to help you improve your home. Note: If you want to use a commercial door stopper to lock a door, make sure its made of rubber to prevent slipping under pressure. We can get that door locked in a jiffy. Can be used at home, in schools, offices, etc. Take your door jammers off the floor and wedge them above the door. This chair position applies pressure to the door. So, make it a good one! Also, it doesnt damage your door because you can use the existing screw holes of the strike plate to mount it on the jamb. It uses the same principle as jamming a chair under the doorknob. If not, you can easily buy one at the hardware store. If your door is compatible with a portable lock, then this may be one of the quickest ways for you to secure your space. See additional information. So, make sure you give it some oomph! Try shifting their position. You can always have it tested. Many of you have probably already heard about this method but I certainly didnt want to leave it off the list because its so simple yet powerful. As mentioned in the toolbox, any of the following will work wonders if they are elevated above your handle: These must be elevated so that they will stop your handle from being pushed down and the door opening. Most people use these barricades as additional security. The innocent party barricades the door with the first thing they can get their hands on and the door is smashed through in an instant. It offers a really simple and quick solution to lock most doors without having to use a traditional lock. This model from Brinks is my favorite (however the one from Sabre also does a great job). To get the best result, I suggest you use an office chair so you can easily adjust the height of the back. You can install it without using any tools, so its another handy solution if you dont want to make permanent changes to the door or the frame. Thats why we have locks. This is another portable security device (check out the photo below) that you can use to keep a door closed from the inside. But because it has better engineering than a dining room chair, its more effective. What locks are you using in your door right now? If security is a concern, combine the methods with each other. Barricading a door that opens inwards can be really effective. Use it carefully and in emergencies in which you dont have access to previously mentioned materials. Whats the reason you dont have a lock? You can get them in three finish options so its easy to find one that matches your decorative theme. After youve dont that, grab the sock. Appliance Analysts is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. After youve made sure the size us okay, break the fork handle. Push heavy objects as close to the door as possible. If you dont like the previous Defender Security model, this one can be a good alternative. But in other ways, its the most labor-intensive option. However, using chairs as a barricade is often a fast way to block the entrance. Make sure that the chairs front legs arent touching the floor. You have to use a handle to open a door. If its because the key is lost or your lock is damaged, grab that toolbox and undo your locking mechanism. Move it sideways to test its size. Place the top of the chair underneath the doorknob. However, you can also use it on sliding doors. Also, barricades are internal. Basically, you can use a belt to keep a door shut in two different cases: when a door has a hook (like most bathroom doors) and when a door is equipped with a door closer. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws of the outer plate. Really go to town with the tape! A door wedge is super effective at keeping the door shut. Ready to get started? No matter what you choose, ensure that the barricade is bigger than the door frame. Bedrooms only lock from inside. If the fork is too long, you might have to bend the prongs first in order to make it fit. A strike plate lock is similar to a standard door chain but its sturdier and more durable. If you have an emergency, perhaps a non-working closet or toilet door, you can make a quick DIY for an instant door lock. Examples of these locks include Addalock, BurglarBar, and TSL (Travel Security Lock). If youre not afraid of a little DIY, installing a keyless door lock could be a safe and secure way of locking both interior and exterior doors (from the inside). You can use any wedge-shaped piece of wood in place of a designated doorstop. But remember, thats just in the movies! Knowing how to lock a door without a lock is always recommended. You may want to secure a bedroom, a bathroom, or any other interior door or you just want to lock your front (or back) door without using keys. Then make sure you check out the extended door locking guide below! Most of the methods will help you to lock the door using items that you already have on hand at home! Copyright 2019-2022 DailyHomeSafety. Keep in mind that it wont withstand tremendous force, so you may want to use it only as an extra layer of protection. (Step-By-Step Tutorial), How to Bypass a Washing Machine Door Lock? It works when another person is going to pull the door. You can even whittle a stick or block of timber thats lying around your yard. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to lock double doors and worry about your safety, use this method: tie the two doorknobs together. Take a look: A door wedge. First, you need to find a heavy chair. according to the manufacturer), so it can be effective even against kick-ins. Use this trick for smaller in-room doors. Most of them are pretty affordable and they do a great job when it comes to keeping a door closed whether it has a lock or not. Test it by pulling the door towards the fork to see if it will hold. Over the years I tried a bunch of different methods, so I know exactly what works. You can easily adjust the height of the device within a specific range, so it will fit most hinged doors. Portable locks are extremely popular nowadays, and for a reason: they not only provide an easy and secure way to lock a door without a lock but you can also add them as an extra lock to make sure nobody can enter through the door, not even those who have a key. Make sure you also check out the video below to get a complete picture of how this method works: This is another proven and time-tested way to lock a door without modifying it. (Fiberglass, Vinyl, Aluminum & Wooden), Can You Use Windex on Car Windows? You can use pliers or a Swiss Army Knife to bend the prongs. Specifically, the doorknob, since its most sensitive to breakings. Plus, if someone does try to break them, the jiggling bits and bobs will alert you, so you can confront the intruder or call 911. Time is of the essence for a burglar. (Legal & Reasons), How Long Do Windows Last? Before starting to apply any of the methods, you should decide if you need a permanent fix or just a quick temporary solution. DailyHomeSafety is an independent informational website. You can easily make one in a minute: just fold a piece of cardboard into a wedge shape (check out the photo below to get a closer idea of what Im talking about). Wedge the chair as far under the knob as it can go so its sturdily in place. For metal chains and winching cords, you can use a large padlock or winch lock to hold the rope in place. This will make it much more difficult for a casual intruder to open the door. So what are your options when your door lock suddenly breaks? The rope should be firmly fixed under the handle so that it cannot be pushed down. A door barricade uses the strength of the floor, therefore it usually withstands greater forces than some other keyless locks. Both these barricades are mounted at the bottom of the door, so theyre effective against someone trying to kick or ram the door in. If youd like a barricade thats a bit more man-sized, you could consider the Buddybar. Comparing Epoxy vs Polyurea for a Garage Floor can be tricky, but we've simplified everything in this easy-to-read guide. Thats what makes them the perfect solution to locking a door without a lock in a hurry. A strike plate lock can significantly improve security even if your door has a deadbolt. Be careful of pinching your fingers in the door. Make sure some objects overlap the door and the door frame. Thx for teaching me everything big daddy. Click here to get the free guide. It might be a toddler that slammed it too hard, or a teenager fighting the lock after a rowdy night out. If this article has been useful to you, then why not consider checking out some of our other articles and free guides? Not a problem. Chances are good that youve already heard about it but Im here to tell you that although it may sound too simple, its a really powerful way to barricade a door from the inside (when done right). Installation is usually not a big deal and can be done within 15 minutes: in most cases, all you have to do is mount the lock to the door jamb (it should be fixed with four screws that are included). Place the chair under the doorknob at an angle. It also requires the least effort, because you dont have to go out and buy anything. That secures the door lock. You can install it on doors without any other lock but you can also add it as an extra lock to your front door. If the thing is massive, the barricade will keep up with force. Securing your home is often a challenge. Youll secure a door without a lock at home, or anywhere else you happen to wind up without too much fuss and stressing out about your safety or the safety of your valuables. So if youre a free spirit, you probably have one on you. Heres your opportunity to show off your rope tying skills! For instance, you can use a wedge and a chair at the same time to lock a door. A security bar can also be used to lock sliding doors or windows by placing them horizontally. But youre no doubt wondering how it all works. Youll need to tie your door handle to something sturdy and elevated. It highly improves security on both interior and exterior doors (its an especially useful addition for those without a deadbolt). However, if your door opens inwards, here is how you can barricade yourself and protect your safety: Another solution to keeping people out is using a door wedge. Outside pal not from inside if you are want to talk about locking. Place the wedge as close to the opening edge of the door as possible. Its dead easy: A temporary, portable door lock you can use for added security. Then close the door. Youve just got to make sure you give your objects a good shove so that they fix into place. Lets start with my favorite model, this door reinforcement lock from Defender Security. After youve dismantled the handles, you can open or close the door at your wish. Another effective solution to resisting attacks is using barricades. For starters, it strengthens the door so that no one can intrude on your place. You can use it on doors that already have a lock (think of hotel and rented rooms, college dorms, apartment doors, or your front door) to get additional security, but you can also use it on a bedroom or bathroom door or any other door that has no built-in locking system. But sometimes, your door lock gets damaged. These portable locks are a survival tool, because when youre traveling on a low budget, you may end up in a cheap motel or hostel that has no locking doors. There are many models on the market, I suggest you have a look at this one from Nightlock if you think installing a door barricade would be an ideal solution for you. But there are methods that you can use to properly barricade a door. Pull the door towards the fork. Its especially useful for double doors because you can tie the knobs to each other. Please check your inbox for the newsletter confirmation email. If they begin that way, the intruder will quickly remove the barricade. They can be wedged anywhere around the doorframe to secure it. If the handle keeps slipping, you can use a rubber band to hold it in place. Slide the fork handle in between the middle tines (teeth). This isnt as strong as say the sofa, but its easier to maneuver. Your doors let people into your home. Tie one side of your rope to the door handle or doorknob. (Step-By-Step Tutorial), How to Fix a Warped Door? Think about it. Dehumidifiers and Air Conditioner achieve different things - but which is better for your home? Getting plunged into the dark ages is never a welcome surprise. Because you can only lock it from the inside, you cant barricade a door on the outside when you leave. Theyre not exactly door locks, but they can be an emergency substitute. While this method works on both outward and inward opening doors, its pretty time-consuming, therefore its not recommended unless theres no other reasonable way to keep your door locked. As you dismantle the lock, remove the inner cogs and screws too, not just the ones on the door surface. The idea is if your door has no handle, then you cant lock it, but intruders cant unlock it either. install lock door handles or a particular door lock, Basement kitchen ideas for creating an amazing kitchen, The best wallpaper removal tool options that you can use, How to remove bathroom tile and not make a big mess, How to Install Kitchen Backsplash on Drywall, The Most Interesting Kitchen Color Schemes with Cherry Cabinets, Gorgeous Kitchen Color Schemes with Grey Floors, Pros and Cons of Full Body Vitrified Tiles, Why You Need an Indian Swing in Your Home, A Look: How To Furnish Your Home The Right Way For Maximum Comfort, 5 Indoor & Outdoor Places to Create Cozy Spaces in Your Virginia Home, Simple Ways to Enhance Your Home with Modern Renovation Techniques, Good Green: Essential Tips For Keeping Your Lawn And Patio In Great Condition. If you remove the handle, intruders will not be able to turn the mechanism to get through the door. If youre a DIY enthusiast, maybe you can fashion a new lock using things around the house. And its not as strong as it looks on the silver screen, so use the couch instead. It can be used to jam the handle/doorknob from inside the room on inward opening doors. Dont worry, you wont have to turn your house upside down for these! You put a heavy bar on the outside of the door, but anyone thats outside the house can remove it. I mean, you could as a deterrent line up your sofa and other heavy objects immediately in front of the door. Learn more. In that case, you can tighten the belt on the hinge to securely lock the door. You may feel tempted to skip this step, not wanting to turn out like the innocent party in that film you watched. Bend a strong kitchen fork into a make-shift lock. If youre wondering how to lock a door without a lock, using a door jammer is a great way to do so. This lock isnt strong enough for main doors though, just smaller side ones. If you need protection for a longer time, I highly recommend that you get one (or two) above-mentioned security devices. So which one should you choose? To block the now-broken lock, find a large bar and lay it across the door. Once you leave all your belongings are up for grabs and if your roommates are prankster while you shower they can lock your door close it and your left in a towel trying to get into your room. This is useful in times of emergency, like the door of your bathroom doesnt have a lock or the lock has been broken, this tips mentioned in your article can be used as altenative solutions. to get access to our best updates and this helpful guide full of actionable tips and insider tricks. You could try tying it to the following: Use super strong duct tape to tape the inside door handle to the broom. Or maybe you are going away and are trying to lock a door that you dont have a key for. Anyway, it could be a reasonable choice for inward opening doors without a lock. Instead of Addalock (as an alternative), you can also use a door jammer (such as this one). I suggest you only use this method in case of an emergency when theres no other viable solution. They cost less than $5 and can be placed at the top or side of the door to prevent it from slamming. Other options include an old shoe, a shoe-tree, a knife block, or any wedge-shaped household item. That is how you will ensure the door is locked. Whatever the case, dont sweat it. This is done by placing one side of the security bar under the handle/knob and the other hand on the floor. Unlike barricades, door jammers are far more convenient to use. Need a kee bloc type device but lever handle doesnt have an entry key To keep door handle from shifting! (Best Direction), Does a Bedroom Have to Have a Window? Helpful items for barricades include couches, tables, fridges, or freezers. Then there should be nothing keeping you from securing your door with this method! Folding chairs wont do the trick. Consider alternative solutions to this problem. You can secure it in one place by using a rubber band. The security of your door massively depends on your ability to tie a good, sturdy knot. Use rope, chains, or anything that can be attached. This will keep the bolt in place simply because the chair prevents pushing the handle down from both the inside and outside. Its rather a portable barricade than a lock: one part of it should be placed under the door while the other part (the extension foot) rests on the floor. This article will talk you through some of the best methods to lock a door without a lock! Knowing how to lock a door without a lock and with a security bar is always beneficial. So, lets get barricading with the following steps! And barricades are only effective if the door opens inward. There could be many situations where you need to lock a door without a lock. Pro Tip: If you want to make sure your door remains closed even if someone tries really hard to open it, I suggest you use your wedge in combination with another method (check out the next items on the list). This small device is very popular among those who need a permanent solution to lock a door without a lock. Check it out below: Dont have any wedges at home? Purchase a door jam and a hammer if you do not have one. So, are you ready to see how these ideas can turn into solid methods that will protect your home? So with a little bit of elbow grease and some hefty items of furniture at hand, youll be ready! But the strength of your temporary lock depends on your ability to tie knots. Show us some photos in the comments! Portable locks come with varying instructions depending on the style of the lock. So, if youre searching for the best method to lock your door using a wedge, look no further. Is the lock on your door jammed? You want to dismantle it without destroying it. If youre asking how to lock a door without a lock consider this. We may earn money when you buy through links on our site. Its a small device thats very easy to use and requires no real installation (so no screwing or drilling). They block the door from slipping backward and slamming fingers. Stay Safe Without A Locksmith. Then push the door closed. I recently read a way that locks the door with pennies , has anyone heard of it? Door wedges, on the other hand, are acutely-angled triangles that sit on the floor. It can seriously damage the door hinges. The weight could be any of the following: Leave 12 inches (30 cm) of the rope dangling. Your success when using this method is largely dependant on two things: Do you own a good rope and have a trick up your sleeve for tying great knots? If you have more wedges, do the same with the others. They should be lifted at a sharp angle. Outward-facing doors are impervious to this type of door lock. Note: Keep in mind that these types of locks work only with inswing doors. Examples include Nightlock and Ongard. Here is a list of the tools youll need to make a great barricade: Ok, so youve gathered all the tools you need to make a great barricade. Something like a roofing beam, a decorative column, a pillar, or a stair banister. And it works great. With the rise of home-intruders and burglars, it is entirely understandable why youd want to lock them. All Rights Reserved. If youre removing the entire door lock, youll need a barricade to reinforce the door. The goal is to keep the two arms of the door tightly together to prevent the door from opening. Check whether the door opens inward or outward. thanks for sharing. So, to install one of these, make sure you check your instruction manual. Use portable travel locks from your local hardware (or order one online). The rest of us just want temporary solutions, so here are some ideas. Keep in mind that this method only works on doors that have a lever and not a knob. FYI While this hack will prevent pushing the door open, it wont protect against high force attacks, such as kick-ins (click here to see how to prevent a door from being kicked in). But, it may be one of the easiest ones for you to set up wheres the adventure in that? Our goal is to save you time, stress, and money through our informational guides. You can use it for both interior and exterior doors, including bedroom and bathroom doors. This way the handle cannot be pushed down and the bolt stays in place. Ready to get started? Then you probably have a steady supply of doorstoppers. Now look for something rope-like. Using a door barricade is a highly effective way to reinforce a door and keep unauthorized persons from entering a room or your home. However, its still a quick and easy way to lock a door without a lock. DailyHomeSafety is an independent site. Look around the broken lock or lockless door. Anyway of keeping trespassers out of bed rooms in suites . The good old door barricade. If your door works on the same mechanism, try to get rid of the handles.